Orthopaedic Services

Rotator Cuff Repair

When a torn rotator cuff keeps you from lifting, reaching, or sleeping, arthroscopic repair can reattach the tendon and help restore strength and comfort.

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What is the rotator cuff?

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis) that:

  • Keep the ball of the shoulder centred in the socket
  • Help you lift and rotate your arm

A rotator cuff tear happens when part (partial-thickness) or all (full-thickness) of a tendon pulls away from the bone.

You may notice:

  • Pain with overhead use
  • Weakness lifting the arm
  • Night pain when lying on that side
  • Sometimes a sudden onset after a fall or heavy lift

Non-operative vs surgical care

Many smaller, degenerative tears improve with:

  • Targeted physical therapy
  • Activity modification
  • Anti-inflammatory strategies

But for larger tears, significant weakness, or traumatic injuries, surgical repair often offers better long-term function.

Dr Lawyer will typically recommend surgery sooner if you’ve had:

  • A clear injury with sudden loss of strength
  • Large or multiple-tendon tears
  • Persistent pain and weakness after a proper therapy trial

    Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with Dr Lawyer

    Dr Lawyer performs arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs, using small incisions and a camera to:
    • Inspect the entire shoulder, including biceps and labrum
    • Smooth inflamed tissue and address bone spurs when needed
    • Mobilise the torn tendon
    • Reattach the tendon to bone with anchors and sutures
    Her focus is on restoring a stable, balanced shoulder that can handle the demands of work and sport.

    Recovery & timelines

    Recovery takes time and teamwork:

    • 0–6 weeks:

      • Sling use to protect the repair
      • Passive motion supervised by your therapist

    • 6–12 weeks:

      • Transition to active motion
      • Gradual return to light daily activities

    • 3–6 months:

      • Strengthening and endurance work
      • Many patients return to light sport or hobbies in this phase

    • 6–12+ months:

      • Ongoing strength gains
      • Full return to heavier overhead work and sport for many patients

    For more background, AAOS has an overview of rotator cuff tears and surgical options: Rotator Cuff Tears: Surgical Treatment Options.

Rotator Cuff FAQs

A full-thickness tear usually does not reattach itself, but many people can function well with therapy and compensating muscles. Others benefit from repair; it depends on your tear and goals.

Arthroscopy uses smaller incisions and may allow easier early motion, but it is still a significant operation. The rehab commitment is similar.

That depends on which arm, your pain control, and whether you can safely control the vehicle. Dr Lawyer will give specific guidance for your situation.

3–6 months:

  • Rotator Cuff Repair