Rotator Cuff Tear

What is a Rotator Cuff Tear?

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. These tendons help stabilise the shoulder and allow the arm to lift, rotate and move overhead.

A rotator cuff tear occurs when one of these tendons becomes damaged or torn, either partially or completely. This can affect shoulder strength and movement, making everyday activities such as reaching, lifting or dressing more difficult.

Rotator cuff tears may develop gradually over time or occur suddenly following an injury.

What causes Rotator Cuff Tears?

Rotator cuff tears can develop for several reasons. Common causes include:

Repetitive overhead activities at work or during sport
Age-related wear and degeneration of the tendon
Shoulder impingement, where the tendon becomes irritated within the shoulder joint
A fall onto the shoulder or lifting a heavy object
Previous shoulder injuries or long-standing tendon inflammation

In many cases, particularly with degenerative tears, there may not be a single clear cause.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms can vary depending on the size of the tear and how it developed. You may notice:

Shoulder pain, particularly when lifting the arm
Pain when reaching overhead or behind the back
Weakness in the shoulder or arm
Difficulty performing everyday tasks such as lifting objects or dressing
Pain when lying on the affected shoulder, often worse at night
A clicking or catching sensation during shoulder movement.

Some people experience a sudden onset of pain and weakness after an injury, while others develop symptoms gradually over time.

How is a Rotator Cuff Tear diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a discussion about your symptoms and a physical examination of the shoulder.

Your specialist may assess shoulder strength, range of movement and perform specific tests to check the rotator cuff tendons.

In some cases, imaging tests may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and assess the size of the tear. These may include:

Ultrasound scans to visualise the tendons
MRI scans to provide detailed images of the shoulder
X-rays to check for bone spurs or joint changes

These tests help guide the most appropriate treatment plan.

How is it treated?

Treatment depends on the size of the tear, the severity of symptoms and your activity level. Many rotator cuff tears can initially be managed with non-surgical treatment aimed at relieving pain and improving shoulder function.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Non-surgical treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, restoring shoulder movement and strengthening the muscles that support the joint.

Common options include:

Physiotherapy to improve shoulder strength and mobility
Activity modification to avoid movements that aggravate symptoms
Anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and swelling
Corticosteroid injections to relieve inflammation
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections to support tendon healing

For many patients, these treatments can significantly improve pain and shoulder function without surgery.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery may be recommended if symptoms persist despite non-surgical treatment, if the tear is large, or if shoulder strength and function are significantly affected.

Rotator cuff repair is usually performed using arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery, where the torn tendon is repaired and reattached to the bone using specialised anchors and sutures.

The expected recovery timelines for both non-surgical and surgical treatment options are outlined below.

What is the recovery like?

	Non-Surgical Treatment	Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery
Treatment approach	Physiotherapy, activity modification and injections	Arthroscopic repair of the torn tendon
Initial recovery	Pain and inflammation often improve within 4–6 weeks	Arm usually supported in a sling for 3–6 weeks
Return to Daily Activities	Many people resume light activities such as desk work, driving and household tasks within 6–12 weeks	Light daily activities typically resume after 6–8 weeks, with gradual progression
Return to physical work or sport	Moderate activities may return after 8–12 weeks depending on symptoms	Heavier work, gym training or sport may take 4–6 months
Strength recovery	Shoulder strength improves gradually with rehabilitation exercises over 3–6 months	Tendon healing and strengthening continue for 6–12 months
Goal	Reduce pain, improve shoulder function and strengthen the surrounding muscles	Repair the tendon, restore strength and prevent further deterioration

Your specialist and physiotherapist will guide you through the rehabilitation process to help restore shoulder movement and strength.

When should I seek help?

You should see a specialist if:

Shoulder pain persists or worsens over time
Pain or weakness is affecting daily activities
You have difficulty lifting your arm
Symptoms disturb your sleep or prevent normal movement
Symptoms continue despite physiotherapy or rest

Early assessment and treatment can help prevent further tendon damage and improve long-term shoulder function.

At Orthopaedic Innovation, our world leading surgical team offers a range of treatment options for people with Rotator Cuff injuries.

Rotator cuff surgery

Non-surgical options

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Locations

Outpatient Clinic
Phoenix Hospital Group,
9 Harley Street,
London, W1G 9QJ

Inpatient
Weymouth Street Hospital,
42-46 Weymouth St,
London, W1G 6NP

Outpatient Clinic
Minor Procedures
25 Harley Street,
London, W1G 9QJ

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Medical disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, medical knowledge is constantly evolving, and individual cases may vary. Any surgical or non-surgical treatments discussed on this website should be considered in consultation with a medical professional who can assess your individual needs and medical history.