Rotator cuff tears

Rotator cuff tears are a common cause of shoulder pain and disability in adults. Whether caused by repetitive movements over time or from a sudden fall or injury, rotator cuff tears can make it painful and difficult to raise your arm overhead. At UF Health Jacksonville, our specialists will tailor a treatment plan to meet your needs. They are committed to helping you recover from your injury and return to your favorite activities.

Rotator cuff tears: What you need to know

The group of muscles called the rotator cuff firmly hold the arm bone and shoulder socket together allowing you to lift and rotate your arm.
Symptoms that indicate you may have a rotator cuff tear include difficulty and pain raising your arm, clicking or popping sounds during movement or shoulder weakness.
Rotator cuff tears often occur in a person’s dominant arm.
For some people, work or routine chores can cause overuse tears.
Stress on the shoulder can also be a result of activities with repetitive motions such as sports swimming, weightlifting or tennis.
As people age into their 40s and beyond, rotator cuff tears become more common.

Rotator cuff tears: Diagnosis and Treatment

Your physician will evaluate your range of motion and arm strength, as well as level of pain, with a physical exam. To confirm that you have a tear in the muscle, you may also need additional tests such as an MRI or ultrasound.

Your treatment will depend on the cause and severity of the tear. Many rotator cuff tears can be treated successfully without surgery. Your physician’s initial plan may include rest, pain relievers or physical therapy. More severe tears may require surgery, which is most often performed with minimally invasive techniques.