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Rotator Cuff Tears

A rotator cuff tear is a common shoulder injury that damages the tendons connecting the rotator cuff muscles to the upper arm bone, causing pain, weakness, and limited movement. Symptoms vary with the cause and severity of the tear. Many tears respond to conservative care, and arthroscopic repair is available when the tendon needs to be reattached.

What Is A Rotator Cuff Tear?

The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis) whose tendons wrap around the head of the upper arm bone. Together they hold the ball in the shoulder socket and help lift and rotate the arm.
 
A tear can be partial, fraying part of the tendon, or full-thickness, separating the tendon from the bone. Tears may develop gradually from overuse and age-related wear, or suddenly from a fall or lifting injury. Shoulder pain can also come from a labral tear or the neck, so an examination helps confirm the source.

Treatments For Rotator Cuff Tears

Treatment depends on the size of the tear, how it happened, and your activity level. Many tears improve without surgery.

Non-surgical care

  • Rest and activity modification. Avoid overhead and painful movements.
  • Physical therapy. Restores motion and strengthens the shoulder.
  • Anti-inflammatory medication. Reduces pain and inflammation.
  • Steroid injections. Relieve pain to allow therapy.
  • PRP therapy. A regenerative option for selected tendon injuries.

Surgical options

Our team specializes in minimally invasive treatments that provide long-lasting and effective pain relief.

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How a Rotator Cuff Tear is Diagnosed

A physical examination by a licensed physician is the most important part of diagnosing a tear. Strength and motion testing shows whether, and to what extent, the tendons are damaged. Your physician may also order an X-ray to look for bone spurs and arthritis, and an ultrasound or MRI to confirm the size and location of the tear.
 
If you already have MRI imaging, you can sign up for our free MRI review. Our team will examine your imaging and help point you toward effective treatment.
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Labeled illustration of a rotator cuff tear in the supraspinatus tendon

What Causes A Rotator Cuff Tear?

A tear can develop over time from overuse or happen suddenly from an injury. Factors that increase the risk include:

Overuse

Repetitive overhead motions in work or sports.

Accident or injury

A fall on the arm or lifting something heavy, often with immediate pain.

Age

Tendons weaken and lose blood supply with age, especially after 40.

Certain sports

Baseball, tennis, swimming, and weightlifting.

Occupation

Painting, carpentry, and other overhead work.

Family history and smoking

Both are linked to a higher risk of tears.

Recovery After Rotator Cuff Repair

Recovery after arthroscopic repair follows a gradual, protected progression so the tendon can heal to the bone.

Weeks 0 to 6

Protect the repair

A sling and gentle, guided motion while the tendon begins to heal.

Weeks 6 to 12

Restore motion

Physical therapy to regain full range of motion.

Months 3 to 6

Build strength

Progressive strengthening and return to most daily activities.

6 months and beyond

Return to full activity

Sports and heavy work as strength allows.

Timelines vary with the size of the tear and the repair. Your surgeon will tailor your plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the rotator cuff?

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keep the ball of the upper arm centered in the socket, and help lift and rotate the arm.

What does a rotator cuff tear feel like?

Common symptoms include pain when lifting or rotating the arm, pain at rest or at night (especially lying on the affected side), and weakness when raising or turning the arm.

Can a rotator cuff tear heal on its own?

Tendon tears generally do not heal back to the bone on their own, but many partial and degenerative tears become comfortable with physical therapy, medication, and injections.

When does a rotator cuff tear need surgery?

Surgery is often recommended for acute, full-thickness tears in active patients, tears that cause significant weakness, and tears that remain painful despite several months of conservative care.

What is arthroscopic rotator cuff repair?

Arthroscopic repair uses a small camera and slim instruments inserted through a few small incisions to reattach the torn tendon to the bone, usually as an outpatient procedure.

How long is recovery after rotator cuff repair?

Most patients wear a sling for several weeks, then progress through physical therapy. Strength returns over several months, and full recovery often takes four to six months or longer.

Who is at risk for a rotator cuff tear?

Risk increases with age, repetitive overhead work or sports such as baseball, tennis, and painting, a family history, and smoking.

