Overview
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder and power overhead motion. A tear — from an acute injury or years of wear — causes pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting the arm, and is especially common in overhead athletes and active adults over 40.
Common Symptoms
- Pain over the outer shoulder, often worse at night
- Weakness lifting or rotating the arm
- A dull ache deep in the shoulder
- Difficulty reaching overhead or behind the back
Causes & Risk Factors
- Acute injury such as a fall on an outstretched arm
- Repetitive overhead activity in sport or work
- Age-related tendon degeneration
- Bone spurs causing impingement
Treatment Options
- Activity modification and a targeted physical-therapy program
- Anti-inflammatory medication and image-guided injections
- Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair
- Biologic augmentation for select tears
Procedures we perform for thisShoulder Arthroscopy (Subacromial Decompression) → Rotator Cuff Repair → Total & Reverse Shoulder Replacement →
Recovery & What to Expect
Many partial tears improve with therapy over 6–12 weeks. When repair is needed, it is performed arthroscopically, with a structured rehabilitation program returning most patients to full activity over several months.
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for a medical evaluation. Treatment recommendations depend on your individual diagnosis and goals. Kevin O'Donnell, MD serves Coral Gables, Miami, Brickell, Pinecrest, Coconut Grove.