What is a Rotator Cuff Tear -- Is Surgery Necessary?

Do I need surgery for my rotator cuff tear? Maybe not. Many rotator cuff tears are a normal consequence of aging. Some tears are new due to a fall or injury. The type of tear you have, the size and location of the tear are all important to know when determining how they should be treated.
Read more here. ... www.howardluksmd.com/orthoped...

[@davidb7358]

Best video I've seen on this. Thanks for sharing this.

[@Reapwhatsown]

Excellent video here, thank you. Great discussion in the comments as well. grateful

[@gurudattthakkar]

Very nice Teaching Sir! Post Traumatic tear to be fixed immediately. Perfect take home. Thanks A lot.

[@mygalmo]

Thanks so much Howard! I appreciate your response, and I will check out the site. Thanks so much again!

[@olitonottero7620]

Brilliant Rotator Cuff Tear info !!!

[@HowardLuksMD]

Great question Gregg ... you should review your workout plans with your therapist or trainer so you are working well together instead of against progress with your program. We do not like people to push significant weight, nor do we like quick jerky motions when you have rotator cuff injuries. Good Luck!

[@aerinharris9419]

Very informative. Thanks for this video.

[@clint8u]

Great insight ty .. I had an acute tear in Nov .. June 2 is my surgery date .. it’s about 1/3 of my suprapunatis .. I’m 50 .. decided it’s the best move .. I have good ROM but lots of night pain and I’m a body builder, so …

[@ryansnow1816]

Great video!!

[@HowardLuksMD]

Yes Erik... the tendon grows special fibers back into the bone... they are called Sharpey fibers. They grow slowly which is why we delay rehab and strengthening for months after a rotator cuff repair.

[@erikl.1860]

Very informative! I had surgery for rotator cuff, 6 weeks after I fell with my bike (fully loaded bike for a 3 month bike touring). Two weeks after surgery started physical therapy. I now had 10 weeks, and plan to continue for another 10 weeks (60 sessions total). The progress is amazing, but it’s hard! Every day doing the exercises at home several times a day, every day requires a lot of effort. But having plans to continue bicycle touring next year, gives me the courage to continue the exercises and the painful physical therapy sessions. The end result is the most important, and it’s worth the suffering. To everyone here that went through surgery recently: don’t give up! It’s not easy, but at the end everything will be worth it!

[@John-pg3pi]

Thank you for your reply I've since been to the Doc and all he did was some simply 'grab my hand push up push left right and so on and prescribed me slow release anti-inflammitories and told me to rest and see then,it's getting better daily, thanks again!!!

[@timwojeski3339]

I developed some minor pain in my shoulder only when I try to touch the inside of my elbow to my face. I also have lost some strength when attempting a lateral raise with the affected arm. However, I do not have constant pain. In fact, I can still do push-ups pain-free. My Orthropedist recommends surgery after an MRI showed a minor tear. I'm not so sure if I want to do this as I can still do most of my gym routine and don't have pain with the vast majority of the movements. What do you think?

[@HowardLuksMD]

Thanks !

[@leonardholifield4528]

Excellent Information.

[@dclifford69]

can lifting heavy items such as driveway sealer cause a rotator cuff tear?

[@robertorourke6614]

Thank you for your WELL INFORMED & CLEAREST DESCRIPTION OF ROTATOR CUFF TEARS & PROBLEMS.

