At a Glance
Whether a torn rotator cuff heals on its own depends largely on the type of tear. Complete tears typically require surgery, while about 8 in 10 people with partial tears improve with non-surgical care, according to Cleveland Clinic, though improvement can take months.
Rotator cuff injuries often result from age-related wear and tear, but can also stem from trauma like a dislocated shoulder or from repetitive overhead motion common in certain jobs.
Initial treatment options include over-the-counter pain relievers, rest with ice, and physical therapy, with regenerative medicine offered as an additional non-surgical avenue for ongoing shoulder discomfort.
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons in your shoulder that keeps the ball of the upper arm bone (humerus) in the shoulder blade socket. It helps you lift and move your arm, such as when you raise your hand in class.
Explore Non-Surgical Options for Joint Pain
What Does a Torn Rotator Cuff Feel Like?
A torn rotator cuff does not always cause obvious pain. Mayo Clinic notes that some rotator cuff injuries cause no pain at all. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- A dull ache deep in the shoulder
- Discomfort that disrupts sleep
- Arm weakness that makes everyday tasks, like lifting your arm to comb your hair, more difficult
Because symptoms can be mild or easy to overlook, some people assume something else is causing the discomfort. If shoulder discomfort lingers, a provider can help identify the cause.
What Causes a Rotator Cuff Injury?
Most rotator cuff injuries develop from gradual wear and tear, and they become more common with age. Mayo Clinic says tears are most common in people older than 50. More than 2 million Americans experience some type of rotator cuff problem every year (Cleveland Clinic).
Other common causes include:
- Trauma, such as a broken collarbone or a dislocated shoulder
- Overuse from repetitive overhead motion, such as the work done by carpenters, mechanics, and painters
A rotator cuff tear happens when a tendon pulls away from the arm bone. In a partial tear, the tendon is still partially attached. In a complete tear, the tendon separates completely from the bone.
At that point you’re probably wondering, can a torn rotator cuff heal on its own, or will it require surgery?
Partial vs. Complete Rotator Cuff Tears
| Tear Type | What Happens | Can It Improve Without Surgery? |
|---|---|---|
| Partial tear | The tendon is damaged but still partially attached to the bone. | Often. About 8 in 10 people with partial tears improve with non-surgical care, per Cleveland Clinic, though it can take up to a year. |
| Complete tear | The tendon separates completely from the bone. | Typically requires surgery. |
How Is a Torn Rotator Cuff Treated?
The short answer is that it depends on the tear. A complete tear will typically require surgery, but there are rotator cuff surgery alternatives for many partial tears. About 8 in 10 people with partial tears improve with non-surgical care, although improvement can take time.
It is best to have a provider look at shoulder pain or discomfort. Without treatment for a prolonged period, you may experience decreasing strength and a loss of motion.
Here are four treatment options to discuss with your provider for shoulder pain:
1. Over-the-counter pain relievers: may help ease pain and swelling.
2. Arm sling and rest with ice compresses: gives the shoulder a break from aggravating activity.
3. Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles: uses stretching and strengthening exercises under a provider’s guidance.
4. Visit QC Kinetix: regenerative medicine may be an additional non-surgical option for ongoing shoulder discomfort. Your first visit is a complimentary consultation.
Treatment Options
When you start feeling pain or discomfort, it’s best to have your provider take a look at it. There are some things that can be done to provide relief. Without treatment for a prolonged period, you will likely experience decreasing strength and perhaps even a loss of motion. Can a torn rotator cuff heal on its own? The answer: It depends.
A complete tear will typically require surgery, but there are rotator cuff surgery alternatives when you have a partial tear. In fact, the Mayo clinic says 80% of people with partial tears get better without surgery, although it will take time.
Here are four treatment options to discuss with your provider for shoulder pain:
1. Over-the-counter pain relievers: may help ease pain and swelling.
2. Arm sling and rest with ice compresses: gives the shoulder a break from aggravating activity.
3. Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles: uses stretching and strengthening exercises under a provider’s guidance.
4. Visit QC Kinetix: regenerative medicine may be an additional non-surgical option for ongoing shoulder discomfort. Your first visit is a complimentary consultation.
Easing Shoulder Pain at QC Kinetix
QC Kinetix is a non-surgical regenerative medicine practice dedicated to helping you minimize pain associated with musculoskeletal conditions or injuries. When you visit our clinic, we spend time getting to know you and understanding the cause of your shoulder pain so we can customize a treatment plan designed to improve your quality of life.
Regenerative medicine utilizes natural biologics that may help decrease pain in the shoulder related to injuries like rotator cuff tears. Our regenerative medicine treatments are designed to target the source of shoulder pain and support the body’s natural healing processes.
What To Expect at Your Complimentary Consultation
At your visit, our providers will:
- Review your symptoms
- Discuss your medical history
- Evaluate your shoulder function
- Explain your non-surgical treatment options
Ready to explore non-surgical options for shoulder pain?
Find a QC Kinetix location near you and request a complimentary consultation.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Individual results vary. Regenerative treatments have contraindications, including pregnancy, active cancer, immunocompromise, undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, dialysis, and total joint replacement.
