Rotator Cuff Tears
These injuries affect the group of tendons responsible for stabilizing and moving the shoulder. They’re especially common in athletes who perform repetitive overhead or lifting motions.
Types of Tears:
- Partial Tear: The tendon is damaged but still partly attached to the arm bone.
- Complete Tear: The tendon fully separates from the bone, leaving a hole or full-thickness tear.
Mayo Clinic Explanation MayoClinic.org Learn About Rotator Cuff Damage
What does a rotator cuff tear feel like?
Symptoms vary. You may feel a deep, dull ache or a sharp, stabbing pain.
- Sudden traumatic tears cause immediate, severe pain and arm weakness.
- Degenerative tears start with mild pain that improves with OTC pain relievers, but worsens over time.
- Not everyone feels pain, but most people experience some degree of shoulder and arm weakness.
Treatment
Nonsurgical Options:
Even though tears don’t heal on their own, many people improve without surgery by strengthening the shoulder muscles.
- About 80% of partial tears get better with conservative treatment (it may take up to a year).
Includes: - Sling and rest, avoiding painful activities.
- NSAIDs to reduce pain and swelling.
- Physical therapy for stretching and strengthening.
- Steroid injections to ease pain and inflammation.
Surgical Options:
Surgery may be recommended if:
- You have a complete tear,
- Nonsurgical care doesn’t improve your symptoms,
- Or your job or sports activities require full shoulder function.
