Rotator Cuff Surgery in Pearland, TX

What Is a Rotator Cuff Tear?

Your rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that hold your shoulder in place and let you lift, rotate, and reach. It’s responsible for most of your shoulder’s movement and stability, and it’s also one of the most common sources of shoulder pain we see in the office.

Tears happen from a sudden injury, like a fall or an awkward lift, or gradually, from years of overhead motion and normal wear on the tendon. Signs you might be dealing with a torn rotator cuff include:

• Pain that increases at night or when lying on the affected shoulder
• Weakness in lifting your arm or reaching overhead
• A deep, dull ache in the shoulder that is not completely relieved by rest
• Popping or crackling as you move your arm
• Difficulty performing routine tasks, such as brushing your hair or reaching behind your back

Not every tear needs surgery. Small, partial tears sometimes respond well to physical therapy, activity changes, or an injection. But full-thickness tears, tears that don’t improve with conservative treatment, or tears that keep you from doing your job or the activities you love are usually where rotator cuff tear surgery becomes the recommended option.

How Dr. Burke Decides If You Need Surgery

Every shoulder injury is different, so Dr. Robert L. Burke starts with a thorough exam and a look at your imaging, usually an MRI, to see exactly where and how badly the tendon is torn. He’ll factor in your age, activity level, how long you’ve had symptoms, and what you hope to return to doing.

If non-surgical treatment offers a strong chance at recovery, that’s where he’ll start. But when the tear is large, the tendon has pulled away significantly, or months of therapy haven’t led to meaningful improvement, surgery for rotator cuff damage is often the path that gets you the most complete and lasting recovery. Dr. Burke will walk you through exactly why he’s recommending it and what to expect, so you’re making an informed decision, not guesswork.

What Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery Involves

Most rotator cuff repairs today are done arthroscopically, using a small camera and specialized instruments through a few tiny incisions instead of one large cut. Dr. Burke reattaches the torn tendon to the bone using small anchors, then closes the incisions once the repair is secure.

For larger or more complex tears, an open or mini-open approach may give a stronger, more reliable repair, and Dr. Burke will recommend that only when it’s genuinely the better option for your specific tear.

Dr. Burke performs the surgery under general anesthesia to keep you comfortable as the initial anesthesia wears off. Most procedures take one to two hours, and since it’s outpatient surgery, you go home the same day.

Recovery After Rotator Cuff Tear Surgery

Healing a repaired tendon takes patience. Tendon-to-bone healing is a biological process that can’t be rushed, even if you feel well early on. Here’s the general path most patients follow:

• Weeks 0-6: For most of this time, your arm will be in a sling to protect the repair while the tendon begins to heal. Gentle passive motion exercises begin to keep the joint from stiffening, under the direction of Dr. Burke’s team.
• Weeks 6–12: The sling comes off, and active-assisted and active range-of-motion exercises increase. This is where physical therapy can be a key part of your recovery.
• Months 3-6: Strengthening exercises are done to build muscles around the repair. Most patients regain functional use of the shoulder for activities of daily living during this window.
• Months 6-12: Most patients reach near-full strength during this window and can return to sports, heavy lifting, or physically demanding work, depending on tear size and individual healing.

Our on-site physical therapists work directly with Dr. Burke throughout your recovery to monitor your progress. People who already know your history adjust your plan, not a new provider unfamiliar with your case.

Why Choose Dr. Burke for Rotator Cuff Tear Surgery in Pearland, TX

Choosing a surgeon for rotator cuff repair surgery is a decision that affects your strength and mobility for years to come. Dr. Burke has more than 35 years of orthopedic experience and has performed thousands of shoulder procedures, backed by board certification from the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and a Certificate in Orthopedic Sports Medicine.

We also offer same-day and next-day appointments. Once you’re in treatment, our on-site physical therapy team coordinates directly with your surgical plan instead of working from a separate office.