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?
Need to know
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What are the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear? icon plus
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
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Diagnosing a rotator cuff tear icon plus
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.
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Potential treatment options icon plus
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.
Our shoulder consultants
Our locations
From complex shoulder surgery to diagnostic tests and scans, we provide exceptional orthopaedic care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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The Portland Hospital
205 - 209 Great Portland Street
London W1W 5AH
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HCA UK at The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 1NY
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
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Platinum Medical Centre
15 - 17 Lodge Road
London
NW8 7JA
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Chelsea Outpatients
272 & 280 Kings Road
London SW3 5AW
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344