How effective is rotator cuff repair for rotator cuff tear?

Repair reattaches a torn tendon to the upper arm bone, often using keyhole instruments. The aim is to reduce pain and restore useful shoulder movement, especially overhead activity. A small or recent tear may behave differently from a large, longstanding tear with muscle weakness or poorer tendon quality.

The operation is only one part of recovery. Tendon healing needs protection before strengthening begins, so early movement may be limited. Stiffness, weakness and sleep disturbance can persist while the shoulder is protected and then retrained.

Before treatment, clarify the tear on examination and imaging and discuss physiotherapy, activity changes and other options. If repair is chosen, arrange help with dressing, washing and household tasks. Use the sling as instructed, attend physiotherapy and avoid lifting until the surgeon permits it. Progression usually moves from protected motion to active control and then strengthening.

Smoking, diabetes and other health factors can affect healing, so share your full medical history and medicines with the team.

Call the care team for increasing redness, drainage, fever, uncontrolled pain, new hand swelling or worsening numbness. Seek urgent attention after a fall, sudden loss of shoulder function, severe chest symptoms or marked breathlessness. Increasing stiffness or weakness during rehabilitation should be assessed rather than pushed through.

Ask how large and repairable the tear is, what movement will be protected, when driving and work may be considered, and how physiotherapy will be staged. Discuss the chance that pain may have another shoulder source and what happens if healing is incomplete.