[@TheMasonator777]

I am a 53 year old professional guitarist/instructor and guitar repair tech with what I’m told is a confusing case. I’m proficient sports like compound archery (not in over two years) and biking (rarely anymore). My sport life is now just walking mostly. My work with my hands is my meaning in life. I had a traumatic (sudden) shoulder injury doing something very minor. Woke up with pain and by the end of day couldn’t move the arm at all, which resolved in a couple days. I continued to work, but carefully with much reduced hours. I lifted nothing heavy with the effected arm since the injury. I have instability, apparent asymmetry, weakness, vastly reduced range of motion in certain directions, (both passive and active). The pain continually diminishes, but the function never goes beyond a certain max. I have weird slushy/crunchy noises in that shoulder. It’s my dominant arm. The other arm is not 100% either strength wise, but it seems “normal”. I favoured the dominant arm for that reason. Now I’m in trouble. What I absolutely cannot do is this: I can not bring the back of my hand straight up to my mouth from the arm hanging. I have to raise it above my head and then bring it down while turning my wrist. A lot of my work activities are made really difficult by the various less intense ROM difficulties. Abduction makes me raise my humeral bone up. My effected side pec doesn’t seem to fire if I do a mock bicep curl. It just stays flaccid. It looks “bunchy”. My AC joint was slightly out of alignment when I went to physio. She realigned it, but it drifts around a bit. There is no apparent “bump” at the AC joint to suggest a ligament fracture. The wait in Canada for an MRI is almost 2 years. An ultrasound is close behind. I think estimated 400 days/700 referrals unless I can get triaged ahead of some other poor bastard. Does this sound like a RC tear? If so, which part of the cuff? Or something else.

[@yehudiadelphos1]

Hello Dr Luks, thanks very much for your presentations so far as they have been helpful for me in preparing for surgery. I've recently had a lateral meniscus tear in my right knee repaired just over 7 weeks ago, and now I'm wondering about my rotator cuff in the left shoulder. So it's awkward having issues on opposite sides of the body. To help prevent deterioration, would protein foods like meat, fish, eggs etc with exercise help delay surgery. What would you suggest or recommend?

[@rcfriscoflyer]

Thank You !

[@ahmedsakran2216]

Dr Howard greetings I have minor tear in teres minor after a minor trauma at the gym 16 days ago would that heal dr? Also I don't have any sign of weakness or anything just little localized burning sensation and cracking sound at the front of my shoulder that has decreased a bit since the injury

[@bgards94]

Hi Howard, I was just wondering if it's difficult to distinguish bicep tendon pain and rotator cuff pain? I saw a physiotherapist about shoulder pain not too long ago who believes I have biceps tendonitis from weightlifting. Im still worried about the pain and believe that it could be rotator cuff pain. Do you think it's worth getting an MRI or second opinion for this pain? Thanks.

[@HowardLuksMD]

Very few academic shoulder surgeons would choose surgery as the first option for a tiny 8mm tear. A second opinion is strongly suggested... Good Luck!

[@bits780]

I cant afford the 3000 grand up front copay for the surgery. can I strength train the shoulder to compensate? I have a torn cuff and a separated tendon of 4 cm?

[@horacioh1]

Thank you

[@HowardLuksMD]

Luisa... that is a very common way for people to injure their rotator cuff. If you have weakness and pain with certain ways you move your shoulder you should consider seeing a shoulder doc. After their examination they may choose to obtain an MRI or ultrasound to "see" the rotator cuff. Good Luck and I hope you feel better... enjoy the baby!

[@eriklambert2422]

Dr. Luks, can a tendon "grow back" into the humorous once it has been anchored through surgery and recovery/healing? After attaching the tendon to the humorous, will the body work to reattach itself to the bone? If it does, can you explain this to me or provide a link to this information. Thank you.

[@janetdavenport6053]

I have a complete rotator cuff tear and need reverse shoulder replacement. This is on the right shoulder. I have TIAA dealing with my left hand. Would you suggest rehab center recovery.

[@joevill]

You did a great job explaining rotator cuff injuries. I love how you compared the cuff to a pair of jeans.

[@MrCarstennielsen]

Do you have experince with recovery being bettered by training the opposite stie rotatorcuff only? This seems to have influence in damaged limbs and so possible allso with rotatorcufftears in order to stop these turning into fattytissue or maybe even as part of process of dooing something about an old injury that has never been fixed in order to retrain it before surgery, for this old injury and so recover an old injury as it is nolonger fatty tissue but instead muscle?

