Shoulder tendon injury or tear can cause pain with lifting, weakness, sleep disturbance, and activity limitation. Treatment depends on tear size, age, and functional needs.
When shoulder tendon repair may be considered
- Shoulder pain with weakness
- Night pain or difficulty lifting the arm
- Tendon tear seen on MRI or ultrasound
Visit notes
- Rehabilitation may be suitable for some tears
- Surgical repair may be considered for significant tears
- Timing can affect repair options in some injuries
Common patient questions about shoulder tendon tears
What are the symptoms of a shoulder tendon tear?
A shoulder tendon tear can cause pain while lifting the arm, weakness, night pain, difficulty sleeping on the shoulder, and limits in daily activities. Symptoms do not always match tear size, so examination and imaging are useful.