Rotator cuff tear
A partial or full tear of one of the tendons that control and stabilise the shoulder.
Overview
A rotator cuff tear is a partial or complete tear of one of the cuff tendons. Tears can be traumatic or degenerative; many are managed successfully with strengthening, while larger or traumatic tears in active people may need surgical opinion.
Symptoms
- Shoulder pain, often worse at night
- Weakness lifting or rotating the arm
- Pain with overhead activity
- Difficulty with everyday reaching tasks
Causes
- Age-related tendon degeneration
- A fall or sudden load on the arm
- Repetitive overhead activity
Treatment
- Progressive rotator cuff strengthening
- Activity modification and pain management
- Scapular control exercise
- Surgical opinion for large or traumatic tears