Understanding Rotator Cuff Tear
The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that lift and rotate the shoulder and keep the ball centred in the socket. A tear can be partial or full-thickness, and either degenerative (from gradual wear) or traumatic (from a fall or sudden pull).
The hallmark is pain — often worse at night and when lifting the arm — together with weakness. Treatment ranges from physiotherapy and injections for many partial tears to arthroscopic repair for larger or symptomatic ones.
Symptoms to look for
Causes & risk factors
- Age-related tendon degeneration
- A fall onto the arm or a sudden heavy pull
- Repetitive overhead work or sport
- Bony spurs that rub and wear the tendon
How it's diagnosed
Clinical examination testing the strength of each cuff tendon.
Ultrasound or MRI to confirm the tear and measure its size.
What happens if it's left untreated
- A tear enlarging over time if left untreated
- Progressive weakness and loss of overhead function
- In large chronic tears, secondary arthritis of the shoulder
How we treat it
What to expect
Partial tears often improve with rehabilitation. Repaired tears recover over several months, with a sling early on followed by staged strengthening once the tendon has healed to the bone.
How to protect yourself
Frequently asked questions
Tendon tears don't reliably heal, but symptoms from partial tears can often be managed successfully without surgery.