[@karenkirk6856]

thank you Dr Luks, I am 44 yrs female. left arm has always been the weak one since childhood. I have a very bad habit of going beyond my limit to carry very heavy grocery bags and / or luggages, also bad postures that I just could not seem to correct. since I moved to northeast, cold does not do me much good, it literally chills into my bones. about two month ago I would hear snaps on my left shoulder when raise my arm overhead for more than minutes. about a month ago in real cold , I was carrying extreme heavy duffle bag , running across the airport to catch flight. Next day my whole body was locked up, all my joints loosen up but could not lift my left arm, the bone just does not slide into the socket. it was stiff for first two weeks, now I still can't lift high, but stiffness turns into occasional throbbing at night. it seems to be worst in front of arm . I can't reach back without severe pain. simply lost flexibility to lift arm all the way up. I tried those exercises shown on tube and rotational movement hurts really bad, but at least I can reach to back a bit more than before. should I stop exercising or keep going with pain during exercise? I know the tear is probably massive. I know I should see an orthopaedic surgeon, but unable to at the moment due to insurance/financial reasons, I will need to wait a few more weeks before they approve to see a surgeon. just wondering if it sounds like a full tear to you?

[@Tone202]

i just had a rotator cuff operation in April. I had what was called a slap tare. However, the pain got worse the longer I waited. I am still not fully recovered but I do go to the gym and lift light weight with it. If any one has any question I will be happy to post some vids on what workouts i am doing and/or did before I had my operation.

[@greggrood7345]

Dear Dr. Lukes, 52 year old male with torn RC diagnosed 5 weeks ago with MRI. Working on rehab exercises but was wondering what free weight, upper body exercises I can still do that won't further injure or impede RC rehab? I've looked on-line but there seems to be varying opinions on what to do and/or not to do. Appreciate your opinion and for posting this informative video.

[@donaldcline899]

I have a tear rotating cup tear and went too hostpal in Sonora CA and all they did was give me a sling and told me too go see your doctor but this shoulder I have injured 4 times now and don't no what too do I have taken ibp 600hunderd does not help me much and ice and heat only helps a little for me

[@carlricodavid]

Thank you! i was so worried. Im just going to give it another week to rest. Do you think an injured labrum could heal by itself in most cases? and should i still do the strengthening exercises?

[@mygalmo]

I just visited the site and it's AWESOME! I did both the internal/external stretches 15 mins ea. side. The internal was less painful than external. I was AMAZED to be able to reach over w/o any pain whatsoever to put my jersey on. I am just wondering why the external was more painful that the internal and what the difference is. Again, I fell straight forward & down onto both palms as though I crash landed into a were in pushup form. Ouch! Would love to know your thoughts.

[@imaxoutt]

Ok thanks will do!

[@entwallace]

Please tell me what you call a large tear that needs surgery! I have a fully-torn tendon 2.1cm by 1.1cm. Two shoulder surgeons told me I need surgery. I am scheduled at the end of January. Is my tear considered large?

[@amarc767]

Hello, I am a swimmer and I had a question regarding my supraspinatus tendon. I had a small partial tear on my supraspinatus with mild tendonitis/fraying about a year ago. After resting and doing some strenghtening exeresise, I try to get back to swimming freestyle but the pain starts again. I sort of plateaued in terms of recovery and I have recurrent pain when I exercise. I feel like I have made the tear worse. So I am considering Prolotherapy to treat my shoulder and I was wondering if its the right course of treatment to fix the problem. Thanks

[@LollyB1963]

I was diagnosed with 3 tears by MRI results I have a 70% full thickness tear in supra suits bursa sided tear is 7mm and in my bicep tendon I got it from my job repetive work . I am waiting to see a orthopedist my question what do I do in the mean time I've done physio massage and chiropractor . Been icing it can't sleep been doing modified duties . I can't raise my shoulder up at all. Would a sling or tape the shoulder help to elevate the pain till I get in to see the surgeon should I be working I'm at my wits end with pain and lack of sleep. Can you give me any suggestions . Thank in advance

