Rotator Cuff Tear

Key Points

A rotator cuff tear is damage to the tendons and muscles that stabilise and move your shoulder.

It can be caused by sudden injury (e.g. a fall) or by degenerative wear and tear over time.

Symptoms include shoulder pain, weakness, night pain, and difficulty lifting the arm.

At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, we provide expert osteopathic assessment, ultrasound imaging, and tailored rehabilitation to help restore shoulder function.

What is a Rotator Cuff Tear?

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping it stable and allowing you to lift and rotate your arm.

A tear can be:

Partial – the tendon is damaged but not completely detached.

Full-thickness – the tendon is completely torn away from the bone.

Rotator cuff tears are common in both active individuals and older adults, often linked with heavy lifting, falls, or long-term tendon degeneration.

Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Tear

Pain in the shoulder, especially at night or when lying on the affected side

Weakness when lifting or rotating the arm

Difficulty reaching overhead or behind your back

Pain that radiates down the upper arm

Clicking, catching, or a feeling of instability in the shoulder

In acute tears (often from a fall), sudden sharp pain and weakness may occur

Causes & Risk Factors

Rotator cuff tears may occur due to:

Acute injury – a fall, sudden lift, or heavy strain

Repetitive use – especially overhead activities (tennis, swimming, weightlifting)

Age-related degeneration – tendons become less flexible and more prone to tears over time

Poor posture or shoulder mechanics

Previous shoulder injuries

Risk increases with age, smoking, diabetes, and repetitive manual work.

Diagnosis of a Rotator Cuff Tear

At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, diagnosis involves:

Osteopathic assessment – strength tests, movement checks, special orthopaedic tests

Ultrasound imaging – to visualise the tendon in real time, detect tears, and assess severity

Referral for MRI if a complex tear is suspected or surgical consideration is needed

Self-Help for Rotator Cuff Tears

Rest from aggravating activities, especially overhead lifting

Ice packs to reduce pain and swelling

Gentle mobility exercises to avoid stiffness

Pain relief with paracetamol or short-term NSAIDs if tolerated

Good posture and ergonomic adjustments

Treatment Options at Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

✅ Osteopathic care & manual therapy – easing muscle tension and improving movement

✅ Exercise rehabilitation – progressive strengthening to restore tendon and shoulder stability

✅ Sports massage – to address compensatory muscle tightness

✅ Ultrasound imaging – to guide treatment and track recovery

✅ Referral to orthopaedic consultants – if a severe or full-thickness tear requires surgical opinion

Prevention

Warm up before sport or heavy lifting

Strengthen rotator cuff and upper back muscles

Avoid sudden increases in load at the gym

Maintain good posture to reduce shoulder impingement

Manage underlying health risks such as diabetes and cholesterol

FAQs – Rotator Cuff Tear

Q: Can a rotator cuff tear heal on its own?
Partial tears can improve with rehab and load management. Full tears may not heal completely but symptoms can often be managed effectively.

Q: Do I need a scan?
Not always, but ultrasound is a quick and accurate way to assess tendon tears in clinic.

Q: Will I need surgery?
Most cases respond well to non-surgical care. Surgery may be considered for severe tears not responding to rehab.

Q: How long does recovery take?
Milder cases may improve in weeks; larger tears may require several months of structured care.

Book Your Appointment

Don’t let shoulder pain stop you. Book your Rotator Cuff Tear assessment in Bromley today and get started on your recovery.