When Is Rotator Cuff Repair Recommended for a Rotator Cuff Tear?

A clinician considers the tear's location and size, tendon quality, shoulder strength, movement, activity needs and findings on imaging. A full-thickness tear, increasing weakness, or difficulty lifting the arm can make repair more relevant, but imaging alone does not decide treatment. Some tears are managed with activity changes, pain relief and physiotherapy when symptoms are manageable.

After an acute injury, an examination is useful promptly because a suddenly weak shoulder may need a different timetable from long-standing shoulder pain. The aim of repair is to reattach the tendon to bone; recovery includes a period of protection followed by guided movement and strengthening.

Arrange an assessment with an orthopaedic or shoulder clinician if pain, night discomfort or weakness is limiting work, sport, dressing or reaching. Bring the injury history and any scan reports. Until assessed, avoid movements that sharply increase pain, but keep gentle movement within comfort unless you were told to immobilise the shoulder. Discuss physiotherapy and other non-surgical options when the tear and symptoms allow them.

Seek urgent medical help after a major injury if the shoulder looks deformed, the arm is cold or numb, or you cannot move it. Prompt assessment is also sensible for sudden marked weakness, rapidly increasing swelling, fever with a hot red joint, or severe pain that is not settling.

Ask whether the tear is partial or full thickness, whether weakness suggests tendon failure, what non-surgical care is reasonable, and what repair and rehabilitation would involve for your daily activities.