Expert treatment for rotator cuff tears from board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Daniel Feghhi. Learn about symptoms, treatment options, and minimally invasive surgical solutions.
A rotator cuff tear is a common shoulder injury that affects the group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint.
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.
Tears can be partial (partial-thickness) or complete (full-thickness). They may result from acute trauma or develop gradually due to degeneration and overuse.
Common causes include acute injuries (falls, lifting), repetitive overhead activities (tennis, baseball), and degenerative changes due to aging.
Age (over 40), occupations requiring overhead work, athletes, and individuals with previous shoulder injuries face higher risk of rotator cuff tears.
Smaller tears may heal with conservative treatment. Larger tears often require surgical intervention to restore function and relieve pain.
Treatment aims to relieve pain, restore strength and range of motion, and return patients to their normal activities. Dr. Feghhi creates personalized treatment plans.
Athletes (especially baseball, tennis, volleyball), construction workers, painters, individuals over 40, and anyone performing repetitive overhead motions.
Recognizing the signs of a rotator cuff tear and getting proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.
Dull, aching pain in the shoulder, especially when lifting the arm or lying on the affected side. Pain may radiate down the arm.
Difficulty lifting or rotating the arm. Weakness may make it hard to perform everyday activities like reaching or lifting objects.
Difficulty raising the arm overhead or behind the back. Stiffness may develop over time if the tear is not treated.
Grating or cracking sensations (crepitus) when moving the shoulder. May be accompanied by a catching sensation.
Pain that worsens at night, especially when lying on the affected shoulder. This is a common symptom of rotator cuff tears.
Dr. Feghhi will evaluate shoulder strength, range of motion, and perform specific tests like the Neer impingement sign and drop arm test.
Used to assess bone structure, rule out arthritis, and identify bone spurs that may contribute to impingement.
The gold standard for diagnosing rotator cuff tears. Shows the exact size, location, and severity of the tear, plus muscle quality.
Dynamic imaging to evaluate tendons in real-time, helpful for assessing tear size and detecting tendon retraction.
Dr. Feghhi offers comprehensive treatment options for rotator cuff tears, from conservative management to minimally invasive surgery.
Avoiding activities that aggravate the shoulder to allow healing and prevent further damage.
Customized exercises to strengthen shoulder muscles and improve flexibility and function.
NSAIDs and pain relievers to manage inflammation and discomfort during recovery.
Powerful anti-inflammatory injections to reduce pain and swelling in the shoulder joint.
Minimally invasive surgery using small incisions and a camera to reattach the torn tendon to the bone.
Traditional surgical approach for large or complex tears, providing direct access to the damaged tendon.
Combines arthroscopic and open techniques for optimal visualization and minimally invasive benefits.
For massive irreparable tears, nearby tendons may be transferred to restore function.
For severe arthritis with massive rotator cuff tears, reverse shoulder replacement may be recommended.
Platelet-rich plasma injections may promote healing in some partial tears and tendinopathy.
Get answers to the most common questions about rotator cuff tears.
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.
Dr. Feghhi sees patients at multiple convenient locations throughout New Jersey.