Rotator Cuff Tear
What is Your Rotator Cuff
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder and enable arm movement. A tear in the rotator cuff can result from injury, overuse, or degeneration over time. This condition often leads to pain, weakness, and reduced range of motion in the shoulder.
Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatment
Just because you have had shoulder surgery doesn’t guarantee mobility and strength to your shoulder.
- Rest and Activity Modification: Avoid overhead movements and heavy lifting.
- Physical Therapy: A tailored rehabilitation program can improve strength, flexibility, and function.
- Anti-inflammatory Medications: NSAIDs may reduce pain and swelling.
- Corticosteroid Injections: For cases with significant pain, injections can provide temporary relief.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery may be necessary if:
- The tear is large or complete
- Symptoms persist after 3–6 months of therapy
- There's significant loss of shoulder function
Surgical options include:
- Arthroscopic Repair: Minimally invasive and commonly used
- Open Surgical Repair: For larger or complex tears
- Tendon Transfer or Shoulder Replacement: In severe cases
Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tear
You can’t really know if your rotator cuff is torn. However, you could have the following symptoms:
Pain when you lower or lift your arm
Pain when your arm is at rest
Pain at night, especially if you lie on the affected shoulder
Weakness in your shoulder
Crackling or popping sound when you move your arm
Inability to move things as usual
Book an Appointment
We encourage you not to wait until after surgery to start physical therapy or rehabilitation!