Rotator Cuff Tear
The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles and their tendons that keep your upper arm bone (humerus) securely in the shoulder socket. A tear happens when one of these tendons is either partially or completely detached from the bone.
Tears can be:
- Partial (incomplete): The tendon is damaged but not fully severed
- Full-thickness (complete): The tendon is torn all the way through or pulled completely off the bone
These injuries can result from an acute event—like lifting something too heavy—or from repetitive overhead motion over time.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
- Repetitive overhead activities (painting, swimming, tennis)
- Heavy lifting or trauma
- Age-related degeneration
- Poor posture
- Shoulder impingement syndrome
- Family history of shoulder problems
Tears are especially common in people over age 40 but can happen at any age, especially among athletes and active workers.
Signs and Symptoms
You may have a rotator cuff tear if you’re experiencing:
- A dull ache deep in the shoulder
- Weakness when lifting or rotating the arm
- Pain at night, especially when lying on the affected shoulder
- Limited range of motion
- Crackling or popping when moving your shoulder
Some small tears may cause little to no pain at first, but they can worsen over time if left untreated.
Diagnosing a Rotator Cuff Tear
Your provider will evaluate your symptoms and perform a physical exam to assess your range of motion, strength, and shoulder stability. Imaging tests may include:
- X-rays to rule out bone issues
- Ultrasound or MRI to visualize soft tissue damage and determine the severity of the tear
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the size of the tear, your age, activity level, and overall shoulder function.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Many partial tears and small full-thickness tears can improve with conservative care:
- Rest and activity modification
- Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
- Physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles and restore function
- Steroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation
Surgical Treatment
If your symptoms don’t improve or the tear is large and impacting your quality of life, surgery may be recommended. Most rotator cuff repairs are done arthroscopically, using small incisions and a camera to reattach the torn tendon to the bone.
In cases of massive or chronic tears, more advanced procedures like tendon transfers or reverse shoulder replacement may be considered.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery after surgery includes:
- Wearing a sling for several weeks to protect the shoulder
- Starting physical therapy to regain motion, strength, and flexibility
- Gradual return to normal activities over 3–6 months
Non-surgical rehab typically shows improvement within a few months, especially with consistent exercises and shoulder care.
Our shoulder specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating rotator cuff tears. From personalized therapy plans to minimally invasive surgery, we’re here to restore strength, ease discomfort, and help you regain full shoulder function.