How is a rotator cuff tear diagnosed?

A physical examination of strength and motion is the most important step. X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI confirm the tear and its size. Call (321) 499-4646 to schedule an evaluation.

Symptoms Of A Rotator Cuff Tear

Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Pain when moving or lifting your arm in specific patterns.
  • Pain while resting, or when lying on the affected shoulder.
  • Weakness when rotating or lifting your arm.
  • A crackling sensation with certain movements.
  • Difficulty with daily tasks such as reaching overhead or behind your back.
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Related Conditions

Shoulder Labral Tears

Shoulder labral tears are a common injury that can cause pain and limited mobility in the shoulder joint. The labrum is a ring of cartilage around the socket of the shoulder blade (scapula), which helps to deepen the socket and stabilize the shoulder joint. A tear in this cartilage can occur due to injury, degeneration, or overuse, causing pain, weakness, and instability in the shoulder.

SLAP Tears

SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior) tears are a type of shoulder injury that affects the labrum, the cartilage that surrounds the shoulder joint. The labrum helps to stabilize the joint and provides a surface for the shoulder blade to move on. A SLAP tear occurs when the labrum is damaged, usually from a traumatic event such as a fall or a sports injury.

Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are a common occurrence, especially among athletes and active individuals. Whether it's a sprained ankle, a torn ligament, or a broken bone, sports injuries can sideline even the most seasoned athlete and impact their ability to perform at their best. Orthopedic treatments are often the go-to solution for these types of injuries, helping individuals get back on their feet and back to the sport they love.

Joint Pain

Pain in the joints is a very common symptom often experienced in the feet, hips, spine, knees, or hands. In addition to pain, joint stiffness, as well as a burning or throbbing sensation in or near the joints, are also commonly associated with joint-related issues. It is important to note that in many cases the pain or burning sensation may not be constant but can increase or decrease depending on activity.

Knee Pain

Knee Pain is a common symptom that can be caused by a wide variety of conditions ranging from sports injuries to tendonitis or certain medical conditions such as arthritis. The best way to determine the exact cause and available treatment methods for your specific situation is to have a diagnosis done by an expert physician such as our team of doctors here at Total Spine.

Hip Pain

The hips are one of the most critical joints in the body, allowing you to do many of your normal daily activities such as walking, standing, and more. This makes it all the more debilitating if pain, numbness, or weakness begins to affect your hips. Symptoms such as difficulty walking, trouble sleeping, and general uncomfortableness when lying on one side or the other are all common indicators of a hip issue that may need to be addressed.

Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can come from rotator cuff injuries, arthritis, frozen shoulder, or a pinched nerve in the neck, and it can limit sleep and daily tasks.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly occurs in the hips, knees, and hands.

Meniscus Tears

Meniscus tears are a common injury to the knee, often caused by twisting or bending the knee forcefully. The meniscus is a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the thigh bone and the shin bone. It helps to distribute weight evenly across the knee joint and provides stability.

Runner’s Knee

Runner's knee is a common injury among runners and athletes. It occurs when the knee joint experiences excessive stress or wear and tear, leading to pain, inflammation, and discomfort. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments for runner's knee.

Hip Labral Tears

A labral tear is an injury to the tissue between the socket and ball portions of the hip joint. This tear can cause a variety of symptoms including intense pain, difficulty moving your hip, and reduced mobility of the hip.

When A Rotator Cuff Tear Needs Surgery

The Arthroscopic Advantage

How arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery of the shoulder compares with traditional open surgery.

Open surgeryArthroscopicMinimally invasive
IncisionOne larger incision to open the joint.A few small incisions for a camera and slim instruments.
Soft tissueMore disruption of muscle and tissue.Less disruption of the surrounding tissue.
VisualizationDirect view through the open incision.A magnified camera view inside the joint.
Hospital stayMay require a hospital stay.Usually outpatient; most patients go home the same day.
Recovery and scarringA longer recovery and a larger scar.Typically less pain, smaller scars, and a quicker start to rehabilitation.

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair reattaches the tendon through small incisions, with less tissue disruption than open surgery.

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