What is the Rotator Cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder and enable movement like lifting and reaching.
What is a Rotator Cuff Tear?
A tear occurs when one or more tendons partially or completely tear due to:
- Aging and tendon degeneration
- Overuse from sports or repetitive movements
- Trauma from falls or sudden force
A doctor may diagnose a rotator cuff tear through:
- X-ray – to rule out fractures or arthritis
- Ultrasound – to assess soft tissue damage
- MRI – to determine tear size and severity
Non-Surgical Treatments (For minor tears or low activity levels)
- Medications – Painkillers, anti-inflammatories, or steroid injections
- Physiotherapy – Strengthening and mobility exercises
- Rest & Activity Modification – Avoiding strain to aid healing
Surgical Treatments (For large tears or lack of improvement with non-surgical methods)
- Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair – Minimally invasive surgery using a small camera and instruments to repair the tendon
- Open Rotator Cuff Repair – Traditional surgery for larger or complex tears
- Go home the same or next day after surgery
- Wear a sling for 2–6 weeks
- Start physiotherapy within 2–4 weeks
- Return to work within 4–8 weeks (depends on job type)
- Less pain, scarring, and infection risk than open surgery
- Faster recovery and improved shoulder function
- Long-lasting results with low recurrence rate
- Infection, bleeding, or bruising
- Nerve or blood vessel injury
- Tendon re-tear or poor healing
- Stop smoking and alcohol 2 weeks before surgery
- Avoid blood thinners like aspirin a week before
- Do not eat or drink 6 hours before surgery
- Arrange for someone to drive you home
- Keep your shoulder elevated to reduce swelling
- Keep the wound clean and dry
- Start gentle hand, wrist, and elbow movements early
- Avoid heavy lifting for the first few weeks