Rotator Cuff Tears
A rotator cuff tear is an injury involving one or more of the tendons that help stabilise and move the shoulder. It can cause shoulder pain, weakness and difficulty performing overhead or everyday activities.
What is a rotator cuff tear?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that help keep the shoulder stable and allow the arm to move.
Rotator cuff tears can range from small partial tears to complete tendon tears and may develop gradually or occur suddenly after an injury.
What Is a Rotator Cuff Tear?
The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and their tendons surrounding the shoulder joint. These structures help lift and rotate the arm and provide stability to the shoulder.
A tear occurs when a rotator cuff tendon becomes damaged. The injury can be partial, where the tendon is damaged but not completely separated, or full thickness, where the tendon is torn through.
Some tears develop gradually because of tendon degeneration and repeated use, while others can happen suddenly following a fall or sports injury.
Shoulder tendons
Pain and weakness
Partial or complete
Depends on severity
Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tears
Symptoms can vary depending on the size, location and cause of the tear. Some people may have a tear with relatively mild symptoms, while others experience significant pain and weakness.
Shoulder Pain
Pain may occur at the front or side of the shoulder and can become worse when raising or rotating the arm.
Arm Weakness
A rotator cuff tear can make lifting or holding objects with the affected arm more difficult.
Pain at Night
Shoulder pain may become more noticeable at night and can interfere with comfortable sleep.
Difficulty Raising the Arm
Overhead activities such as reaching a shelf or lifting the arm may become painful or difficult.
Clicking or Popping
Some people may notice clicking, catching or other unusual sensations when moving the shoulder.
Reduced Shoulder Function
Dressing, combing hair, reaching behind the back or performing sports activities may become difficult.
Different Types of Rotator Cuff Tears
Understanding the type and extent of a tear helps the orthopaedic specialist determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
Partial Tear
The tendon is damaged but is not completely separated. Treatment often depends on symptoms, tear severity and functional limitations.
Full-Thickness Tear
The tear extends through the full thickness of the tendon and may result in significant weakness.
Acute Tear
A sudden tear can occur following a fall, lifting injury, sports trauma or other forceful movement.
Degenerative Tear
Some tears develop gradually as the tendon becomes weaker over time due to age-related or repetitive changes.
What Causes a Rotator Cuff Tear?
Rotator cuff tears may occur because of an acute injury or gradual weakening of the tendon over time.
Repetitive overhead activity and certain sports can place additional stress on the shoulder tendons.
How Is a Rotator Cuff Tear Diagnosed?
Diagnosis combines your symptoms, physical examination and appropriate imaging when required.
Medical History
Your doctor will ask about how the pain started, previous injuries, activities and changes in shoulder function.
Physical Examination
Shoulder movement, strength, tenderness and specific clinical tests can help identify rotator cuff problems.
X-Ray
X-rays can help evaluate bones and rule out other causes of shoulder pain.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound can be used to assess the rotator cuff tendons dynamically and identify certain tears.
MRI Scan
MRI provides detailed information about the tendons, muscles and extent of a rotator cuff tear.
Orthopaedic Assessment
A specialist assessment combines clinical findings and imaging to create an appropriate treatment plan.
Book an Assessment →Non-Surgical Treatment for Rotator Cuff Tears
Not every rotator cuff tear requires surgery. Treatment depends on the type of tear, symptoms, activity level and overall shoulder function.
Activity Modification
Temporarily reducing activities that aggravate the shoulder can help manage symptoms.
Pain Management
Appropriate pain-relieving measures may be advised depending on your individual condition.
Physiotherapy
A structured rehabilitation programme can help improve shoulder mobility, strength and function.
Strengthening Exercises
Targeted exercises can help strengthen the muscles supporting the shoulder when appropriate.
Injection Treatment
In selected cases, an injection may be considered as part of an overall treatment plan.
Follow-Up Assessment
Monitoring symptoms and shoulder function helps determine whether further treatment is required.
When Is Rotator Cuff Surgery Considered?
Surgery is not automatically required for every rotator cuff tear.
It may be considered when symptoms remain significant despite appropriate non-surgical treatment, when there is substantial weakness or when a significant acute injury has caused a tear.
The decision depends on factors such as the size and type of tear, symptoms, shoulder function, age, activity requirements and overall health.
Minimally invasive surgery may be used to repair selected rotator cuff tears.
The torn tendon may be reattached to the bone when repair is appropriate.
Structured rehabilitation is an important part of recovery following surgery.
Recovery After Rotator Cuff Treatment
Recovery depends on the severity of the injury and whether treatment is non-surgical or surgical.
Control Pain
The initial goal is to control pain and protect the shoulder while appropriate movement is maintained.
Restore Movement
Rehabilitation gradually focuses on restoring comfortable shoulder movement.
Build Strength
Progressive strengthening helps improve shoulder stability and functional capacity.
Return to Activity
Return to work, exercise and sports should be gradual and based on recovery and specialist advice.
When Should You See an Orthopaedic Specialist?
Persistent shoulder pain or weakness should not be ignored, especially when it affects your ability to work, exercise or perform everyday activities.
Book a Consultation →Shoulder pain continues despite rest
You experience significant shoulder weakness
You cannot comfortably raise your arm
Pain regularly disturbs your sleep
Symptoms began after a fall or sports injury
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a rotator cuff tear? +
A rotator cuff tear is damage to one or more of the tendons that help move and stabilise the shoulder. Tears may be partial or complete and can develop gradually or occur after an injury.
What are the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear? +
Common symptoms include shoulder pain, weakness, difficulty raising the arm, pain at night and difficulty performing overhead or everyday activities.
Can a rotator cuff tear heal without surgery? +
Some rotator cuff tears can be managed successfully without surgery. Treatment may include activity modification, pain management and physiotherapy. The appropriate approach depends on the individual tear and symptoms.
What is the difference between a partial and complete rotator cuff tear? +
A partial tear damages part of the tendon without completely separating it. A full-thickness or complete tear extends through the tendon and may cause more significant weakness.
How is a rotator cuff tear diagnosed? +
Diagnosis usually involves a medical history, physical examination and, when appropriate, imaging such as ultrasound or MRI. X-rays may also be used to assess the bones and rule out other causes of shoulder pain.
Is MRI necessary for a rotator cuff tear? +
MRI is not required in every case. Your orthopaedic specialist may recommend MRI when detailed information about the tendon, tear size or other shoulder structures is needed.
Does a rotator cuff tear always require surgery? +
No. Many factors are considered before recommending surgery, including the type and size of the tear, symptoms, weakness, activity requirements and response to non-surgical treatment.
How long does rotator cuff tear recovery take? +
Recovery varies depending on the severity of the tear and the treatment used. Rehabilitation can take time, particularly after surgical repair, and should be progressed according to specialist guidance.
Can a rotator cuff tear cause shoulder weakness? +
Yes. Weakness, particularly when lifting or rotating the arm, is a common symptom of rotator cuff problems and may be more noticeable with larger tears.
When should I see an orthopaedic doctor for shoulder pain? +
You should consider an orthopaedic assessment when shoulder pain persists, movement or strength is decreasing, symptoms interfere with sleep or daily activities, or pain begins after a significant injury.
Don't Let Shoulder Pain Limit Your Movement.
Get your shoulder evaluated and understand the treatment options available for your condition.