Partial vs full thickness tear
A partial tear is when the tendon is damaged but not completely torn, but if you have incurred a full thickness tear, the tendon is totally torn, usually where it is attached to the upper arm bone. If the tear is the result of an injury, you may have experienced a ‘snapping’ sensation, accompanied with sudden pain and weakness in the arm, at the time.
If the rotator cuff tear is the result of degradation, then you will begin to find normal activities difficult with weakness in the shoulder and arm and you may feel a crunching sensation. There may be pain at all times of the day, even when resting.
During your consultation with your London Shoulder Specialist, they will first assess the nature of your problem and then order scans to investigate the extent and exact positioning of the damage. This can include X-rays and MRI scans.
What are my treatment options for a rotator cuff tear?
Initial treatment may be non-surgical and will cover rest and gentle exercise to regain strength and mobility. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications are usually prescribed to deal with the pain and steroid injections might be used to reduce inflammation.
If the tear is a result of a trauma or if the problem is not greatly improved by non-surgical means, then surgery may be recommended. A complete rotator cuff tear will not heal and will require surgery. We offer arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears, stitching the torn tendon back onto the arm bone.
For more information on rotator cuff tears and their treatment, please get in touch with the London Shoulder Specialists to arrange a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions on Rotator Cuff Tears
WHAT SHOULD YOU AVOID WITH A ROTATOR CUFF TEAR?
Avoid lifting weights above the head or out from the side of the body, as they can cause more stress to the shoulder joint. Other forms of exercise that entail overhead activity, such as swimming, should also be limited.
WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS OF A ROTATOR CUFF TEAR?
This depends on the cause. A sudden tear that results from trauma will cause immediate and intense shoulder pain and weakness in the arm. If it is a degenerative injury resulting from wear and tear, you may experience continuous mild pain that worsens progressively. Not everyone experiences pain, but some arm or shoulder weakness is usually present.
Warning signs of a rotator cuff tear include difficulty raising your arm, shoulder pain at night that affects your sleep, and shoulder or arm weakness.
CAN A ROTATOR CUFF TEAR HEAL ON ITS OWN?
The body does initiate a healing response after a tear to the rotator cuff, but a significant or complete tear will not heal fully, and the shoulder is usually left weak and unstable without surgical intervention. For a partial tear, many patients can improve shoulder function and decrease pain by strengthening the shoulder muscles that support the joint.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECOVER FROM ROTATOR CUFF REPAIR?
Your recovery will depend on several factors, including your age, level of fitness and lifestyle, as well as the size and severity of the tear. Your commitment to your rehab programme also determines how quickly you recover. Total recovery can take between six and 12 months.
