Rotator Cuff Injury Treatment in Gurgaon, India
What is a Rotator Cuff Injury?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping the head of your upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder. A rotator cuff injury can range from a minor injury (like inflammation or tendonitis) to a full or partial tear of one or more of these tendons.
People often ask, "What is a rotator cuff injury?" It generally refers to any damage to these muscles or tendons due to acute trauma or degenerative changes. If untreated, such injuries can lead to chronic pain and limited range of motion.
What are the Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Tear?
The rotator cuff injury symptoms often vary depending on whether the injury is acute or degenerative. In severe cases, individuals may lose full shoulder function. Early identification of the symptoms is essential for prompt diagnosis and effective treatment. While symptoms can vary based on the severity and type of tear, common indicators include both pain and functional limitations in the shoulder:
A dull ache deep in the shoulder
This is one of the earliest and most persistent signs, often worsening with movement or at night.
Weakness in the arm
Especially when trying to lift or rotate the arm. Everyday tasks like combing hair or reaching for an object on a shelf may become difficult.
Difficulty reaching behind your back or lifting your arm
Limited range of motion can interfere with personal care or routine activities, pointing to a functional impairment in the rotator cuff.
Disturbed sleep, especially when lying on the affected shoulder
Night pain is a hallmark of rotator cuff injury symptoms, often disrupting sleep and quality of life.
Clicking or popping sounds with movement
These noises may be accompanied by discomfort and are often signs of tendon rubbing against bone or shoulder instability.
What Causes a Rotator Cuff Injury?
A rotator cuff injury can result from a variety of mechanical, anatomical, and age-related factors. These injuries often develop over time due to wear and tear but can also occur suddenly from trauma. Below are the most common rotator cuff injury causes:
Repetitive Overhead Movements
Frequent overhead activities, such as painting, swimming, tennis, or lifting weights, place constant stress on the shoulder. Over time, this repetitive motion can cause small tears or inflammation in the rotator cuff tendons, increasing the risk of injury.
Poor Posture
Chronic poor posture, such as slouching or forward head/shoulder position, can alter shoulder mechanics and put undue stress on the rotator cuff. This misalignment may reduce shoulder mobility and contribute to tendon degeneration or impingement.
Ageing (Especially After 40)
As people age, the blood supply to rotator cuff tendons naturally decreases, and the tendons themselves become weaker and more prone to degeneration. This makes individuals over 40 more susceptible to rotator cuff minor injuries and full-thickness tears, especially without adequate care or prevention.
Reduced Blood Supply to the Rotator Cuff Tendons
Limited circulation in the shoulder region, particularly in older adults, can slow down natural healing processes. This inadequate blood supply contributes to tendon weakening, making them more vulnerable to tears even with normal daily activities.
Bone Spurs That Irritate Tendons
Bone spurs are bony overgrowths that can develop on the underside of the acromion (part of the shoulder blade). When you lift your arm, these spurs may rub against the rotator cuff tendons, leading to shoulder rotator cuff injury over time — a condition known as shoulder impingement.
Risk Factors for Rotator Cuff Injury:
Understanding the risk factors for a shoulder rotator cuff injury can help in both prevention and early intervention. These injuries often result from a combination of age, lifestyle, and genetic influences. The following factors significantly increase the likelihood of developing a rotator cuff injury:
Age
Individuals over the age of 40 are at a higher risk. With age, the tendons of the rotator cuff naturally lose elasticity and strength, making them more prone to tears and degeneration.
Occupation
Jobs that involve repetitive overhead movements or heavy lifting — such as painting, construction, carpentry, and factory work — put continuous stress on the shoulder joint. This repeated strain increases the risk of both minor rotator cuff injuries and full tears over time.
Sports Participation
Athletes who participate in overhead or throwing sports, such as baseball, tennis, swimming, and weightlifting, are particularly vulnerable. These activities demand intense and repetitive use of shoulder muscles, which can lead to microtears and chronic inflammation.
Family History
There is evidence that rotator cuff injury types may run in families. A genetic predisposition can make tendons more susceptible to wear and tear, even with lower levels of physical strain.
Smoking and Poor Nutrition
Smoking impairs blood flow to the rotator cuff tendons, slowing down tissue repair and weakening tendon health. Similarly, inadequate nutrition, especially deficiencies in protein and essential vitamins, can reduce tendon resilience and recovery capability.
Recognizing these risk factors allows for proactive rotator cuff injury prevention through proper conditioning, posture correction, and regular medical checkups — especially for individuals in high-risk categories.
How is a Rotator Cuff Injury Diagnosed?
A proper rotator cuff injury diagnosis involves clinical evaluation and imaging studies. Your healthcare provider may perform a rotator cuff injury special test to assess the range of motion, pain response, and strength.
X-rays
While a rotator cuff injury X-ray won’t show soft tissue damage, it helps rule out bone spurs or arthritis that might be contributing to shoulder pain.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging provides real-time visuals of soft tissue, making it ideal for assessing rotator cuff minor injuries, tendon thickness, or tears.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI is the most definitive imaging method for rotator cuff injury diagnosis. It shows the location, size, and severity of a tear and helps plan surgical or non-surgical rotator cuff injury management.
How is a Rotator Cuff Injury Treated?
Rotator cuff injury treatment depends on the severity of the injury, the patient’s age, activity level, and overall health. At Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon, we offer a full spectrum of care — from conservative therapies to advanced surgical interventions — tailored to restore function and relieve pain.
