About Rotator Cuff (Tear & Tendinitis)
A rotator cuff problem, whether a tear or tendinitis, causes shoulder pain with lifting, overhead activity, and night pain. Both respond extremely well to targeted progressive loading before considering surgery.
Expected Recovery Window
Tendinitis: 4–8 weeks. Partial tear (conservative): 8–16 weeks. Post-surgical repair: 4–6+ months.
Common Symptoms
Pain at the side or front of the shoulder with lifting or overhead motion; arc of pain between 60–120 degrees; night pain on the affected side; weakness with resisted shoulder rotation or overhead reaching; aching after activity or sport. Full tears may cause significant weakness or inability to hold the arm elevated.
Common Causes
Tendinitis: repetitive overhead loading, poor scapular control, rapid training increase. Tears: falls or sudden traction injury, lifting heavy objects, repetitive overhead work, age-related tendon degeneration, prior impingement or tendinitis.
How We Treat Rotator Cuff (Tear & Tendinitis)
We assess whether your presentation is tendinitis, a partial tear, or a full-thickness tear, because each has a different treatment trajectory. Tendinitis responds to progressive rotator cuff and scapular loading. Partial tears follow a similar progressive loading path with activity modification. Full tears are evaluated for surgical vs conservative goals. Post-surgical rehab follows protocol-based progressions protecting the repair while rebuilding strength and confidence.
