Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment: Non‑Surgical and Surgical Options

Treatment depends on tear size, chronicity, patient age, activity, and preferences.

Non‑Operative (First‑Line for Many)

• Activity modification, NSAIDs.
• Physical therapy: Scapular stabilization, rotator cuff strengthening, posterior capsule stretching.
• Subacromial corticosteroid injection (diagnostic/therapeutic).

Surgical Indications

• Acute traumatic tear in active patient.
• Failed 3–6 months conservative care.
• Large/full‑thickness tear with functional deficit.

Surgical Techniques

• Arthroscopic repair: Anchors + sutures; most common.
• Mini‑open / Open: For massive, retracted, or revision tears.
• Augmentation: Patch, allograft, superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) for irreparable tears.
• Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: For cuff tear arthropathy.

Post‑op: Sling 4–6 weeks, phased PT. Return to sports 4–6 months.