Which symptom combination is most consistent with a rotator cuff sprain?

• A. Pain only
• B. Weakness only
• C. Pain, weakness, stiffness, and swelling
• D. Pain and swelling

Answer: (C)

Rotator cuff injuries disrupt the functioning of the shoulder’s tendinous tendons, leading to a pattern of symptoms that reflect both pain and impaired movement. When the cuff is sprained, you typically see pain that worsens with overhead use, weakness on resisted shoulder motions (such as abduction or external rotation), and a limited range of motion due to pain and guarding—this is the stiffness part. Inflammation can also bring some swelling in the surrounding soft tissues. The combination of pain, weakness, stiffness (reduced ROM), and swelling best captures the typical presentation of a rotator cuff sprain, whereas the other patterns miss one or more of these core features.