To request an appointment by phone, please click here.
Skip to main content

Why Didn’t My Rotator Cuff Heal?

Healing of a rotator cuff is complicated and depends on a number of variables. Many rotator cuff surgeries will heal just fine, but others may not. The simple explanation is the shoulder is a difficult place for healing to occur, and the rotator cuff itself is a complex area.

Here are some more specific reasons why a rotator cuff didn’t heal.

Main Reasons A Rotator Cuff Doesn’t Heal After Surgery

Age is a major factor

The tendons connected to the bone begin to wear out starting at about age 30. This “wear and tear” factor varies by person, but by age 50 most everyone has some degree of degeneration which can cause a tear without any real trauma. This is sometimes called an “attritional tear.”

The size of the tear and the amount of damage affects the healing

The chance of healing is in direct relation to the depth and size of the tear. Consequently, the larger the rotator cuff tear prior to surgery, the higher the rate of failure after surgery.

Aggressive physical therapy may contribute to a rotator cuff that doesn’t heal well

If a patient returns to all their activities too quickly, this may be detrimental to healing.

If the therapy causes a lot of pain, the therapist may need to slow down the pace. Talk to one of our orthopedic specialists and physical therapist if you are experiencing pain during and after therapy sessions.

Although patients might be encouraged to return to activities before six months after surgery, most surgeons today suggest that it takes nine months to completely heal from rotator cuff injury and surgery.

Healing A Rotator Cuff With or Without Surgery

Many tears don’t require surgery. In these situations, patients may undergo injections, physical therapy, and take anti-inflammatory medications. Similar issues apply for tears without surgery.

The cause of the tear is an important factor. Was it from degeneration or an injury?

It is believed that degeneration of the tendons is the main reason a rotator cuff does not heal, and the older the patient, the more deterioration. Consider an old pair of jeans that eventually develops a hole in the knee. It is difficult to repair due to the frayed edges.

How long the tear has existed also can affect if and when it heals.

Healing a rotator cuff injury in Las Vegas involves many variables. Seek out an experienced orthopedic professional like Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center to learn about your options.

You Might Also Enjoy...

 Will My Ingrown Toenail Heal on Its Own?

Will My Ingrown Toenail Heal on Its Own?

While most ingrown toenails are just minor irritations that will heal with self-care, some become severe and require medical attention. Here’s how you can tell the difference.
4 Early Signs of Osteoporosis You Should Know

4 Early Signs of Osteoporosis You Should Know

Are you developing a hump on your back or having trouble opening jars? A change in posture and weakening grip strength can be early signs of osteoporosis. Keep reading to learn more indicators of this progressive disease. 
Tennis vs. Golfer's Elbow: What's the Difference?

Tennis vs. Golfer's Elbow: What's the Difference?

Pain on the inside or outside of your elbow may be caused by tennis or golfer’s elbow — even if you’ve never stepped foot on the tennis court or swung a golf club. Here’s how to know which elbow issue you have and what to do about it.