Rotator Cuff Injury Treatment
Treatment for shoulder rotator cuff tears and strains.
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilise the shoulder and allow it to lift and rotate. Injuries range from mild strains that recover with rest, to partial or complete tears that may need surgical repair, and the right treatment depends heavily on the tear's size and the patient's activity demands.
Types
Rotator Cuff Strain
Mild irritation or overstretching of the tendon without an actual tear.
Partial-Thickness Tear
The tendon is torn but not completely, with some intact fibres remaining.
Full-Thickness Tear
The tendon is completely torn through, often needing surgical repair to restore function.
Massive Rotator Cuff Tear
A large tear involving multiple tendons, which can be more challenging to repair.
Chronic Degenerative Tear
A tear that has developed gradually over time due to age-related wear rather than a specific injury.
Common Causes
Rotator cuff injuries occur either from a specific traumatic event or from gradual wear that weakens the tendon over time.
- Falls onto an outstretched arm or direct shoulder impact.
- Repetitive overhead activity - common in certain sports and occupations.
- Age-related degeneration - tendon quality naturally declines over the years, increasing tear risk.
- Sudden heavy lifting placing excessive strain on the tendon.
- Shoulder impingement - long-standing pinching of the rotator cuff eventually leading to tearing.
Signs and Symptoms
- Shoulder pain, particularly with lifting or overhead movement
- Weakness when raising or rotating the arm
- Pain that disturbs sleep, especially lying on the affected side
- A cracking or popping sensation with shoulder movement
- Difficulty with everyday tasks like reaching behind the back
Diagnosis
Diagnosis combines clinical strength testing of the rotator cuff with an MRI or ultrasound, which shows the tear's size and location and helps determine whether surgical repair is likely to be beneficial.
Treatment Approach
Strains and smaller partial tears are often treated with physiotherapy, activity modification, and sometimes injections. Full-thickness tears, particularly in more active patients, often benefit from arthroscopic surgical repair to restore strength and function. Dr. K. G. Gopalakrishna assesses the tear's size and the patient's functional demands before recommending surgical or non-surgical treatment.
Please note: This page is for general information only and does not replace a proper medical evaluation. Every case is different, and the underlying cause of your symptoms may not match what is described here. Please do not use this page to self-diagnose - consult Dr. K. G. Gopalakrishna or another qualified orthopaedic specialist for an accurate diagnosis specific to you.
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Last reviewed: August 2026