Rotator Cuff Tears in Auburn Hills & Rochester Hills, MI
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that keep the ball of the shoulder centered in its socket and let you lift and rotate your arm. Rotator cuff tears are a common cause of shoulder pain and weakness, especially after age 40.
Causes
Tears can happen suddenly, such as with a fall, or gradually from wear over time and repetitive overhead activity like tennis, swimming, painting or lifting.
Symptoms
- Pain on the outside of the shoulder, often worse at night
- Weakness lifting or rotating the arm
- Pain reaching overhead or behind the back
Nonsurgical Treatment
Many partial tears and some full tears improve with physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles, anti-inflammatory medication and injections.
Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
When pain and weakness persist, or for many acute tears in active patients, the torn tendon is reattached to the bone with small anchors. Dr. Prince performs this arthroscopically through small incisions, usually as outpatient surgery.
Recovery
You will wear a sling for several weeks to protect the repair. Physical therapy begins with gentle motion, then progresses to strengthening. Most patients return to full activity around 4 to 6 months after surgery.
Why Choose Dr. Prince?
- Fellowship-trained in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine at Mayo Clinic
- Board-certified orthopedic surgeon; team physician for the U.S. Ski Team
- Published research on complex knee ligament reconstruction
- 4.8-star patient ratings on Google, Birdeye and Vitals
Rotator Cuff Tears FAQs
Will a rotator cuff tear heal on its own?
Full-thickness tears do not heal back to the bone on their own, but many people regain comfortable function with therapy. Larger tears in active patients may get bigger over time, which is one reason to have them evaluated.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Dr. Prince will recommend a plan based on your exam, imaging and goals.
Request an Appointment
Get an expert evaluation for rotator cuff tears and a clear plan.
Request an AppointmentCall: (248) 377-8000
3100 Cross Creek Parkway, Suite 200
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
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