Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
Rotator cuff tears
Shoulder joint tear. Rotator cuff tears can destabilise your shoulder joint, making it difficult to raise your arms and perform routine tasks
What is a rotator cuff tear?
Rotator cuff tears are amongst the most common causes of shoulder pain. The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles and their tendons, which connect the shoulder blade to the upper arm bone (humerus) forming the shoulder joint. A rotator cuff tear will weaken your shoulder and restrict mobility.
Need to know
Some people may have a rotator cuff tear and not experience any symptoms. Others may experience acute pain and disability. Symptoms may include:
- pain in the shoulder area
- weakness when lifting or rotating your arm
- a cracking, popping or grating sensation when lifting your arm in certain positions
- neck pain may accompany shoulder pain
Your consultant will perform a physical assessment to diagnose a rotator cuff tear. This will involve examining the particular movements of your shoulder and assessing it for pain and weakness. You may also need:
- X-rays. This will not show the tears in the rotator cuff but may reveal associated conditions.
- An ultrasound scan. Your consultant will be able to examine your muscles, ligaments and soft tissue using this high frequency sound wave scan.
- An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan. An MRI is able to detect bones as well as muscles, ligaments and soft tissue.
Treatment depends on many factors including symptoms, the age and size of the tear, occupational and lifestyle requirements. Possible treatment options include:
- Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications to help ease the pain
- Steroid injections to reduce the swelling in the shoulder and act as a painkiller.
- Physiotherapy. This may include regular treatments with a physiotherapist as well as exercises you can perform regularly at home to reduce pain and build up strength.
- Surgery, such as a rotator cuff repair. If your rotator cuff tear is large, or smaller tears do not respond to the above treatments, your consultant may recommend surgical intervention.
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.