Symptoms and evaluation
Common symptoms include pain with lifting or reaching, night pain, weakness and difficulty with overhead activity. Some tears develop gradually while others occur after an injury. Examination and imaging help determine tendon involvement, tear size and muscle quality.
Treatment options
Many rotator cuff problems can initially be treated with activity modification, physical therapy, medication when appropriate and selected injections. Surgery may be considered for traumatic tears, significant weakness, persistent symptoms or tears that are unlikely to meet the patient’s goals with nonsurgical treatment.
Recovery and return to activity
After rotator cuff repair, the tendon requires time to heal to bone. Rehabilitation typically progresses from protection and controlled motion to strengthening and eventual return to heavier activity according to healing and the specific repair.
When to seek evaluation
Persistent pain, numbness, weakness, loss of motion, deformity or symptoms that interfere with sleep, work or daily activities are reasonable reasons to seek an orthopedic evaluation. Urgent injuries with severe deformity, open wounds or compromised circulation require prompt medical attention.
Common questions
Not every rotator cuff tear requires surgery. Treatment depends on symptoms, tear characteristics, strength, age, activity demands, chronicity and the patient’s goals.
Specialized upper-extremity care
Dr. Devin W. Collins is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in hand, upper-extremity and microvascular surgery. Treatment recommendations are individualized to the diagnosis, severity, goals and needs of each patient.