Shoulder Conditions

Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment

Expert treatment for rotator cuff tears from board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Daniel Feghhi. Learn about symptoms, treatment options, and minimally invasive surgical solutions.

Board Certified
Fellowship Trained
15+ Years Experience
Inflamed shoulder muscle and painful joint anatomy
Understanding Rotator Cuff Tears

What Is a Rotator Cuff Tear?

A rotator cuff tear is a common shoulder injury that affects the group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint.

Anatomy of the Rotator Cuff

The rotator cuff consists of four muscles: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. These muscles form a cuff around the shoulder joint, providing stability and enabling rotation.

Types of Tears

Tears can be partial (partial-thickness) or complete (full-thickness). They may result from acute trauma or develop gradually due to degeneration and overuse.

Causes

Common causes include acute injuries (falls, lifting), repetitive overhead activities (tennis, baseball), and degenerative changes due to aging.

Risk Factors

Age (over 40), occupations requiring overhead work, athletes, and individuals with previous shoulder injuries face higher risk of rotator cuff tears.

Healing Potential

Smaller tears may heal with conservative treatment. Larger tears often require surgical intervention to restore function and relieve pain.

Treatment Goals

Treatment aims to relieve pain, restore strength and range of motion, and return patients to their normal activities. Dr. Feghhi creates personalized treatment plans.

Who Is at Risk?

Athletes (especially baseball, tennis, volleyball), construction workers, painters, individuals over 40, and anyone performing repetitive overhead motions.

Recognition & Diagnosis

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Recognizing the signs of a rotator cuff tear and getting proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.

Common Symptoms

Shoulder Pain

Dull, aching pain in the shoulder, especially when lifting the arm or lying on the affected side. Pain may radiate down the arm.

Weakness

Difficulty lifting or rotating the arm. Weakness may make it hard to perform everyday activities like reaching or lifting objects.

Limited Range of Motion

Difficulty raising the arm overhead or behind the back. Stiffness may develop over time if the tear is not treated.

Popping or Cracking

Grating or cracking sensations (crepitus) when moving the shoulder. May be accompanied by a catching sensation.

Night Pain

Pain that worsens at night, especially when lying on the affected shoulder. This is a common symptom of rotator cuff tears.

Diagnostic Methods

Physical Examination

Dr. Feghhi will evaluate shoulder strength, range of motion, and perform specific tests like the Neer impingement sign and drop arm test.

X-Rays

Used to assess bone structure, rule out arthritis, and identify bone spurs that may contribute to impingement.

MRI Scan

The gold standard for diagnosing rotator cuff tears. Shows the exact size, location, and severity of the tear, plus muscle quality.

Ultrasound

Dynamic imaging to evaluate tendons in real-time, helpful for assessing tear size and detecting tendon retraction.

Treatment Options

Treatment for Rotator Cuff Tears

Dr. Feghhi offers comprehensive treatment options for rotator cuff tears, from conservative management to minimally invasive surgery.

Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatments

Rest & Activity Modification

Avoiding activities that aggravate the shoulder to allow healing and prevent further damage.

Physical Therapy

Customized exercises to strengthen shoulder muscles and improve flexibility and function.

Medications

NSAIDs and pain relievers to manage inflammation and discomfort during recovery.

Cortisone Injections

Powerful anti-inflammatory injections to reduce pain and swelling in the shoulder joint.

Surgical Treatments

Arthroscopic Repair

Minimally invasive surgery using small incisions and a camera to reattach the torn tendon to the bone.

  • Small incisions
  • Less pain
  • Faster recovery

Open Repair

Traditional surgical approach for large or complex tears, providing direct access to the damaged tendon.

  • Best for large tears
  • Strong repair
  • Comprehensive access

Mini-Open Repair

Combines arthroscopic and open techniques for optimal visualization and minimally invasive benefits.

  • Hybrid approach
  • Less invasive
  • Excellent outcomes

Tendon Transfer

For massive irreparable tears, nearby tendons may be transferred to restore function.

  • For massive tears
  • Restores function
  • Alternative option

Shoulder Replacement

For severe arthritis with massive rotator cuff tears, reverse shoulder replacement may be recommended.

  • For end-stage disease
  • Pain relief
  • Improved function

PRP Therapy

Platelet-rich plasma injections may promote healing in some partial tears and tendinopathy.

  • Natural healing
  • Minimally invasive
  • Low risk
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about rotator cuff tears.

How do I know if I have a rotator cuff tear?

Can a rotator cuff tear heal without surgery?

How long does it take to recover from rotator cuff surgery?

What happens if a rotator cuff tear is not treated?

Will I need physical therapy after rotator cuff surgery?

Can I return to sports after rotator cuff surgery?

Ready to Find Relief from Your Rotator Cuff Injury?

Don't let a rotator cuff tear keep you from the activities you love. Dr. Daniel Feghhi and our team are here to help you get back to living pain-free.

Our Locations

Visit Our New Jersey Offices

Dr. Feghhi sees patients at multiple convenient locations throughout New Jersey.

Dover

400 W Blackwell St
Dover, NJ 07801

(973) 328-1200

Schedule Here

East Brunswick

East Brunswick, NJ

(732) 333-8700

Schedule Here

Elizabeth

Elizabeth, NJ

(908) 400-5990

Schedule Here

Hackensack

Hackensack, NJ

(201) 968-0230

Schedule Here

Wayne

Wayne, NJ

(973) 987-3040

Schedule Here

Schedule Your Visit

Book your appointment with Dr. Feghhi today.

Request Appointment