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Shoulder

Rotator Cuff Tear

A rotator cuff tear involves a tear in one or more of the four muscles surrounding the shoulder joint. Tears can be partial or complete and range from acute traumatic injuries to chronic degenerative tears.

⏱️
Typical Recovery Time
3-6 months with therapy; 6-12 months with surgery

🔍 Symptoms

  • Deep aching pain in the shoulder
  • Weakness when lifting or rotating the arm
  • Difficulty sleeping on the affected shoulder
  • Crackling sensation with movement

⚡ Common Causes

  • Acute injury from lifting or falling
  • Repetitive overhead activities
  • Age-related degeneration
  • Bone spurs

💊 Treatment Options

1Rest and activity modification
2Physical therapy
3Anti-inflammatory medications
4Cortisone injections
5Surgical repair for complete tears

🚨 When to See a Doctor

If you have sudden weakness after an injury, cannot raise your arm, or symptoms do not improve with conservative care.

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