If you’re dealing with shoulder pain, you may be wondering if your rotator cuff tear can actually heal on its own. The short answer? It depends.
At New Braunfels Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, our team of board-certified experts understands that while some minor tears can improve with rest and proper care, others may require more intervention.
Here’s what you need to know to get your shoulder back in shape.
Let’s start with the basics. Your rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that keep your shoulder joint stable and allow you to lift and rotate your arm. A tear happens when one of these tendons is damaged, either from acute injury or wear and tear over time.
Rotator cuff tears can vary in severity. With a partial tear, your tendon is frayed or damaged but not completely severed. If you have a full-thickness tear, your tendon is completely torn, often leading to more severe pain and limited movement.
Not all rotator cuff tears need surgery. Here are scenarios when your rotator cuff may heal (or at least improve) with conservative treatments.
Small or partial tears: Minor damage often responds well to rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory treatments.
Tears with no major symptoms: If your tear doesn’t severely limit your range of motion or cause intense pain, nonsurgical options may be adequate.
No matter which kind of rotator cuff tear you have, healing requires dedication to proper treatment, such as strengthening exercises and avoiding overuse of your shoulder.
For small tears, nonsurgical treatments can often provide much relief. Here are just a few options to consider:
In the end, while some minor cuff tears can improve on their own with the right care, larger tears often need surgical treatment. The sooner you come in to see us for an evaluation, the better your chances of receiving the proper treatment to get on the road to healing.
If shoulder pain is holding you back, don’t wait to get the care you need to heal and regain function. Give us a call at 830-341-1386 to request an appointment today.
