Can My Rotator Cuff Tear Heal on Its Own?

If you’re passionate about a sport that relies on dynamic shoulder movements, like throwing a baseball or swinging a golf club, rotator cuff injuries can be a frustrating, painful reality. Even routine activities or unexpected accidents can damage this vital group of muscles and tendons.

Find lasting relief from shoulder pain at Hammer Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in Palm Bay, Florida. Orthopedic surgeon Brian Hamzavi, MD, offers expert care to help competitive athletes and hobbyists alike manage sports injuries, including rotator cuff tears.

In the United States, more than two million people seek treatment for rotator cuff issues every year. But does this common injury always require medical care, or will it heal on its own? Read on to learn the answer.

Understanding rotator cuff injuries

A group of four muscles and their tendons that surround the shoulder joint, the rotator cuff forms a “cuff” around your upper arm bone. They work together to provide your arm with stability and a wide range of motion, allowing you to lift, rotate, and reach.

In some cases, a rotator cuff tear can occur from an acute injury, such as falling onto an outstretched arm, a direct blow to the shoulder, or a quick, forceful lifting or throwing motion. However, degenerative injuries are more common and develop gradually due to overuse, age-related wear and tear, or a combination of the two. Bone spurs may also contribute to tendon damage.

Rotator cuff injuries can vary in severity. A partial tear involves damage to the tendon but doesn’t completely sever it — the tendon fibers are still connected, though they may be stretched or frayed. On the other hand, a full-thickness tear (also called a complete tear) means the tendon is completely separated from the bone.

If you have a torn rotator cuff, you may experience a dull ache or a sharp, stabbing pain in your shoulder, sometimes radiating down your arm. It can make everyday movements like lifting an arm overhead to brush your hair, reaching back to slip on a jacket, or even simply sleeping on your side uncomfortable and difficult. Dr. Hamzavi can assess your injury to determine the extent of the damage.

How to recover from a rotator cuff tear: Will it heal on its own?

Unfortunately, the body can’t repair a completely torn rotator cuff tendon on its own. However, that doesn’t mean you’re without options or destined to a life of pain — many people, especially those with partial tears, can improve pain and function without surgery.

Allowing the injured tendon time to rest and recover is essential. Using an arm sling during healing immobilizes the shoulder and provides support, while non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) can ease pain and reduce inflammation. Dr. Hamzavi may also recommend other nonsurgical options, such as:

• Corticosteroid injections
• Regenerative therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP), orthobiologics, or stem cells
• Physical therapy and strengthening exercises

For complete rotator cuff tears or persistent issues, surgery may be necessary. Dr. Hamzavi specializes in minimally invasive surgical techniques, including arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and tendon transfer. These methods result in smaller scars, less post-surgical pain, and a potentially faster recovery than open surgery.

The recovery timeline may vary depending on the severity of the tear and your chosen treatment path. For a partial tear managed nonsurgically, regaining complete function can sometimes take up to a year. After surgery, you may notice significant improvements after four to six months, but it can take as long as 12 to 18 months to return to all previous activities.

If you’re dealing with persistent shoulder pain, Dr. Hamzavi can provide expert guidance and effective treatment. Schedule a consultation at Hammer Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine online, or call us today.