Shoulder

Rotator Cuff Tear

Also called: Torn shoulder tendon

A partial or full-thickness tear of a cuff tendon — from acute trauma at any age or gradual degeneration with years (tears are common and often symptom-free after 60). The decision landscape: acute traumatic tears in younger patients lean surgical early; degenerative tears usually start with rehab, which succeeds for most.

Common signs

Shoulder pain with overhead use and at night
Weakness lifting or rotating the arm — sometimes profound in large tears
Difficulty reaching behind the back
A traumatic story (fall, yank) or a slow burn over months

Seek help now if

Sudden major weakness after trauma — timely surgical evaluation matters for repairability
Inability to lift the arm at all (pseudo-paralysis)
Hot joint with fever

If any of these is sudden or severe, call 911 or go to an emergency room. For the others, get examined before you start self-care.

What to do first

Prompt exam distinguishing weakness from pain-inhibition; strength testing maps which tendon and how much
Traumatic full-thickness tears in active patients: early imaging and surgical consult — delay can cost repair options
Degenerative tears: begin a structured rehab program; most respond well over 12 weeks

The longer road

Rehab centers on the remaining cuff, deltoid, and scapular system compensating brilliantly when trained
Monitor: increasing weakness or failed quality rehab reopens the surgical conversation
Post-repair patients follow a phase-locked protocol for months — the rehab is half the surgery

Natural healing options we use

Progressive strengthening program adapted to the tear
Manual therapy and cervicothoracic chiropractic care
Attended e-stim for recruitment; PEMF
Protein, collagen, omega-3, vitamin D for tendon health

About imaging

MRI (or ultrasound) sizes and locates the tear when the result would change the plan.

Daily self-care

Consistent daily program — compensation is trained, not wished for
Modify provocative overhead tasks during rebuild
Sleep support: pillow under the arm

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How we can help

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Please read: this page is education, not a diagnosis. A proper examination is how a condition gets confirmed and a plan gets built. See our medical disclaimer.