What is a rotator cuff tear?

A rotator cuff tear is a common shoulder injury involving the network of muscles and tendons within the shoulder joint. Together, this group of muscles is called the rotator cuff and is responsible for maintaining the shoulder joint’s stability and letting you lift and rotate your arm. 

If you have a rotator cuff tear, it means the tendons are no longer fully attached to the bone in your arm called the humerus. An incomplete tear involves damage, but there is no full separation from the bone. A complete tear is more severe and involves total detachment. 

What are the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear?

The primary symptom of a rotator cuff tear is shoulder pain, which may get worse when you’re at rest or when you lift or lower your arm. You might also experience shoulder weakness and have trouble using the joint normally.

Some rotator cuff tears happen very suddenly, which causes immediate and intense pain. You might also experience a snapping sensation in the shoulder when this happens. 

With rotator cuff injuries that develop due to overuse, the symptoms are not as sudden — you may notice increased arm weakness and pain that starts mild and gets worse over time. 

What causes a rotator cuff tear?

Shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff tears often come from traumatic injuries and can happen because of a shoulder joint dislocation. They can also develop over time because you use your shoulder often. Athletes who play baseball or tennis commonly develop rotator cuff injuries, as do painters and people in other careers that require a lot of reaching. 

What are my treatment options for a rotator cuff tear?

Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine treats your rotator cuff tear with the goal of restoring the shoulder’s full function and mobility. Your provider develops a treatment plan based on the severity of your injury and your lifestyle. 

Your options for rotator cuff tear treatment include:

• Rest
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Steroid injection
• Strengthening exercises
• Sling

Occasionally, a rotator cuff tear does not improve much with conservative care. In such cases, you may need surgery to repair the rotator cuff.

For more information about rotator cuff tears and treatment, call Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine or book an appointment online today.