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Read MoreA rotator cuff tear can make everyday activities—such as reaching overhead, lifting or sleeping—painful and difficult. With the right treatment, most people regain strength, restore shoulder mobility and return to the activities they enjoy.
What Is a Rotator Cuff Tear?
A rotator cuff tear is an injury to one or more of the tendons that stabilize and move your shoulder. These tendons connect muscles to the bones of the shoulder joint, allowing you to lift, rotate and reach overhead. When a tendon becomes partially or fully torn, pain and weakness can limit your ability to use the arm comfortably.
Rotator cuff tears are described in different ways depending on how much of the tendon is damaged and how the injury occurred:
- Partial tear: The tendon is damaged but not completely severed
- Full-thickness tear: The tendon is fully torn, separating from the bone
- Acute tear: Caused by a sudden injury, the tear often leads to immediate pain and loss of function
- Degenerative tear: The tear develops slowly due to long-term overuse or age-related changes
Rotator cuff tears may result from sudden trauma, such as falling on an outstretched arm, or from gradual wear and tear over time. Repetitive overhead movements in sports, heavy lifting or age-related degeneration are common causes. Risk increases with age, smoking and jobs or activities that place repeated stress on the shoulder.
What Are the Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Tear?
Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear can range from mild discomfort to significant loss of shoulder function. They may develop suddenly after an injury or gradually over time due to ongoing wear and tear. Symptoms may include:
- Pain in the shoulder, especially when lifting or reaching overhead
- Weakness when raising or rotating the arm
- Limited range of motion in the shoulder joint
- Pain that worsens at night or when lying on the affected side
- Clicking, popping or a catching sensation during shoulder movement
- Difficulty performing everyday tasks such as combing hair, dressing or lifting objects
How Is a Rotator Cuff Tear Diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, how the injury occurred and examine your shoulder for muscle anatomy, strength, and range of motion. Imaging tests like X-rays and MRI or ultrasound help confirm the diagnosis and reveal partial or complete tears. Treatment options will be discussed based on your needs and goals.
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Rotator Cuff Treatment Options
Ice, Heat and Medications
Cold packs, warm compresses and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can ease pain and swelling in the shoulder.
Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy
Exercises for a torn rotator cuff help strengthen surrounding muscles, improve range of motion and support shoulder stability. Therapy is often the first step in the treatment process.
Corticosteroid Injections
For persistent pain, injections directly into the shoulder joint may provide temporary relief and reduce inflammation.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
In some cases, PRP injections are used to stimulate tendon healing, though results may vary.
Surgical Repair
When tears are large, complete or unresponsive to conservative care, surgery may be needed to reattach the tendon to the bone.
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation after surgery is crucial for restoring strength and mobility. Recovery typically includes several months of structured Physical or Occupational Therapy.
Avoiding overhead or heavy lifting movements can help reduce strain on the shoulder and allow inflammation to subside.
Our Approach to Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
Rotator cuff care at Inspira begins with a thorough evaluation to understand the extent of the injury and its impact on your daily activities. Our specialists create a personalized plan that may include activity modification, Physical/Occupational Therapy and advanced treatments to reduce pain and restore shoulder strength.
When surgery is required, our orthopedic surgeons and rehabilitation team work together to provide seamless, coordinated care. Post-surgical therapy focuses on rebuilding mobility, strengthening surrounding muscles and preventing reinjury. With access to certified rehabilitation clinicians and advanced therapies, we help patients regain function and return to work, hobbies or athletics with confidence.