[@thomaslacy2433]

Dear Dr. Luks, I am a 62 YO man that suffered a overhead weight lifting… diagnosis: 1/2 thickness rotator cuff tear, labrum tear (I’ve watched your labrum video), plus osteoarthritis. Question: Can you provide some guidelines wrt whether or not surgery vs rehab makes the most sense for an older patient? I’m very active/fit (at least in my mind) and don’t want to compromise my future. Thank you!

[@lassusprophetam8209]

I had a fall my arm felt horrible I was just hanging there. Immediately went to the hospital on the first hospital said it was a shoulder strain. A few days later I felt something was terribly wrong I went to another hospital and they would not do an MRI or a CAT scan for my shoulder and arm but since I had also hit my head they did a cat-scan for that and when they went down far enough to see my shoulder but now my elbow they said that I had a proximal fracture. They gave me a sling and I guess cuz I'm older they told me that it would heal itself. Almost 4 weeks later I can't lift my arm I can't lift my arm up to I can touch my nose by can't touch the top of my head I can't lift up my elbow from my side and I'm starting to think that something is wrong and they didn't treat it the way they should have. What should I do

[@rme6953]

I just subscribed! Here’s my question. I’m 70 with a full tear, had 4 shots during the past 20 months. Still very active as a building contractor and miss my gym and weight training a lot. Having a lot of uncertainty and anxiety about getting surgery at my age and the thought of being out of commission for 6-9 months weighs heavily on my decision to have surgery. Am I doing myself further harm by not getting surgery. Are there a maximum number of shot my shoulder can take before it becomes a problem? Thank you.

[@HowardLuksMD]

Thank you. A lot of this depends on what is torn. Many, many people your age have small full-thickness supraspinatus tears. Some have larger tears involving more than one of the four rotator cuff muscles. Statistics favor fixing larger tears if the imaging studies show that they are likely to be repairable and the tissue looks thick and healthy. Research also shows that small supraspinatus tears are likely degenerative (age-related) and can often be treated with PT alone. Injections diminish the chance of healing. Any injections within a year of surgery decrease the chance that the cuff will heal to the bone. Thus the risk of failure of the surgery increases. The larger the tear, the more of a problem this could be. Many of us prefer not to continue with more than 1-2 injections in people who might benefit from surgery. We use the injections primarily to calm down the bursitis pain to enable people to get into PT and properly rehabilitate the shoulder. People who are not candidates for surgery- either due to health reasons or other reasons can continue to receive injections a few times per year--- but those injections take their toll on the cuff tissue and other structures too.

[@Ladygail26]

P. S. I love your demeanor!

[@ireneblchua]

My mum recently suffered from severe shoulder pain. On x-ray, it was found that there is superior subluxation of the humeral head and narrowing of the acromiohumeral distance in keeping with a supraspinatus tear. My mum is 85 years old. Suffers from chronic illness (diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, gout and most recently anemia). We saw a Orthopedic surgeon and he recommended surgery unless my mum can tolerate pain by taking medicine. She is unable to take diclofenac to ease the pain as this will compromise on her kidney function. She also cannot tolerate tramadol. The fact that my mum is diabetic, anemic and her age will work against success of op! Will the injury heals with time? Grateful for your kind advice.

