The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that surround your shoulder joints, allowing you to lift and rotate your arms. When one or more of these tendons tear, simple tasks like reaching for a cup or combing your hair may become painful. Treatment depends on the type of tear, its size, and how much it limits your daily life. Here’s more information on treating a rotator cuff tear and how this injury may affect you:
What Causes Rotator Cuff Tears?
A rotator cuff tear can happen suddenly, from a fall or from lifting something that’s too heavy. Another common cause of tears is gradual wear on the shoulder joint that builds up over many years. Age plays a role here, and people over 40 face a higher risk. Jobs and hobbies that involve repeated overhead motion can also wear down the tendons, such as carpentry or tennis.
How Are They Treated?
To effectively treat a shoulder injury, a medical professional will start with a physical exam to assess your range of motion and strength, focusing on the areas that cause pain. They may also ask about your symptoms, your job, and any recent injury to better understand the cause. Here are different rotator cuff injuries and their treatments:
Acute Tears
An acute tear happens suddenly, often from a fall on an outstretched arm, a hard pull, or lifting a heavy object the wrong way. Acute pain usually comes on fast, and it often causes weakness when you try to lift or rotate your arm. Bruising and swelling can also appear in the first day or two. Many people see a doctor soon after an acute tear because of pain, and a prompt exam helps the medical team determine the tear’s size. After an acute rotator cuff tear, you may need a sling and to modify your daily activities. Your provider may also recommend physical therapy, depending on the injury.
Overuse Injuries
Overuse injuries develop slowly over time, often from work or activities that call for repeated overhead motion. As the tendons rub against nearby bone again and again, they grow frayed and weak, and small tears can form before you notice any real problem. Rest, ice, and a break from physical activity are common first treatment steps for this type of injury. A doctor may also recommend management options like:
- Stretching for improving flexibility
- Trying a physical therapy program to rebuild strength
- Prescribing anti-inflammatory medicine to ease pain and swelling
When Is Surgery Recommended?
Surgery is not the first choice for every tear, as many individuals improve with non-surgical care. A doctor may discuss surgery when the tear is large, when symptoms do not improve after several months, or when the shoulder is very weak. Physical therapy, medication, and steroid or platelet-rich plasma injections are often used to lower pain and swelling.
Chronic shoulder pain commonly makes work and basic tasks like dressing, carrying bags, or reaching overhead more difficult. People who rely on full shoulder strength for their jobs sometimes choose surgery sooner. The goal of surgery is to repair the torn tendon and restore movement. Recovery often takes several months and includes a period of rehabilitation, but your medical team will explain what to expect during the healing process.
Get Your Rotator Cuff Evaluated
A rotator cuff tear can change how you sleep, work, and move through your day. Many treatment options exist, from rest and therapy to surgical repair. Knowing the cause of your shoulder pain is the first step toward finding the appropriate care for your condition. If you notice shoulder weakness, ongoing pain, or trouble lifting your arm, do not wait to seek help. Contact an orthopedic surgeon today to schedule an appointment and get your shoulder evaluated.
