Sports Injury
Rotator Cuff Injury Treatment
The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that keep your shoulder stable and allow you to lift and rotate your arm. Rotator cuff injuries — from tendonitis and partial tears to complete ruptures — cause shoulder pain, night pain and weakness in lifting, reaching or throwing. At Noida Orthopedic Clinic, Dr. Amit Aggrawal offers the full spectrum of rotator cuff care, from targeted rehabilitation to arthroscopic tendon repair.
Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Injury
Typical complaints include pain over the outer shoulder and upper arm, pain lying on the affected side at night, weakness while lifting the arm overhead, catching or grinding with movement, and difficulty with activities like combing hair, dressing or lifting a bag. Tears often follow a fall, heavy lifting or repetitive overhead activity — but degeneration can cause tears without any injury, especially after 40.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Many rotator cuff problems — tendonitis, impingement and small partial tears — improve with a structured program of activity modification, anti-inflammatory medicines, physiotherapy to strengthen the cuff and shoulder-blade muscles, and injections when needed. Dr. Amit Aggrawal always recommends appropriate non-surgical care first when it offers a good chance of success.
Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
Full-thickness tears — or partial tears not responding to conservative care — are repaired arthroscopically (keyhole): the torn tendon is reattached to the bone with anchors through small incisions. Surgery also addresses bone spurs and bursal inflammation. With guided rehabilitation, most patients regain comfortable overhead use of the arm within 4–6 months.
Why Choose Noida Orthopedic Clinic
- Accurate diagnosis with clinical exam & MRI
- Structured non-surgical programs first
- Arthroscopic (keyhole) cuff repair
- Relief from nagging night pain
- Restored strength for overhead activity
- Experienced shoulder surgeon
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a rotator cuff tear heal without surgery?
Tendonitis, impingement and many partial tears improve significantly with physiotherapy and injections. Complete tears generally do not heal on their own and often need arthroscopic repair, especially in active patients.
Why is my shoulder pain worse at night?
Night pain is a hallmark of rotator cuff problems — lying on the affected side increases pressure on the inflamed tendon. Relief typically comes with proper treatment of the underlying tear or inflammation.
How long does recovery take after rotator cuff repair?
A sling is worn for about 4–6 weeks, followed by progressive physiotherapy. Most daily activities resume by 3 months, with full overhead strength returning over 4–6 months.
What happens if a rotator cuff tear is ignored?
Chronic untreated tears can retract, develop fatty degeneration and lead to arthritis (cuff tear arthropathy), making later surgery more complex. Early evaluation protects your options.