[@googleboy7]

Question: I damaged my rotator cuff three weeks ago. The orthopedic doctor took an x-ray and said "You don't have a rotator cuff and walked out." His assistant sent me to therapy. I am 73 years old and am in constant pain. I cannot lift my arm forward or to the side. I have an appointment with another doctor on July 21. How long do I have until the muscle turns to fat? Thanks. Shalom/gw

[@superluisa30]

hi howard.when i was pregnant i almost feel down the stairs and i caught my fall from hanging on to the railing and i hurt my shoulder. when i got back up my arm just dropped i coulding even move it for few i literally had to hold my arm up for a second and my shoulder hasnt been the same.it doesnt hurt but when i do some thing like throw something or hit something then i can feel it a bit.what should i do?and this happen on both shoulders but fell diff ways when i was caring i was really clumsy

[@HowardLuksMD]

Brian... that's a tough situation. There are many surgery centers ... see article on one in Oklahoma from this past weekend --- that will offer you and all-in cost to have the surgery performed. Whether or not surgery is even necessary is another question altogether. Only a good history (from you) and exam can tell us that.

[@JudyEakin]

Can you tell if their is fatty tissue around your rotator cuff tear during shoulder when doctor does surgery

[@ruzanhedo8686]

Hi, I’m 62 years old .the MRI showed that I have supraspinatus tear involving one third of tendon thickness, do you think physical therapy is enough to fix it. Thanks

[@jazzsnare]

What about laser treatments? Do they work, and if so, why would this not be more widely spoken about?

[@heatherleslie9738]

Hi , I am 55, a keen exerciser and fell halfway down a pit saving myself with right arm . 18 months ago , no MRI due to lockdown . Just had MRI 10 weeks ago .. full 1.4 supra tear. Biceps really painful . Then 8 weeks ago fell two steps upstairs ! Same injury left arm . Not as big slightly smaller tear . Can you advise? Want to try and avoid surgery . No physio referring to ortho … just basic sets of exercises not targeting correct muscles . Many thanks . Heather

[@mutsnuts1989]

I was doing a dumbell press in the gym 2 weeks ago and going into the starting position I felt like a little crunch in my right shoulder. Since then I feel a pain at the top of my shoulder especially if I reach upwards with my arm going inwards. I have put ice on it and stretched it a few times a day but what I'd like to know is how long can it roughly take to heal and what can I do to prevent it from recurring. I'd really appreciate it if you could give me any advice on this. Thanks

[@lukebutters7030]

so what are there therapies including. with regards to a mild tear that does not need surgery. how would you recommend going about that? what kind of rehab? thanks

[@jasonhidalgo7703]

I have 6 cm Rotator cuff tear nd spur 6 months ago full movement but when lift something heavy sharp pain Dr told me no surgery 3 weeks of working shoulder out nd back to work but I think I need surgery!!!

[@HowardLuksMD]

Most partial tears are rehabed with a rotator cuff regimen, and strengthening of the scapula stabilizers (rhomboids, traps, serratus anterior). Perhaps your physician can give you a specific set of exercises, you could choose to work with a trainer or therapist, or you can check out you tube for other protocols too.

[@aaronbegon8574]

Hey doc 3 days ago I injured my shoulder. I was playing football and as I stuck my arm out to tackle the running back ran through my arm and it hyperextended back. I felt severe pain and a popping sensation in my shoulder. I went and saw a doctor the next day and he was surprised with the amount of swelling in my deltoid and trapezius. I have a dull pain in my upper arm and sometimes something in my shoulder catches and it causes pain. What is your opinion? thank you.

[@ricscott3072]

Howard, how many inces is a 9mm tear

[@vinnnnnny12345]

last september i hurted my right shoulder benching. i felt discomforting feeling when lifitng it up, moving across my body, and bending over trying to touch the ground. Not sure if i rehab the right way but I would feel a discomfort feeling still when lifitng. should I wait and rest before lifting again? it doesnt hurt when i lift it up, across my body or trying to touch the ground anymore just feel discomforting when I do chest workout.

[@Brancaalice]

I would like to know, I hurt my right shoulder hot yoga, I stopped, but it didnt get better. Now dr. give prescription anti inflammatory, I dont have pain anymore, but it hard for me put hand my back. Does exercise can help recover movement?

