Torn Rotator Cuff
A torn rotator cuff is a tear in one or more of the tendons that surround and power the shoulder. Tears can happen suddenly with a fall or lifting injury, but most develop gradually as tendons wear with age and use. They are very common, many adults over 60 have some degree of tearing, not all of it painful.
Common symptoms
- Aching pain in the shoulder, often worse at night or when lying on that side
- Pain or weakness when lifting the arm overhead or reaching behind
- Difficulty with everyday motions like combing hair or reaching a shelf
- Clicking or catching sensations with movement
When to see a specialist
See a physician if shoulder pain or weakness lasts more than a few weeks or follows a distinct injury. Many rotator cuff problems, especially partial tears, respond to physical therapy, activity changes, and sometimes injections, so surgery is not the automatic first step. Sudden weakness after an injury deserves prompter evaluation, since acute full tears in active people are often better repaired early.
Treatment options
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Common questions
- Does a torn rotator cuff always need surgery?
- No. Many tears, especially partial and degenerative ones, are managed successfully with physical therapy and other non-surgical care. Surgery is typically considered for full-thickness tears in active patients or when conservative care fails.
- Will a rotator cuff tear heal on its own?
- Torn tendon does not reattach itself, but symptoms often improve substantially as surrounding muscles strengthen and inflammation settles. "Feeling better" and "healed" are not the same, which is why follow-up matters.
- How long is recovery if I do need surgery?
- After rotator cuff repair, a sling is typically worn four to six weeks, with full recovery commonly taking four to six months or longer depending on tear size.
This page provides general information only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified physician about your specific situation. Listings are not endorsements.