Rotator Cuff Injury
Rotator cuff injuries range from inflammation and tendinitis to partial and full-thickness tears. They are one of the most common causes of shoulder pain and weakness, affecting daily activities and sleep.
Reviewed byProf Paul Lee MBBch, FRCS (Tr & Orth), PhDLast reviewed 1 May 2026
Types of rotator cuff injury
Rotator cuff injuries exist on a spectrum from mild inflammation to complete tendon rupture.
- Tendinitis: inflammation of the tendons from overuse, impingement, or poor mechanics.
- Partial tear: some fibres are damaged but the tendon remains attached. May heal with conservative treatment.
- Full-thickness tear: the tendon is completely detached. Often requires surgical repair to restore function.
Symptoms and when to seek help
Rotator cuff injuries may develop gradually or follow a specific injury. Key symptoms include:
- Pain when reaching overhead, behind the back, or out to the side.
- Weakness when lifting or rotating the arm.
- Night pain, particularly when lying on the affected shoulder.
- A sudden loss of strength after a fall or heavy lift may indicate an acute tear.
Early assessment is valuable because the treatment approach depends on the injury type. Partial tears managed early have better outcomes than those left to progress.
You may have more options than you think
Most patients have more treatment options than they have been told
At London Cartilage Clinic we follow a structured clinical framework across four areas of treatment. Before recommending a single procedure, we assess which combination of approaches gives you the best outcome.
Preserve
Protect what you have. Slow degeneration and manage symptoms.
Repair
Fix specific damage. Torn tissue, unstable joints, structural problems.
Regenerate
Rebuild lost tissue. Biological treatments that stimulate new growth.
Replace
When other options are exhausted. Joint replacement as a last resort.
Explore the full range of treatments available for your joint. Each hub page shows every option we offer, organised by clinical approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rotator cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor) that surround the shoulder joint. They work together to stabilise the ball within the socket and power overhead and rotational movements.
How do I know if I have a rotator cuff injury?
Common signs include pain when lifting the arm, weakness with overhead tasks, night pain on the affected side, and a catching or arc of pain during certain movements. An MRI scan can confirm the type and extent of the injury.
Do all rotator cuff injuries need surgery?
No. Many rotator cuff injuries, including tendinitis and partial tears, respond well to physiotherapy, injection therapy, and activity modification. Surgery is typically reserved for full-thickness tears causing persistent weakness, or tears that have not improved with structured conservative treatment.
What treatment options does London Cartilage Clinic offer?
We offer physiotherapy-led rehabilitation, targeted injections (steroid, PRP, hyaluronic acid), biological treatments (mFat, BMAC), and arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The right approach depends on the type of injury, your symptoms, and your functional goals.
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