[@bettysmith7045]

Who should have an MRI, vrs trying conservative first and then going to MRI if the pain continues?

[@nafism6969]

wow. that was really good. nice job. question: with small rotatory cuff tears, whats the best method to recover from those? for instance, with me, I seemed to have damaged the rotatory cuffs from a night at the gym. since then, I have trouble with things like getting my wallet from my back pocket, reaching back, putting t shirts on etc. so its minor tear. im not in SEVERE pain.

[@eriklambert2422]

In addition, I was able to shoulder press 225 and bench press 340 before any injury. BTW, the tear was NOT the result of weightlifting, but from a fall. Is it theoretically possible that with the finest rehab care, nutrition, myofascial release therapy, etc., that I could some day shoulder press and bench press my numbers like before? If so, what do you estimate the full recover time to be to get to this point? If not, please explain why not. Thanks for your continued responses. (;^}

[@subpar47]

How long is it before you muscle will atrophy if you have a tear?

[@eriklambert2422]

Thank you for the replies. After visiting with our ortho surgeon and his examination of the MRI film and report, the full thickness tear is not at the bone but in the tendon (near the humorous of course). It appears as though the tendon is intact at the bone but with a full tear a little way away from the bone. Ortho says that anchors and sutures will pull it back to the bone. My question is what do they do with the supraspinatus tendon that is still attached to the bone?

[@dapinderpandher7791]

What u do u do and hows ur rotator cuff now

[@AmethystWoman]

I am post op a complete rotator cuff tear and bicep tendon complete tear as well. I had a quick movement to my arm during a close car wreck and the repeat MRI is showing bone marrow edema of the humeral head, another tear in the infraspinatus tendon (not complete) and heterogeneous signal. I fear needing more surgery. Your thoughts would be appreciated.

[@JustForFun-li4qs]

I have a full tear from an injury that occurred 2 years ago. It has now retracted 4cm. Doctor says if it can not be stretched for repair, then a graph would be necessary and may not be successful. What do you think? Also, is there a biologics (non-surgical) treatment available?

[@sune3000]

MRI revealed 8 mm near full thickness tear. Doc recommends surgery saying I'm young (if one considers 44 young) fit and strong. Can tears this large benefit from PT or is surgery the only viable option?

[@GregoryHSmith-th2kw]

On Friday, Sept 1st... I had an Arthrogram procedure done on my Right Shoulder. It turns out, 2 of the 4 muscles that operate my Rotator Cuff is completely torn. I'm not in any pain, but my Right arm (which is my dominant arm is much weaker than my left arm) I have had a Rotator Cuff surgery 3 years ago, my question is: Should I have another, merely to strengthen my Right Arm, since I'm not in any pain? And should I be concerned, not having any pain??

[@imaxoutt]

Mr. Howard Luks 3 days ago i was benching a heavy amount of weight and i felt pain on my shoulder my friend who was spotting me says my posture was poor since its my first time on that weight i left the gym when that happend and i just rested at home, i couldnt raise my arm or simply lift my arm due to shoulder pain and as of Now its fine and way less pain i still feel it but ill rest for a week or two. Do you think i tore a rotator cuff? When do you think i should be able to lift again? Thanks

[@carlricodavid]

Im 17 years old and i think i might have injured my cuff rotator. ITs my 2nd week now. I do weight lifting quite often. I can lift my arm in full motion and it doesnt hurt that much. but if i do 90 degrees rotation exercise with it, i can just feel my shoulder clicking and it hurts a bit. I am not so keen about surgery or the injections. Should I continue doing the stretching exercises? and will i be able to lift normally after I have recovered? hoping to hear from you real soon, thank you!

[@jh5174]

Would you share experiences of ill place and forceful injection...I experience this...and experience exreme pain and severe limited ROM..and am having great difficulty getting proper care related to injury... I appreciate you r information...

