What is Rotator Cuff Tear?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons, the ropelike tissue that attaches muscle to bone, that surround the top of the arm bone.
Together they hold the ball of the shoulder in its socket and let you raise and rotate your arm. A tear means one of these tendons has pulled partly or fully away from the bone.
Tears happen two ways. Some come on slowly as the tendon wears thin with age or repeated overhead use, and are called degenerative tears. Others happen suddenly, from a fall onto an outstretched arm or lifting something heavy, and are called acute tears.
Common signs are pain on the outside of the shoulder, pain that is worse at night or when lying on that side, weakness when lifting or reaching overhead, and a dull ache that makes it hard to sleep. Some tears cause little pain, so weakness alone is worth having checked.
How is Rotator Cuff Tear diagnosed, and what does the visit involve?
A rotator cuff tear is diagnosed by an exam and imaging.
Dr. wodicka will ask how the pain started, then test the shoulder's strength and motion with the arm in set positions. X-rays show the bones and can reveal changes that go with cuff problems, though they do not show the tendon itself. An MRI, a scan that pictures soft tissue, or an ultrasound confirms whether a tendon is torn, how large the tear is, and whether the muscle has weakened over time. That detail guides whether therapy or repair fits the situation.
What can I expect over time?
Living with a rotator cuff tear often means steady, gradual progress rather than a sudden fix.
Many people regain comfort and function through the treatment ladder above, especially physical therapy that strengthens the muscles around the shoulder to share the load. Some tears stay stable while others slowly enlarge, so it helps to check back with Dr. wodicka if pain or weakness returns, worsens, or does not improve after a few months of non-surgical care.
Try first, non-surgical
- 01Rest and activity changes, meaning a short break from overhead motions that trigger pain
- 02Physical therapy to strengthen the shoulder and the muscles around it, which often restores function even when a tear remains
- 03Anti-inflammatory medicine to lower pain and swelling
- 04A corticosteroid injection, a shot that reduces inflammation, to calm pain enough to do therapy
When non-surgical care stops working
- 05Surgical rotator cuff repair, considered when pain and weakness continue after months of non-surgical care, or for larger tears in active patients
Who treats rotator cuff tear in Fort Lauderdale?
ross wodicka is a orthopedic surgeon who treats rotator cuff tear in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Fellowship trained at southern california orthopaedic institute (scoi). Dr. wodicka sees patients at the practice in Fort Lauderdale; appointments can be requested through this site.
What do patients ask most often?
Can a rotator cuff tear heal on its own?
A torn tendon does not reattach to bone on its own, but many people regain comfort and function without surgery. Physical therapy strengthens the surrounding muscles to share the load, and pain often settles. Whether a tear needs repair depends on its size, your activity level, and how the shoulder responds to non-surgical care.
How do I know if my shoulder pain is a rotator cuff tear or something else?
Rotator cuff tears often cause pain on the outside of the shoulder, weakness when lifting overhead, and trouble sleeping on that side. Frozen shoulder and arthritis can feel similar. An exam and imaging tell them apart, so a clear diagnosis comes from an evaluation rather than symptoms alone.
Is surgery always needed for a rotator cuff tear?
No. Many tears are managed with therapy, activity changes, and injections. Surgery is usually considered when pain and weakness continue after months of non-surgical care, or for a larger tear in an active person. Dr. wodicka reviews the options with you before any surgical step.
What happens if a rotator cuff tear is left untreated?
Some tears stay stable and cause little trouble, while others grow larger over time and the muscle can weaken. Because outcomes vary, having the shoulder evaluated helps you understand which situation applies and plan care accordingly.
How do payments work?
Contact the office to confirm insurance participation.
This page is for general education and does not replace an evaluation by a physician. Individual treatment plans vary, and this content should not be used to self-diagnose.