Rotator Cuff Tears

What is a Rotator Cuff Tear?
- The rotator cuff is a collection of muscles and tendons that work with the joint to keep the shoulder joint in position. Rotator cuff injuries are common and can occur during sports, from a fall, from repetitive overhead motion, or from degeneration of the tendon. Tears occur when the tendon fibers are damaged. The tear can involve the whole tendon (complete tear) or only some of the fibers (partial tear).
How do you know if you have a Rotator Cuff Tear?
- Patients typically experience pain over the outside of the shoulder or arm. To confirm the diagnosis of a rotator cuff injury you may require x-rays, ultrasound and/or MRI.
Treatment
- Conservative
  - Physical Therapy, Medications, Corticosteroid Injections
  - In many cases, rotator cuff injuries will heal without surgery.
- Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection
  - PRP and stem cell injections for Rotator Cuff Tears use a patient’s own platelets or stem cells to help accelerate healing and promote tissue regeneration. Learn more about PRP or stem cell injections here.
- Surgery
  - Most helpful for acute full-thickness tears

OTHER SHOULDER CONDITIONS