Rotator Cuff Tear – Symptoms & Treatment in Bromley

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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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Diagnosis of a Rotator Cuff Tear

At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, diagnosis involves:

• Osteopathic assessment – strength tests, movement checks, and orthopaedic shoulder tests

• Ultrasound imaging – to visualise the tendon in real time, detect partial or full-thickness tears, and assess severity

• Blood tests – in selected cases, to check for underlying metabolic or inflammatory factors (such as diabetes, cholesterol, thyroid issues, or rheumatoid markers) which may contribute to tendon weakness and slow healing

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

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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

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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

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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

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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: Can blood tests really help?
Yes. Blood tests can highlight risk factors such as diabetes, raised cholesterol, or inflammation, which may affect tendon healing and guide treatment.

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.

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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.