[@John-pg3pi]

Hi i bench pressed some weights 4 days ago and my 'form' was not great which i realised at one stage but kept going ,my rotator cuff joint began to niggle me a few hours later and was worse the next day and slightly worse the day after,there was no sudden jerking pain when i was lifting i might add, now 4 days later it is no better and am finding it difficult to raise my arm without real pain so was wondering could this be just an inflammation or could it be worse? ps i am 42 years old, thank U

[@MyHCGLog]

Hey Doc, just found out today I have a Full Rotator Tear, it happened during a workout, I mainly feel it at nighttime when lying down and a little during the day. I know I shouldn't lift weights but can I still jog, or do stairs or even cycle? It happened 1 month ago. how long is recovery post op? thanks

[@jamesbraun4759]

I need some help, if you don't mind. I'm a weightlifter and tore my shoulder. The MRI results show a small torn subscapularis (about 3mm) with some tendinitis and bursitis in the shoulder. I was wondering if this would heal on its own with physical therapy? I start PT on Monday

[@HowardLuksMD]

James Braun the pain from small tears can be treated with PT.

[@HowardLuksMD]

At 16, your primary ongoing issue is going to be whether or not your shoulder dislocates again. Unfortunately the risk of that is high at your age. You may or may not be able to return to full activities depending on whether or not your shoulder remains "unstable". Did your doctor talk to you about labral tears? Good Luck !

[@zahidrashid8150]

Its been abour 3 months that I had a bad fall on an outstretched left hand and have been diagnosed a near complete tear in MRI. The pain is tolerable and arm motion has improved from zero with physio. Hopefully will improve more. I am 70 yrs old Do I need surgery to fix it? Zahid Rashid Pakistan

[@sakiwama755]

I went for a sogorey 27 years ago for my shoulder know as putti plate and now IAM experience a pain in my shoulder after fall from the fall and I know I have tear my rotator cuff.

[@MrClassy24]

Hey Howard I hurt my rotator cuff and football and I can barely throw a ball or put the squat bar behind my head do you think I have a tear

[@HowardLuksMD]

@joevill Thanks Joe...

[@elmarcle]

Hey Howard! Great video. I'd love some advice from ya, I first injured my rotator cuff in march, reinjured it in july, still have majority of ROM just a bit weak, no health insurance. What'd you recommend?

[@davidlrose3010]

I originally hurt my left shoulder six months ago and rehabbed with rotator cuff exercise and got to where I could lift significant weight again. About a month ago I did a higher risk weight exercise and now my shoulder is very painful, especially at night. I can still do some rotator cuff exercises with light weight. So mine sounds its age related (55). I am hoping that surgery can add years to my ability to exercise as intensely as I would like, does that sound reasonable to expect?

[@stevetassie1207]

nice video , very informative , had a rotor cuff repaired 6 yrs ago and has been good untill 6 weeks ago ,hard to sleep cannot reach around to wash back etc all those things a torn cuff makes it hard to do , muscle spasms down the bicep ,nerve shocks etc , have had an ultra sound that shows up 2 tears and a lot of fluid and degeniration , was very impressed by your video , clear ,straight to the point no mumbo jumbo , am due to see the same surgeon who performed the 1st one 6 yrs ago in 1 weeks time [ he is a highly qualified orpathedic knee and shoulder surgeon ] so hopefully all will go well , thank you steve hanlon australia

[@neil2913]

Steve, I'm in the same boat as you I think. It's been 5 years for me since first operation and now I'm feeling that same rotten pain I felt the first time around. I see you posted this 2 months ago. Did you get your second operation after all?

[@HowardLuksMD]

That type of complaint and pain pattern can be associate with a number of rotator cuff issues ... such as inflammation, bursitis, rotator cuff tendinosis, partial and complete tears. Only a good exam, and possibly an ultrasound or MRI can tell for sure. Good Luck .

