Can A Rotator Cuff Heal On Its Own?

Last Updated on June 17, 2023 by Beth Skwarecki

A rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder that provide stability and help with arm movements. Injuries to the rotator cuff can result from overuse, wear, and tear, or sudden trauma. When a rotator cuff injury occurs, the question of whether it can heal on its own arises.

This is a common concern among individuals who have suffered from rotator cuff injury as the shoulder is an essential part of the body for daily activities. In this article, we will explore the healing process of a rotator cuff injury, factors affecting the healing process, and whether or not it can heal on its own without surgical intervention. This information will help individuals better understand their injuries and make informed decisions about their treatment options.

What Is Rotator Cuff?

A rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that attach the upper arm bone (humerus) to the shoulder blade (scapula). These muscles and tendons work together to keep the upper arm bone in the socket and help with arm movements such as rotating and lifting the arm.

A rotator cuff injury can occur when the tendons become damaged or tear, which can cause pain and limit movement in the shoulder. Injuries to the rotator cuff are common in athletes and people who perform repetitive overhead movements, but they can also occur in people who have no history of physical activity.

Types Of Rotator Cuffs?

There are several types of rotator cuff injuries, including:

Rotator Cuff Tendinitis: This is a condition in which the rotator cuff tendons become inflamed due to overuse or repetitive strain.
Rotator Cuff Tears: This occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become torn, which can range from a small tear to a complete rupture.
Impingement Syndrome: This occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become compressed or pinched by bones in the shoulder, causing pain and inflammation.
Bursitis: This is an inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the rotator cuff tendons.
Calcific Tendinitis: This is a condition in which calcium deposits form on the rotator cuff tendons, causing pain and stiffness.

What Causes A Rotator Cuff?

A rotator cuff injury can be caused by several factors, including overuse, aging, a traumatic injury, and a degenerative process. Overuse can occur due to repetitive overhead activities that strain the rotator cuff muscles and tendons, such as throwing a ball, painting a ceiling, or lifting weights. Aging can cause the rotator cuff tendons to degenerate and become weaker, leading to tears or injuries.

Traumatic injuries, such as falls or sudden impacts, can also cause tears or strains to the rotator cuff tendons. Finally, a degenerative process, such as arthritis, can weaken the tendons and make them more prone to injury. In some cases, a rotator cuff injury may occur suddenly, while in others, it may develop gradually over time.

Symptoms Of Rotator Cuff

The symptoms of rotator cuff injury can vary depending on the severity and type of injury, but common symptoms include:

Pain: Pain in the shoulder, especially when lifting or rotating the arm, is a common symptom of rotator cuff injury.
Weakness: A rotator cuff injury can cause weakness in the shoulder, making it difficult to lift or rotate the arm.
Stiffness: The shoulder may become stiff and difficult to move, especially first thing in the morning or after sitting for an extended period of time.
Reduced Range of Motion: The ability to move the arm may be limited, especially when trying to reach overhead or behind the back.
Cracking or Popping Sounds: Some people with rotator cuff injuries may hear a crackling or popping sound when they move their arms.
Tingling or Numbness: In some cases, a rotator cuff injury can cause tingling or numbness in the arm or hand.

How Is A Rotator Cuff Diagnosed?

A rotator cuff injury is typically diagnosed through a physical examination, medical history review, and imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound. During the physical examination, a doctor will check for tenderness, range of motion, and strength in the shoulder.

Imaging tests can help to confirm the diagnosis and identify the severity of the injury. X-rays can reveal any bone abnormalities or spurs, while MRI or ultrasound can provide detailed images of the soft tissues in the shoulder joint. In some cases, an arthroscopy may be needed to repair the rotator cuff if necessary.

Can A Rotator Cuff Heal On Its Own?

Whether a rotator cuff can heal on its own depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury and the individual’s age, overall health, and physical activity level.

Mild to moderate rotator cuffs injuries, such as tendinitis or a small tear, may be able to heal on their own with rest, physical therapy, and pain management. Resting the shoulder and avoiding activities that may cause pain, such as overhead lifting or reaching, is essential for the healing process. Physical therapy can help to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion, and pain management techniques such as ice or over-the-counter pain medication can help to reduce discomfort.

Severe rotator cuffs injuries, such as a large tear or complete rupture, may require surgical intervention to heal properly. In these cases, physical therapy and other non-surgical treatments may be used in conjunction with surgery to aid in the healing process and improve function. After surgery, a rehabilitation program is often recommended to help restore strength, mobility, and range of motion.

What Are The Surgical Treatments For Rotator Cuff

Surgical treatments for rotator cuff tears may include arthroscopic tendon repair, open tendon repair, partial or complete tendon replacement, and muscle transfer procedures. Arthroscopic tendon repair involves using a tiny camera and small instruments to reattach the torn tendon to the bone. Open tendon repair is a traditional method that involves a larger incision and direct visualization of the torn tendon.

Partial or complete tendon replacement is used when the tendon is severely damaged and requires grafting. In muscle transfer procedures, a healthy muscle is taken from another part of the body and attached to the shoulder to replace the damaged or torn muscle. The specific surgical treatment recommended will depend on the size, location, and severity of the tear, as well as the patient’s age and overall health.

FAQs

What Exercises Aggravate The Rotator Cuff?

Exercises that involve overhead movements, such as shoulder presses, or repetitive strain, such as excessive throwing or swimming, can aggravate the rotator cuff.

How Long Does It Take For A Torn Rotator Cuff To Heal Without Surgery?

The amount of time it takes for a torn rotator cuff to heal without surgery varies depending on the severity of the tear and individual factors such as age and overall health. On average, a mild to moderate rotator cuff tear can take several months to heal with rest, physical therapy, and pain management.

Can You Walk Around With A Torn Rotator Cuff?

Yes, you can walk around with a torn rotator cuff, but it may be painful and you may experience weakness in the shoulder.

What Causes Rotator Cuff To Flare Up?

Rotator cuff injuries can “flare up” or become more painful due to overuse, repetitive motions, sudden strain or trauma, or degeneration due to aging. Risk factors for rotator cuff injury include participation in overhead sports, manual labor, and poor posture.

Does A Torn Rotator Cuff Hurt All The Time?

The pain from a torn rotator cuff can be persistent and constant, but it may also come and go depending on the severity of the injury and the activities performed. In some cases, the pain may be felt only during certain movements or activities, such as lifting or reaching overhead.

Conclusion

The ability of a rotator cuff injury to heal depends on the severity of the injury, age, overall health, and physical activity level. Mild to moderate rotator cuff injuries may heal with rest, physical therapy, and pain management, while severe injuries may require surgical intervention. It is important to seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan and to engage in regular exercise to strengthen the shoulder muscles and avoid activities that may cause strain or injury.

Beth Skwarecki

Beth is Cloudmineinc’s senior health editor and a certified personal trainer. She has over 10 years experience as a science journalist and is the author of two books. She deadlifts over 315 lbs.