Many people wonder if surgery is necessary for a rotator cuff tear? Five or even ten years ago the answer would be a resounding YES, but not so much anymore. Presently, researchers are suggesting that there are those who will be just fine rehabbing. So, the next question is how do we know who may need surgery vs not?

The answer to that question will depend on a host of factors. For starters, was there a traumatic shoulder injury such as a fall or dislocation? If there is the potential for other injury to structures beyond the rotator cuff, rehab might not be as successful alone. Conversely, if the shoulder pain developed slowly or without a specific moment in time incidence the potential for conservative care to be successful increases.

Who should I see for the shoulder pain?

Quite often people will gravitate toward an orthopedic first. They will order imaging, perform a physical exam, potentially offer an injection, and now likely suggest rehab first. Then if there is no improvement with rehab then further consideration of surgical intervention can come into play. Again, if there are multiple or significant injuries then surgery may move up the recommendation list. Or you could go straight to a rehab expert and then consult an orthopedic IF you do not achieve satisfactory pain/function.

Ok, so I go see a rehab professional, now what…I still have this tear don’t I? Yes, but for those who developed pain slowly over time, it is possible that tear was present well before you had pain. Data suggests that small rotator cuff tears develop as people age…and they live there without issue in many. Thus, the finding of a tear may not be as significant as once thought. The potential for rehab alone is showing a high percentage of people can achieve their desired functional levels without pain. And who wants to undergo a surgery, deal with pain, the inability to use their arm for weeks, then undergo rehab for several months…to end up at the same place as a person who did not have surgery but underwent rehab alone???

Studies have shown good potential for rehab alone based on the facts that those who had surgery vs those who did not achieve the same function by 6 months, 1 yr and beyond. Almost seems like a no brainer. Why have surgery if not necessary? Again, this is not to say that some folks will not need surgical repair…only that more people have the potential to recover good arm function even if they have a tear…and some with large tears are able to function as well.

So if you have concerns about your shoulder and the potential for a rotator cuff tear, your first option should be to visit a rehab expert. Have more questions? Click HERE to speak to an expert today