Rotator Cuff Tear

What is a rotator cuff tear?

A rotator cuff tear occurs when one or more of the tendons that stabilize and move your shoulder become damaged or torn. These injuries are a common cause of shoulder pain, especially in middle-aged and older adults, but they can also affect younger people after sports injuries or trauma.

At Novant Health, we understand how limiting shoulder pain can be, resulting in difficulty lifting your arm, interrupted sleep and reduced independence. Our specialists are here to help you understand your condition, ease uncertainty and guide you toward a treatment plan that supports your goals and lifestyle.

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Close-up view of shoulder muscles, showing detailed anatomy of the deltoid and surrounding tissues.

How the rotator cuff works

This structure allows your shoulder to lift, rotate and move smoothly while staying stable. Because the rotator cuff is used in nearly every arm movement, its tendons are vulnerable to wear, overuse and injury. When a tendon becomes weakened or torn, shoulder strength and motion are often affected.

Overview

Symptoms

You may be experiencing a rotator cuff tear if you notice:

Persistent shoulder pain, especially with lifting or reaching
Weakness in the arm or difficulty raising it overhead
Stiffness or limited range of motion
Tenderness in the front or side of the shoulder
A clicking, cracking or popping sensation with movement

Symptoms may begin gradually and worsen over time, particularly without treatment.

Causes

Rotator cuff tears may develop gradually over time or occur suddenly due to injury. Common causes include:

Repetitive overhead activities at work or during sports
Sports-related strain, such as throwing or swimming
Traumatic injuries, including falls or motor vehicle accidents
Age-related tendon degeneration that weakens the tissue

Understanding how your injury developed helps our specialists recommend the most effective treatment approach.

Diagnosis

Our orthopedic specialists take a thorough, patient-centered approach to diagnosis. Your evaluation may include:

A detailed medical history and physical examination
Strength and range-of-motion testing
X-rays to assess bone structure or rule out other conditions
MRI imaging to clearly visualize the tendons and determine tear size and severity

We explain findings in clear, simple terms so you understand your diagnosis and next steps.

Why treatment matters

Rotator cuff tears rarely heal on their own. Without appropriate care, pain and weakness can progress, making daily tasks more difficult and increasing the risk of long-term shoulder damage. Early treatment supports better outcomes and a smoother recovery.

Some rotator cuff tears can be managed successfully without surgery, especially when diagnosed early. However, untreated tears may enlarge over time, leading to chronic pain, worsening weakness and loss of shoulder function. Early evaluation helps protect the shoulder and may prevent a more complex injury.

Nonoperative treatments

Many rotator cuff tears can be treated with non-surgical options, including rest, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, injections and structured physical therapy to restore strength and mobility.

Managing pain with NSAIDs

Learn how pain is managed in the hospital using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the benefits and risks to expect and how your care team can help.

When surgery is recommended, our orthopedic surgeons use advanced arthroscopic and open repair techniques to reattach the tendon securely and support healing. A personalized rehabilitation plan guides your recovery, helping you safely return to daily activities, work and sports.

Videos in our patient education library are available to help you gain a general understanding of the condition or procedure. Read disclaimer.

Take the next step

Our board-certified specialists are here to help you heal. They can often diagnose the problem in one visit and get you started with a personalized treatment plan. We offer a wide variety of treatment options.