Rotator Cuff Tear
Treatment for Rotator Cuff Tear in Houston, TX
A rotator cuff tear is a common shoulder injury that can cause pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting or rotating the arm. Mark S. Adickes, MD provides advanced treatment for rotator cuff tears in Houston, Texas, helping patients restore shoulder strength, reduce pain, and return to an active lifestyle with personalized care.
What is the Rotator Cuff?
How long does it take to recover after rotator cuff surgery?
Do all rotator cuff tears need to be treated?
How is a rotator cuff tear treated?
How is a rotator cuff tear treated?
What is a Rotator Cuff Tear?
A rotator cuff is a group of tendons in the shoulder joint that provides support and enables a wide range of motion. A major injury to these tendons may result in rotator cuff tears. It is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain in middle-aged and older individuals.
What are the Causes of Rotator Cuff Tears?
A rotator cuff tear may occur with repeated use of the arm for overhead activities, while playing sports, or from a motor accident.
What are the Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tears?
A rotator cuff tear causes severe pain, weakness of the arm and crackling sensation on moving the shoulder in certain positions. There may be stiffness, swelling, loss of movement and tenderness in the front of the shoulder.
How is a Rotator Cuff Tear Diagnosed?
Your surgeon diagnoses a rotator cuff tear based on a physical examination and X-rays. A rotator cuff tear is best viewed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
What are the Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Tears?
Conservative treatment
The conservative treatment options for rotator cuff tears are:
- Rest
- Shoulder Sling
- Pain medication
- Injection of a steroid (cortisone) and a local anesthetic in the subacromial space of the affected shoulder to relieve inflammation and pain
- Exercises
Surgery for Rotator Cuff Tears
Rotator cuff repair may be performed by open or arthroscopic surgery. In arthroscopy, the space for rotator cuff tendons will be increased and the cuff tear is repaired using suture anchors. These anchor sutures help in attaching the tendons to the shoulder bone. Following the surgery, you may be advised to practice motion and strengthening exercises.
Rotator Cuff Tear Recovery Timeline
Recovery varies depending on the type of treatment:
- Non-surgical care: several weeks to months for improvement
- Post-surgery (first 4–6 weeks): sling use and limited movement
- 3–6 months: gradual strengthening and improved mobility
- 6–12 months: full recovery and return to higher-level activities
Physical therapy plays a critical role in restoring strength and function.
Why Choose Mark S. Adickes, MD for Rotator Cuff Treatment?
Patients choose Dr. Adickes for his expertise in sports medicine and shoulder injuries. As a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon and former professional athlete, he understands the importance of restoring performance and function. His approach focuses on accurate diagnosis, minimally invasive techniques, and individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s goals.
Serving Houston and Surrounding Communities
Conveniently located in Houston, TX, this practice serves patients throughout the region, including Katy, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Memorial, and surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rotator Cuff Tears
Can a rotator cuff tear heal without surgery?
Some partial tears can improve with non-surgical treatment, but full-thickness tears typically do not heal on their own and may require surgery.
How do I know if I have a rotator cuff tear?
Common signs include shoulder pain, weakness, limited motion, and difficulty lifting your arm.
Is rotator cuff surgery necessary?
Surgery is recommended for complete tears or when symptoms persist despite conservative treatment.
How long does rotator cuff surgery take?
Most procedures take about 1–2 hours, depending on the complexity of the tear.
When can I return to normal activities?
Recovery timelines vary, but many patients return to daily activities within a few months, with full recovery taking up to a year.
What happens if a rotator cuff tear is left untreated?Untreated tears can worsen over time and may lead to increased pain, weakness, and reduced shoulder function.
If you are experiencing shoulder pain, weakness, or limited mobility, schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark Adickes to explore advanced treatment options for rotator cuff tears in Houston, TX.
