Rotator Cuff Surgery

Rotator cuff repair is a procedure to repair torn or damaged tendons in the shoulder. These tendons help keep your arm stable and allow you to lift and rotate it. The goal of surgery is to relieve pain, restore shoulder strength, and return you to normal function and activity.

Why Would I Have Rotator Cuff Surgery?

Rotator cuff surgery is usually recommended when a tear in one or more shoulder tendons causes significant pain or weakness that doesn’t improve with nonsurgical treatments. Tears can result from injury, overuse, or age-related wear and tear.

You may be a candidate for rotator cuff surgery if you have:

• A partial or complete tear confirmed on imaging (MRI or ultrasound)
• Persistent shoulder pain at rest or during activity
• Weakness or limited motion when lifting or rotating the arm
• Night pain that interferes with sleep
• Failure to improve after several months of rest, therapy, or injections

How Can This Surgery Help Me?

By reattaching the torn tendon to the bone, rotator cuff surgery can:

• Reduce or eliminate shoulder pain
• Restore shoulder strength and stability
• Improve mobility and function
• Prevent further tearing or degeneration

After recovery, many patients are able to return to sports, work, and daily activities without discomfort or weakness.

What Type of Anesthesia Is Used?

Rotator cuff repair is typically performed using regional anesthesia (a nerve block), which numbs the shoulder and arm while you remain in a light, “twilight” sleep, similar to a colonoscopy.

What Are the Risks?

As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks, including:

• Bleeding or infection
• Nerve or blood vessel injury
• Complications related to anesthesia
• Re-tear or failure of the tendon to heal
• Shoulder stiffness or limited range of motion
• Residual weakness or soreness
• Need for revision surgery in the future

What Will My Recovery Involve?

Recovery after rotator cuff surgery is gradual and carefully structured to allow the tendon to heal properly.

• Immobilization: Your arm will be in a sling for 2-4 weeks to protect the repair.
• You will come out of the sling on post-op day 1 to move your elbow, wrist, and fingers (no shoulder motion).
• Physical Therapy: Gentle motion begins soon after surgery to prevent stiffness.
• Strengthening: Gradual strengthening exercises start around 8–12 weeks.
• Return to Activity: Most patients resume full activity between 4–6 months, though full recovery may take up to a year.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

Recovery time depends on the size of the tear, your age, and your overall health. Most patients return to normal daily activities in 3–4 months and to sports or heavy lifting within 6–9 months.

What Improvements Can I Expect?

Most patients experience:

• Less pain and better sleep
• Improved range of motion
• Restored strength and shoulder stability
• Return to work and recreational activities

Studies show that over 85–90% of patients achieve significant pain relief and improved function after rotator cuff surgery (for single tendon tears)

What Are My Alternative Treatment Options?

Nonsurgical Treatments

• Physical therapy to improve flexibility and shoulder mechanics
• Activity modification or rest from aggravating movements
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain

Surgical Treatments

• Partial repair or debridement: Cleaning out frayed tissue if a full repair isn’t possible.
• Reverse shoulder replacement: An option if there’s an irreparable rotator cuff tear, significant dysfunction +/- arthritis

What Is the Outlook for Rotator Cuff Surgery?

Rotator cuff repair has a high success rate, especially when followed by dedicated rehabilitation. Most patients regain normal shoulder motion and strength and can return to their usual activities pain-free. Protecting the shoulder and following therapy instructions are key to a full recovery.