What is a rotator cuff tear?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that surround the shoulder joint, holding the arm in the socket and letting you lift and rotate it. A rotator cuff tear happens when one or more of those tendons is partially or fully torn — from a sudden injury or, more often, gradual wear over time. It's one of the most common causes of shoulder pain and weakness we treat.
Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear
- Shoulder pain that's often worse at night or when lying on that side.
- Pain when lifting or reaching overhead or behind your back.
- Weakness when raising or rotating the arm.
- Limited range of motion and, sometimes, a crackling sensation with movement.
What causes rotator cuff tears?
Tears can result from an acute injury — such as a fall or lifting something heavy — but most develop gradually with age as the tendons wear down. Repetitive overhead activity (from work or sports), bone spurs, and reduced blood supply to the tendons all increase the risk.
How we diagnose it
Diagnosis begins with a physical exam that tests your shoulder's strength and range of motion, along with imaging when needed. X-rays help rule out other problems, and an MRI or ultrasound shows the tendons in detail to confirm the location and size of a tear.
Treatment options
Most rotator cuff problems are treated without surgery first:
- Rest & activity modification to calm the inflamed or injured tendon.
- Physical therapy to restore strength, flexibility, and shoulder mechanics.
- Medications to control pain and inflammation.
- Injections for targeted relief when appropriate.
- Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair — a minimally invasive surgery to reattach the torn tendon — when symptoms are severe or don't respond to conservative care.
Request an appointment or call (717) 358-0800 to have your shoulder evaluated by our orthopedic team.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What are the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear?
Common symptoms include shoulder pain — often worse at night or when lifting or reaching overhead — weakness when raising the arm, and a limited range of motion. Some people notice a crackling sensation with certain movements.
Does a rotator cuff tear always need surgery?
No. Many rotator cuff tears improve with non-surgical care such as rest, physical therapy, activity modification, and injections. Surgery — typically arthroscopic repair — is considered when symptoms are severe, the tear is large, or non-surgical treatment doesn't restore function.
How long is recovery after rotator cuff repair?
Recovery is gradual and involves a period of protected motion followed by physical therapy to rebuild strength, often over several months. Your surgeon will tailor the timeline to the size of the tear and your goals.
What happens if a rotator cuff tear is left untreated?
Some tears remain stable, but others can enlarge over time and lead to increasing weakness or difficulty with daily activities. If shoulder pain or weakness persists, have it evaluated. Call Argires Specialty Group at (717) 358-0800 to schedule an assessment in Lancaster, PA.
Shoulder pain keeping you up at night?
Our orthopedic team will pinpoint the cause and build a plan — from therapy to arthroscopic repair when needed. Schedule a consultation today.
Request an Appointment Call (717) 358-0800