Not all rotator cuff tears need surgery. Learn when PT is enough, when surgery is necessary, and how to decide.
Partial tears are damaged but not severed. Full-thickness tears go completely through. Acute tears are from sudden injury. Degenerative tears develop gradually over time — most common in patients over 50.
About 70-80% of partial tears and 40-50% of small full-thickness tears can be managed without surgery. PT works best for partial tears, degenerative tears in older patients, and low-demand lifestyles.
Recommended for acute tears in active patients, large tears that are retracting, significant weakness, and failed conservative treatment after 3-6 months.
Lean toward PT: Over 65, partial tear, low demands, tolerable pain. Lean toward surgery: Under 60, acute injury, full-thickness tear, significant weakness, tear enlarging.
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