Therapy:
Physiotherapy is often the first line of treatment for rotator cuff minor injuries or partial tears. A customized rotator cuff injury physiotherapy treatment plan is essential for pain relief and recovery. Therapy plays a central role in rotator cuff injury recovery, especially when combined with lifestyle adjustments and guided rehabilitation. The goals of therapy include:
Strengthening shoulder muscles
Targeted exercises improve muscle support around the joint, reducing the load on the injured tendon.
Restoring mobility
Range-of-motion exercises help prevent stiffness and improve arm movement.
Improving flexibility
Stretching reduces tension in the shoulder and prevents further strain on the rotator cuff.
Preventing future injuries
Education on proper posture, lifting techniques, and ergonomics helps avoid recurrence.
Injections:
When pain persists despite physiotherapy, corticosteroid injections may be recommended. These injections reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief, allowing patients to participate more comfortably in rehabilitation. Injections are often part of rotator cuff injury management in moderate cases and are typically used in conjunction with physiotherapy.
Surgical Intervention:
The orthopaedist recommends surgical intervention in case of full-thickness rotator cuff tear or if the conservative treatment fails to provide significant impact after several months.
The patient experiences significant functional impairment
Here are the different types of rotator cuff injury repair surgeries such as:
Arthroscopic Tendon Repair
A minimally invasive procedure where small instruments and a camera (arthroscope) are inserted through tiny incisions to reattach the torn tendon to the bone. This method results in less pain, smaller scars, and faster recovery.
Open Tendon Repair
For larger or complex tears, an open surgical approach may be required. A larger incision is made to access and repair the tendon directly. Though recovery may take longer, it is effective in restoring shoulder function.
Tendon Transfer
If the tendon is too damaged to repair, a nearby tendon may be moved to take over the lost function. This is often used in chronic or irreparable rotator cuff injury types where shoulder movement is significantly restricted.
Shoulder Replacement
In cases of massive rotator cuff tears combined with arthritis (rotator cuff arthropathy), a reverse shoulder replacement may be advised. This procedure replaces the damaged joint with artificial components, restoring mobility and relieving pain.
Surgical treatments are followed by structured rehabilitation and physiotherapy to ensure full recovery and to optimize rotator cuff injury healing time.
Possible Complications of Rotator Cuff Injury:
Delaying treatment can prolong rotator cuff injury healing time, making recovery more challenging. Moreover, without proper rotator cuff injury treatment, possible complications involve:
Contact Artemis Hospital for Effective Rotator Cuff Injury Treatment in Gurgaon:
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain or suspect a left rotator cuff injury, Artemis Hospital offers comprehensive diagnosis and care for all rotator cuff injury types. Our team includes orthopedic surgeons, physiotherapists, and imaging specialists focused on rotator cuff tear treatment and long-term recovery.
We use advanced diagnostic tools, evidence-based treatments, and personalized care plans to ensure the best outcomes for each patient. Whether you need conservative management or surgical repair, our Gurgaon facility is equipped to handle all your needs.
To book an appointment with the top orthopaedics surgeon for Rotator cuff treatment at Artemis Hospitals, call our customer care at +91-124-451-1111 orWhatsApp us at +91 9599285476. You can also schedule an appointment through our online patient portal or download and register on the Artemis Personal Health Record mobile app, available for bothiOS andAndroid devices.
Reviewed By Dr. Inderpreet Singh Oberoi
Chairperson - Orthopaedics, Robotic Surgery
Artemis Hospital
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long does it take to recover from a rotator cuff injury?
Recovery can take from a few weeks for minor injuries to several months after surgery.
Can I exercise with a rotator cuff injury?
Only under professional guidance. Certain exercises may worsen the injury if done incorrectly.
Is surgery the only cure for rotator cuff injury?
No, many cases respond well to therapy and medications.
Can a rotator cuff injury heal on its own?
Minor injuries may heal with rest and physiotherapy, but full tears often require surgery.
What is the difference between tendonitis and a rotator cuff tear?
Tendonitis is inflammation, while a tear involves partial or complete damage to the tendon.
Are there any home remedies for shoulder rotator cuff injury?
Ice, rest, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help temporarily, but diagnosis and treatment are essential.
Can rotator cuff tears reoccur?
Yes, especially if proper rehabilitation and precautions are not followed.
Is it possible to prevent rotator cuff injuries?
Yes, through strengthening exercises, posture correction, and avoiding repetitive overhead activities.
Who are the best orthopaedic doctors near me for Rotator Cuff Injury Treatment?
Artemis Hospitals has some of the best orthopaedic specialists in Gurgaon who offer advanced rotator cuff injury treatment with a high success rate. To know more, get in touch with us.
Which is the best hospital for rotator cuff injury treatment in Gurgaon?
Artemis Hospitals offer advanced arthroscopy and shoulder replacement surgery in Gurgaon for patients planning to undergo rotator cuff injury. To know more, contact us to book an appointment with some of the best ortho specialists in Gurgaon.
What factors affect the rotator cuff injury treatment cost in Gurgaon?
Rotator cuff injury treatment cost is influenced by factors like the type of surgery, hospital fees, surgeon's expertise, hospital bed, and diagnostic tests. To get a cost estimate, contact us to book an appointment with some of the best ortho specialists in Gurgaon.
Whom should I consult for rotator cuff injury treatment in Gurgaon?
Consult an ortho specialist specializing in rotator cuff injury treatment with an excellent track record and a high success rate.