[@harsh1822]

hello sir, its been 2 months since I have been treated for my subscapularis tear! rotator cuff tear (focal intra substance tear 8mm from exterior) with cold laser therapy and strengthing exercises. I am now able to do all the movements easily. I wanna know whether I can go to gym in future and can I do kick boxing or Ay active sports.

[@HowardLuksMD]

Erik.. It's not possible for me to give you a treatment plan just based on an MRI finding. Some rotator cuff tears will prove to require surgery, while others will not. It depends on patient variables, how the tendon and muscle appear on the MRI and other issues which need to be put in context as well. Sorry and good luck!

[@fezstavrou7742]

I'm 22. i have dislocated both by shoulders in the past 3 years, im quite flexible.. however whenever the dilocate i can pop them back in. i do alot of surfing and my shoulders get tired very quickly, i think maybe the movement is strengh=thening the opposite side of my shoulders? i also have winged scapula.. i really dont want surgery, i would be so distraught if i couldnt surf for ages.. how long does it take to heal after surgery though? :'(

[@Excaliburhope]

How about small acute tears should they need surgery?

[@bmpayne481]

What should I do if I have waited way to long and no insurance

[@HowardLuksMD]

Muscles can begin to atrophy shortly after a complete rupture occurs... the keyword being complete tear. That means that the entire tendon of one of the muscles has torn off the bone. If you have a small tear, then some of the tendon is still attached so atrophy is less likely to occur.

[@barryperlmutter4516]

Are the reasons for re tears Atrophy, and Arthritis???

[@mistyblue7141]

I have a partial high grade tear and I'm contemplating surgery, what is ur advise on partial tears can they repair on there own?

[@not4yman]

Hi, has it healed?

[@ljpphel826]

my supraspinatus tendon has tore of the arm bone 18 mm full thickness tear , it was torn 5 months ago , is that to long of a window to repair it

[@lashondahursey6116]

How are you

[@ronaldcarpenter4556]

MRI moderate to severe critical zone and intentional TENDINOPATHY please of the SUPRASPINATUS TENDON That was some of the evaluation?

[@standupscardina]

Very informative. Hoping to avoid surgery. Thanks!

[@marcdonnelly7414]

I have a three and a half centimetre tear in my supraspinatus tendon. I am 65 years old I'm scheduled for surgery next week. My question is, I am still working as an equipment technician and I still play golf every day. Do I still require surgery or should I wait.

[@gregbernstein6430]

Once a rotator cuff has been torn; it never stops tearing. You might as well get the surgery over with. Rehabilitation for a tear is a living Hell. Godspeed!

[@nevaron7]

Great information. I had a full thickness tear with frayed tendons, frozen shoulder. Surgery went VERY well, he put a screw in there to hold it all together. I had FULL recovery because I wanted it and I was in good shape for someone in late 50s. I did NOT download anyone else's experience and trust me there were tons of horrible stories. Mine was a great outcome. My other arm is now doing the same thing, had an MRI radiologist said about 25% partial tear, surgeron who did the last surgery in 2007 said he said a little bit more about 35%. I am choosing NO surgery, still continue to exercise...I don't have pain unless I move it a certain direction. I sleep fine arm does not hurt. I will revisit the surgeon in 2 months. You are correct in saying don't get to the point it moves away from the bone. Thank you again.

[@HowardLuksMD]

Ben .. 25 is young for a full thickness rotator cuff tear. Most providers would favor surgery if our examination and your history point towards the rotator cuff as the source of your pain.

[@josecervantes3451]

Estoy por hacerme una operación estoy seguro que estaría interesado en mi caso Houston tx

[@liamuy771]

I have 5 mm tear in my supraspinatus, i can raise my arm and move it around ok but reaching for something hurts. Pain is worst sometimes and had to take pain meds. Did physial therapy but didnt work and had a shot but didnt work either. Is surgery the next step for me? Thank you

[@kcfitted]

Did you end up getting surgery?