Rotator Cuff Surgery: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Rotator Cuff Surgery?
An orthopedic surgeon, a doctor who treats bone, joint, and muscle problems, usually performs rotator cuff surgery. It repairs a torn tendon in the shoulder. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that form a cuff over the shoulder joint. These muscles and tendons hold the arm in its joint and help the shoulder move. The tendons can tear from overuse, injury, or wearing away over time. Surgery most often re-attaches the tendon to its original site on the head of the humerus, the upper arm bone. It can be done with a large cut, called open surgery, or with shoulder arthroscopy, which uses smaller cuts.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Your doctor may offer surgery if your pain does not improve with nonsurgical methods.
Surgery may be a good choice in these cases.
- You have a complete rotator cuff tear.
- Several months of physical therapy has not improved your symptoms.
How to prepare
Your surgeon may ask you to do the following.
- Cut back or quit smoking, since smoking can slow healing and increase the risk for blood clots.
- Ask whether you need someone to drive you home.
- Follow instructions about when to stop eating and drinking.
You may be asked to temporarily stop taking blood thinners during the week before surgery. Ask your surgeon which medicines you should still take on the day of surgery. Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own, because your surgeon decides.
What happens during it
You will likely receive general anesthesia, so you will be asleep and unable to feel pain.
Three common techniques are used to repair a rotator cuff tear.
- In an open repair, the surgeon moves a large muscle, the deltoid, out of the way. This is done for large or more complex tears.
- In an arthroscopic repair, a small camera is placed in the shoulder through a small cut, and one to three more small cuts let other instruments in.
- In a mini-open repair, damaged tissue or bone spurs are removed or repaired with an arthroscope, and then a 2- to 3-inch cut is made to repair the rotator cuff.
Most rotator cuff tears are repaired arthroscopically today. The tendons are re-attached to the bone.
Recovery
Most surgical repairs can be done as same-day surgery, with no night in the hospital. You will wear a sling when you leave the hospital. You will most likely avoid using your arm for the first 4 to 6 weeks. Talk to your doctor if your pain does not improve within a few weeks after surgery.
A physical therapy program will help you regain shoulder strength and motion. At 8 to 12 weeks, your therapist will start strengthening exercises. Recovery can take 4 to 6 months, depending on the size of the tear and other factors.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting, coughing up or vomiting blood, or bleeding that will not stop.
Risks and side effects
Risks of surgery in general include the following.
- Bleeding, blood clots, and infection
Risks of rotator cuff surgery include the following.
- Failure of surgery to relieve symptoms
- Injury to a tendon, blood vessel, or nerve
- Stiffness, which often improves with more therapy and exercise
- A tendon re-tear, which is more likely when the tear was larger
Surgery is often successful in relieving pain in the shoulder. It may not always return strength. Some tears may not fully heal.
Who performs it
An orthopedic surgeon performs rotator cuff surgery.
Common questions
Do all rotator cuff tears need surgery?
No, a partial tear may not require surgery. Rest and exercise are used to heal the shoulder instead.
Is arthroscopic repair better than open repair?
Arthroscopic and open repair give similar results. Pain relief, strength, function, and patient satisfaction are similar with open, mini-open, and arthroscopic repair. Surgeon expertise is more important in getting a satisfactory result than the choice of technique.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Rotator cuff repair
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Rotator Cuff Tears: Surgical Treatment Options
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
