Rotator Cuff Repair
Rotator Cuff Repair – Restoring Shoulder Strength and Function
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that keep your shoulder stable and allow smooth movement. When torn or injured, it can cause persistent pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting your arm. For many patients, rotator cuff repair offers a long-term solution that restores function, relieves pain, and prevents further shoulder damage.
At our clinic, we specialise in advanced techniques including arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, open repair, and minimally invasive procedures tailored to each patient.
What Is Rotator Cuff Repair?
Rotator cuff repair surgery involves reattaching the torn tendon to the top of the upper arm bone (humerus). Depending on the severity of the tear, this may be done using:
- Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (keyhole technique with small incisions)
- Open rotator cuff repair (larger incision for complex tears)
- Mini-open rotator cuff repair (combination of both approaches)
Speedbridge or double row rotator cuff repair for larger tears
When Is Rotator Cuff Surgery Needed?
While physiotherapy, injections, and rest can help mild tears, surgery is usually recommended if:
- Pain persists despite months of non-surgical treatment
- There is significant weakness or loss of shoulder function
- The tear is large or full-thickness
- The patient is active and wishes to return to sports, manual work, or hobbies
In some cases, patients ask: “Can a rotator cuff tear repair itself?” Small partial tears may improve with rehab, but full-thickness tears usually require surgery.
Benefits of Rotator Cuff Repair
- Relief from persistent shoulder pain
- Improved strength and movement
- Prevention of further tendon damage
- Better quality of life and return to normal activities
- High rotator cuff repair success rate when performed by specialists
Types of Rotator Cuff Repair Procedures
At Droitwich Knee Clinic, our rotator cuff repair services include:
Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
- Minimally invasive
- Uses small incisions and a tiny camera (arthroscope)
- Shorter recovery, less scarring, and quicker rehabilitation
Open Rotator Cuff Repair
- Traditional method with a larger incision
- Preferred for massive or complex tears
- Allows direct tendon visualisation and repair
Advanced Repairs
- Double row or speedbridge rotator cuff repair for strong fixation
- Rotator cuff repair with biceps tenodesis if the biceps tendon is also damaged
- Superior capsular reconstruction vs rotator cuff repair for irreparable tears
Mini-Open Repair
- Combines arthroscopy with a smaller incision
- Used for medium tears
What to Expect During Surgery
- Performed under general anaesthesia (sometimes with a nerve block)
- Duration: 1–2 hours depending on tear size
- The tendon is reattached using anchors and sutures
- Outpatient or same-day discharge for most patients
Recovery from Rotator Cuff Repair
Rotator cuff repair recovery takes several months but leads to long-lasting results.
Typical recovery timeline:
- First 2 weeks: Shoulder in a sling, rest, gentle movements
- 2–6 weeks: Gradual physiotherapy and range of motion exercises
- 6–12 weeks: Strengthening exercises
- 3–6 months: Return to daily activities
- 6–12 months: Full recovery for sports and heavy lifting
Patients often ask: “How long does rotator cuff repair surgery take to heal?” Most feel significant improvement by 3–6 months, but tendon healing continues for up to a year.
Cost of Rotator Cuff Repair
Rotator cuff repair surgery cost varies depending on:
- Technique used (arthroscopic vs open)
- Severity of tear
- Private vs NHS treatment
Patients considering private treatment can request a rotator cuff repair private cost breakdown at consultation.
Risks and Side Effects
Like any surgery, rotator cuff repair carries some risks, including:
- Infection (rare)
- Stiffness or frozen shoulder
- Tendon re-tear (especially in large tears)
- Temporary pain flare after surgery
- Rare nerve or blood vessel injury
Non-surgical alternatives such as PRP rotator cuff repair injections, stem cell therapy for rotator cuff repair, or corticosteroid injections may help some patients, but surgery remains the gold standard for complete tendon tears.
Cost of Rotator Cuff Repair
Rotator cuff repair surgery cost varies depending on:
- Technique used (arthroscopic vs open)
- Severity of tear
- Private vs NHS treatment
Patients considering private treatment can request a rotator cuff repair private cost breakdown at consultation.
Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy
Recovery depends heavily on rehabilitation. Physical therapy for rotator cuff repair starts soon after surgery and progresses gradually:
- Early stage: Pain relief and gentle passive movements
- Mid stage: Controlled stretching and mobility exercises
- Later stage: Strength training and functional rehabilitation
Common programmes include:
- Post op rotator cuff repair exercises
- Rotator cuff repair physiotherapy protocol
- Rotator cuff repair with biceps tenodesis rehab protocol for complex cases
Physiotherapy usually continues for 3–6 months and is essential to avoid stiffness and regain function.
OUR SERVICES
FAQs
It is considered significant, but with minimally invasive arthroscopy, recovery is faster.
There is discomfort initially, but modern pain management and physiotherapy make recovery much easier.
Over 85–90% of patients experience long-term pain relief and improved function.
Partial tears may improve with physiotherapy, but full tears usually require surgery.
With proper rehab, a repaired tendon can last a lifetime, though new tears are possible if the shoulder is reinjured.
The tear can enlarge, leading to arthritis, weakness, and permanent loss of function.
Specific strengthening and stretching exercises guided by a physiotherapist — such as isometric holds, banded exercises, and controlled range of motion — are essential.