ROTATOR CUFF TEARS
Understanding
Rotator Cuff Tears
Rotator cuff tears are among the most common causes of shoulder pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting the arm. Treatment depends on the size of the tear, tendon quality, patient goals, and the likelihood of healing.
Often Worse At Night
Difficulty Lifting
Not Every Tear Needs Surgery
Restore Function
What Is The Rotator Cuff?
The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles and their tendons that stabilize the shoulder and allow you to lift and rotate your arm. When one or more of these tendons tears, patients commonly experience pain, weakness, and loss of shoulder function.
Dr. Streit's Clinical Perspective
A rotator cuff tear is not simply an MRI finding. Some tears never require surgery, while others should be repaired before they enlarge or become irreparable. The decision depends on much more than the size of the tear alone.
Common Symptoms
Night Pain
Pain that interferes with sleep.
Weakness
Difficulty lifting the arm overhead.
Pain With Reaching
Pain reaching overhead or away from the body.
Large Tears
Massive tears often require specialized treatment.
Persistent Pain
Pain after previous surgery may require further evaluation.
Learn More
Understand the common signs of a torn rotator cuff.
Treatment Options
Physical Therapy
Many patients improve with strengthening and restoration of shoulder mechanics.
Injections
Corticosteroid injections may temporarily reduce pain in selected patients.
Activity Modification
Changing painful activities may reduce symptoms while maintaining function.
Rotator Cuff Repair
Modern arthroscopic repair restores the tendon back to bone.
Massive Tears
Large tears sometimes require specialized reconstruction strategies.
Revision Surgery
Evaluation and treatment after a failed previous repair.
Explore Rotator Cuff Conditions
Concerned About A Rotator Cuff Tear?
Whether you've recently injured your shoulder or have experienced months of pain and weakness, a shoulder-specific evaluation can help determine whether your rotator cuff is torn and which treatment offers the best chance of restoring long-term shoulder function.
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