Home > Condition & Treatment Map > Shoulder Conditions & Treatments > Rotator Cuff Tendon Surgery

Treatments

Non-operative management

Injuries and tears to the tendons of the shoulder are quite common. Not all tendon tears will need surgery, some injuries will get better with time.

Rotator cuff tears can be managed in a sling. Physiotherapy may help you get good function of the shoulder.

Surgical management

Some more serious tears may require surgery.

Assessment

Specialists at Bone & Joint will assess your injury and may request scans (MRI or ultrasound). If surgery is needed, your specialist can help guide you through the process. A successful outcome will require a recovery period followed by rehabilitation with physiotherapists close to your home.

If you and your specialist decide that surgery is the best option for your shoulder injury, a time for your operation will be made. Some surgeries can be undertaken as day procedures. If the injury is associated with a fracture which is fixed, then an overnight stay following your surgery is normal. You will be discharged the next day with pain relief to take for two to three to days as you need. Read More

What is Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair?

Arthroscopy refers to the diagnosis and treatment of joint problems. Furthermore, the rotator cuff tendons are situated around the arm and assist in lifting the arm. When this joint becomes injured and inflamed, it can cause both discomfort and mobility issues that arthroscopists are trained to treat.

If you are experiencing either - or both - of these symptoms, it is advisable to seek a professional opinion to prevent them from exacerbating. Victorian Bone and Joint Specialists has assisted many patients in overcoming arthroscopic rotator cuff issues.

Firstly, we suggest non-surgical alternatives to heal your shoulder where possible. For example, using a sling can be highly helpful in immobilising shoulder movement and activity and providing support that promotes healing. Physiotherapy can also improve flexibility, strength, and endurance, aiding in everyday activities like reaching overhead. Both of these options are important in preventing the recurrence of injuries.

After carefully examining your case - including scans, if necessary - our specialists may recommend surgery. Understanding that, as rotator cuff tear surgery addresses tendon damage and enhances shoulder stability, another prevalent source of shoulder discomfort is one related to inflammation of the bursa, for which shoulder bursitis surgery could offer a more appropriate solution. In eiher case, the surgery will be completed in the least invasive manner, and you will be discharged with pain medication.

Throughout this process, it's essential to find a clinic - and a surgeon who will guide you through it with a patient-centred approach. A good starting place is to check whether the clinic is RACS (Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) certified, which indicates adherence to the highest standards in the profession of surgery, including ethics, compliance and continuous improvement.

Find a Rotator Cuff Tear Surgeon in Melbourne

Of course, the most important attribute of a surgeon is the ability to listen and make you feel comfortable. Our orthopaedic surgeons in Melbourne will work closely with you to develop an individual treatment and answer any questions that you may have.

Furthermore, our rotator cuff repair specialists are highly experienced, with numerous industry accolades and academic certifications. Each member of our team is a fellowship-recognised sub-specialist, which means we can deliver unmatched expertise and outcomes for orthopaedic problems.

Consequently, Victorian Bone and Joint Specialists is proud to offer industry-leading, cutting-edge treatments that utilise the latest technologies for better patient outcomes. If you'd like to learn more about this, please get in touch.

Got Questions about Rotator Cuff Tear Surgery? Get in Touch.

Would you like to discover more about our rotator cuff diagnosis and treatment? Please visit our page here.

If you'd like to speak with one of our specialists, you can do so either by phoning the clinic at (03) 5752 5020 or by emailing us at admin@vbjs.com.au. We're always happy to assist.

We have also accrued multiple testimonials from pleased customers, with our online reviews describing us as a 'friendly and caring service’, with our specialists giving 'more empathy, support, compassion and aftercare beyond anything I could ever have expected.'

Victorian Bone and Joint Specialists is proud to be an inclusive space where all are welcome. If you'd like to visit our clinic, you can find us at 55 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, at Knox Hospital, the Bays, Sandringham, John Fawkner and other locations - all are easily accessible via public transport.

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Post-operative management

You will have a dressing on your surgery site which needs to stay clean and dry for 14 days.

You can move your hand, fingers and elbow straight away, but wear the sling provided for most of the day. The sling helps to take the weight of your arm to let the shoulder rest.

You can begin to gently move the shoulder a couple of days after surgery but do not carry any weight or lift anything during the first 2 weeks.

After 2 weeks you will have an appointment with your specialist to have your wound checked, any stitches will be removed. The team will then give you advice on exercises and physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy can be helpful to get your arm and shoulder moving and strong again, but do not start this until you have had your appointment with your specialist at 2 weeks.

As with all surgery, there are risks repairing your torn rotator cuff muscles. These include infection, delayed healing or no healing of the tendon. Difficulty with pain and range of movement may also be occur.

Rehabilitation following surgery to repair tendons of the shoulder

STAGE 0 (0-2 weeks)

Pendular type exercises can be started in the first 2 weeks after surgery:

This exercise allows you to gently move the shoulder and arm in a slow circular movement several times and day. It helps keep the shoulder moving so that it does not get stiff.

In the first two weeks do not lift your shoulder above 90 degrees or lift anything heavier than a glass of water.

STAGE 1 (2 - 6 weeks)

Lying down, clasp fingers together and use your 'good' arm to raise the 'bad' arm from your abdomen towards your head

Now try to raise both arms over your head and hold for 5 seconds

Complete 5 repetitions, 5 times per day

STAGE 2 (6 - 12 weeks)

Start sitting in a chair, then progress to standing when comfortable

Clasp fingers together and place your hands on your head and rest for a few seconds

Now straighten your elbows and raise your hands above your head and hold for 5 seconds

Bring your hands back down to your abdomen, with your elbows tucked into your side resting on a flat surface, take your hands out as wide as you can and hold for 5 seconds.