Rotator Cuff Tears

Rotator Cuff Tears – Restoring Strength and Mobility to the Shoulder

Overview

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that work together to stabilize your shoulder joint and allow a wide range of arm movement. These tendons keep the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) securely within the shallow socket of the shoulder (glenoid).

When one or more of these tendons are partially or completely torn, it leads to a rotator cuff tear — one of the most common causes of shoulder pain and weakness. Tears can result from sudden trauma, repetitive overhead motion, or age-related degeneration of the tendons.

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, patients across Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas receive expert diagnosis and treatment for rotator cuff injuries. Dr. Robert L. Burke’s patient-first approach combines advanced imaging, regenerative therapies, and minimally invasive surgical techniques to restore shoulder strength and motion.

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Understanding the Rotator Cuff

The rotator cuff is made up of four key muscles:

Sudden twisting or rolling of the ankle, often during sports or physical activity
Uneven surfaces that cause the foot to turn inward or outward unexpectedly
Improper footwear that fails to support the ankle
Previous ankle injuries that weakened ligament strength
Jumping, running, or landing incorrectly

Supraspinatus: Lifts the arm away from the body.
Infraspinatus: Rotates the arm outward.
Teres minor: Assists with external rotation.
Subscapularis: Rotates the arm inward.

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These tendons form a cuff around the shoulder joint, ensuring smooth, stable movement. When the rotator cuff tears, the shoulder loses stability, resulting in pain, weakness, and limited mobility — especially during lifting or overhead motion.

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Common Causes and Risk Factors

Common causes include:

Sharp pain or tenderness around the ankle joint
Swelling and bruising within hours of injury
Difficulty bearing weight or walking
Stiffness or restricted range of motion
Weakness or instability in the ankle after activity

Repetitive stress or overuse: Frequent overhead movements such as throwing, lifting, or painting.
Trauma: Falls, direct blows, or lifting heavy objects unexpectedly.
Difficulty bearing weight or walking
Degeneration: Age-related wear that weakens tendon fibers.
Poor posture: Rounded shoulders increase tendon friction.
Bone spurs: Can rub against tendons and cause fraying or tearing.

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Risk Factors:

Grade I (Mild): Slight stretching or micro-tears in ligament fibers
Grade II (Moderate): Partial ligament tear with more significant swelling and pain
Grade III (Severe): Complete ligament tear, causing instability and loss of support

Age over 40
Occupations requiring repetitive overhead work
Sports involving throwing, swimming, or tennis
Previous shoulder injuries
Smoking (reduces tendon blood supply)

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Symptoms

Rotator cuff tears can cause mild discomfort or severe pain that disrupts daily activities.
Common symptoms include:

X-rays to rule out bone fractures
MRI scans to evaluate soft tissue and ligament damage
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Pain or weakness when lifting or rotating the arm
Dull ache deep in the shoulder, often worsening at night
Difficulty reaching overhead or behind the back
Cracking or popping sounds during arm movement
Limited range of motion
Shoulder fatigue or instability

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Small tears may only cause intermittent discomfort, while full-thickness tears can significantly limit movement and strength.

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Diagnosis

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, performs a comprehensive evaluation to confirm a rotator cuff tear and determine the extent of injury.

Diagnostic process includes:

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Medical history: Discussion of symptoms, activities, and any prior shoulder injuries.
Physical examination: Tests strength, range of motion, and identifies pain patterns.

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Imaging:

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X-rays: Detect bone spurs or structural changes.
Ultrasound: Evaluates tendon movement and partial tears.
MRI: Provides a detailed view of the tendons and surrounding muscles to confirm the size and type of tear.

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Accurate diagnosis ensures the most effective and personalized treatment plan.

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Treatment Options at Dr. Burke Orthopedics

Dr. Burke’s approach to treating rotator cuff tears focuses on relieving pain, restoring strength, and preventing future injury.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Many partial tears and mild cases improve with conservative management.

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Rest and activity modification: Avoiding overhead or repetitive strain.
Anti-inflammatory medication: Reduces pain and swelling.
Cold therapy: Helps control inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory medications: Relieve discomfort and aid recovery.

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Physical Therapy

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Strengthens surrounding muscles to compensate for weakness.
Improves range of motion and shoulder stability.
Focuses on posture and ergonomic retraining.

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PRP Therapy

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Platelet-rich plasma injections promote natural tendon healing using growth factors from your own blood.
Corticosteroid injections: Short-term relief for inflammation and pain.

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With consistent therapy, most patients experience improvement within 2–6 weeks.

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Surgical Treatments

If pain persists or the tear is severe, surgical intervention may be required to restore full function.
Dr. Burke specializes in minimally invasive shoulder surgery, including:

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Muscle or tendon repair: Reattachment of torn fibers to restore strength.

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Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

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Uses small incisions and a camera-guided tool to reattach the torn tendon to the bone.
Minimizes scarring and recovery time.

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Reconstructive Surgery

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Addresses complex or chronic tears that involve multiple tendons or muscle degeneration.
Tendon Transfer or Graft Repair: In advanced cases, healthy tissue may be used to restore tendon integrity.

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Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery depends on tear severity, treatment type, and patient goals.

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Typical recovery timelines:

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Non-surgical treatment: 6–8 weeks for pain reduction and improved motion.
Arthroscopic repair: 4–6 months for full strength and stability.
Reconstructive repair: 6–9 months for full recovery and return to activity.

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Rehabilitation goals:

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Control inflammation and swelling
Gradually improve flexibility and motion
Strengthen rotator cuff and surrounding muscles
Restore functional movement for daily activities or sports

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Each recovery plan is customized by Dr. Burke’s team to ensure safe and effective healing.

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Long-Term Outlook and Prevention

Most patients recover full shoulder function when treatment begins early and rehabilitation is followed consistently.
Prevention and long-term strategies:

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Warm up and stretch before activity
Strengthen shoulder and upper back muscles
Maintain proper posture during work or exercise
Avoid repetitive overhead motion without rest
Address shoulder pain early to prevent worsening tears

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Proper conditioning and balanced training are essential to long-term shoulder health.

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When to Seek Medical Care

You should schedule a consultation if:

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Pain or weakness lasts longer than two weeks
You struggle to lift or rotate your arm
Shoulder pain disturbs your sleep
You experience a sudden pop or loss of strength
Symptoms persist despite rest or home care

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Early evaluation prevents larger tears and helps preserve shoulder function.

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Take the First Step Toward Recovery

If shoulder pain or weakness is limiting your ability to work, exercise, or sleep, expert care can help you recover safely.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating rotator cuff injuries with compassionate care and advanced surgical precision.

We proudly serve Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, providing complete orthopedic care from diagnosis through rehabilitation.

Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online to schedule your consultation with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder repair and rehabilitation.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you have read here. If you are experiencing severe pain, numbness, or loss of function, please contact a medical professional immediately or visit your nearest emergency center.