Rotator cuff tear: Symptoms and effective treatment of a rotator cuff tear

Shoulder pain , limited mobility and loss of strength – these complaints are often caused by a so-called rotator cuff tear .

This is a tear in one or more tendons that stabilize the humeral head. The injury can occur suddenly or develop gradually over years.

In our specialized shoulder practice in Munich, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of rotator cuff tears and accompany you on the path back to pain-free movement.

What is the rotator cuff?

The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and their tendons that surround the shoulder joint. The tendons of the rotator cuff are:

• Supraspinatus

• Infraspinatus

• Teres minor

• Subscapularis

Together, they ensure the stability and mobility of the shoulder—particularly when lifting and rotating the arm. In a rotator cuff tear , one or more of these tendons tear—either partially ( partial tear ) or completely ( complete damage ). Ruptures of the tendons of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles are most common, followed by the subscapularis muscle, and least commonly, the teres minor muscle.

Causes: How does a rotator cuff tear occur?

A rotator cuff tear can have various causes. The most common causes of a rotator cuff tear include:

1. Degenerative (wear-related):

Over time, tendon tissue loses elasticity and becomes more prone to tears. Small micro-injuries caused by wear and tear during overhead work, sports, or poor posture and restricted movement of the shoulder blade can, over time, degenerate into a tendon tear.

2. Traumatic (due to an accident):

A fall on an outstretched arm or an abrupt, jerky movement can cause sudden damage – often in younger or athletic people.

3. Secondary to other shoulder problems:

Impingement syndrome (narrowing under the shoulder roof) or calcification of the shoulder can place additional strain on the tissue and lead to a tendon rupture.

Shoulder pain and other common symptoms of a rotator cuff tear of the shoulder

The symptoms depend on whether the rupture occurred suddenly or gradually:

• Pain when exerting stress , especially when lifting the arm, e.g. combing the hair

• Night pain , especially when lying on the affected side

• Loss of strength when lifting or turning the arm, e.g. carrying shopping bags

• Restricted movement

• Cracking or rubbing noises in the shoulder joint

In the case of an acute rupture, the pain can be very severe and mobility can be suddenly restricted.

Diagnosis of a rotator cuff tear

The diagnosis of a rotator cuff tear can often be made clinically. In our practice, we perform a thorough clinical examination , specifically testing your shoulder's mobility, strength, and pain points.

Modern imaging techniques are used for further clarification:

• Ultrasound – an ultrasound examination is suitable for a quick assessment directly in the practice

• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) – for precise visualization of the tendon tear, its size and possible accompanying injuries

• X-ray – to assess the bony structures

Treatment of a rotator cuff tear: conservative or surgical?

The choice of therapy depends on the extent of the rupture, the age , the physical load and the individual limitations.

Conservative treatment for tendon rupture (rotator cuff tear)

Conservative therapy

For small or painless partial tears, surgery can often be avoided. The goal is to preserve shoulder function through targeted measures:

• Physiotherapy to strengthen muscles and relieve tendon strain

• Pain and inflammation relief through medication or injections

• Daily adjustment to avoid further irritation

This form of therapy is particularly suitable for older patients or people with only minor functional impairments.

How long should I continue with conservative treatment and when is surgery recommended for a rotator cuff tendon tear?

Surgery is recommended if:

• the complained symptoms persist despite therapy

• the tendon is completely severed and its function is impaired

• the shoulder is severely weakened

• younger or active patients are affected

Surgical therapy

You should prepare yourself accordingly for the treatment of shoulder diseases and injuries as well as wear and tear of the cuff.

If the supraspinatus tendon is damaged or if several tendons of the rotator cuff are worn, the extremity will be immobilized for a short time after the procedure.

At the beginning, raising the arm is only done as part of physiotherapy, passively or by using a movement chair.

During the course of the treatment, muscle strengthening exercises are necessary to prepare the rotator cuff muscles and the joint for sporting activities.

How is the operation performed and how can I prepare for surgical treatment of the shoulder joint?

In most cases, the procedure is performed arthroscopically (keyhole surgery) . The torn shoulder tendon is repaired using small instruments in a minimally invasive manner during arthroscopy, and the torn tendons are reattached to the bone . The aim of the operation is to quickly relieve severe pain or pain in the shoulder area, improve mobility, and protect the shoulder from subsequent damage. When there is a tear in the rotator cuff, damage to the long biceps tendon and a tightness under the acromion are often treated in the same procedure to correct causes that could lead to a rotator cuff tear and to improve the long-term prognosis for the shoulder.

In severe cases, reconstructive surgery of the shoulder joint or – in cases of very extensive damage – an artificial tendon transfer, a capsule reconstruction between the acetabulum and the humeral head or an inverse shoulder prosthesis may be necessary.

Follow-up treatment, rehabilitation and chances of recovery from rotator cuff tears

After arthroscopic reconstruction, structured follow-up treatment is crucial. Typically, a rest period with immobilization begins. This can last from three to six weeks , followed by controlled physical therapy . Depending on the type of procedure, rehabilitation lasts between six and 12 months .

Physiotherapy treatment of the affected shoulder is important for the first six weeks after surgery. During this time, the shoulder is additionally moved passively using a CPM (continuous passive motion) chair.

Later on, independent training or exercises can complement the therapy. Healing is monitored through regular checkups, including a manual shoulder examination and ultrasound examination.

With early diagnosis and consistent follow-up treatment, the chances of recovery are very good – many patients fully regain their shoulder function after rotator cuff repair . Patients typically report that the stabbing pain they previously experienced was quickly relieved. In most cases, pain medication can be discontinued a few weeks after surgery.

Conclusion: Early therapy pays off

A rotator cuff tear is no small matter – if left untreated, it can lead to permanent movement restrictions in the shoulder area or shoulder arthrosis.

The earlier the correct therapy is started, the better the chances of recovery.

In our shoulder practice in Munich, our orthopedic surgeon Prof. Ockert offers you individual, holistic care – from the first consultation to complete recovery.

Do you have shoulder pain or problems lifting your arm?

Make an appointment now with your shoulder specialist in Munich – we will help you competently and personally.