Dr Marcus Chia - Shoulder Surgeon
Learn about rotator cuff tear causes and treatment options.
A rotator cuff tear occurs when you rip or tear the muscles and tendons in your shoulder (called the rotator cuff). There are two types of rotator cuff tears:
A rotator cuff tear is a common shoulder issue that can occur from injury, ageing, or wear and tear over time.
The most common symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include:
A rotator cuff tear can get worse over time, or lead to other types of shoulder injuries, so it’s important to get proper treatment if you have any symptoms. Dr Chia can diagnose your injury and treat your torn rotator cuff before it becomes worse or interferes with your usual activities.
Rotator cuff tears are common shoulder injuries that can occur from:
If you have shoulder pain or symptoms, Dr Chia will perform a complete physical examination and take your medical history. He will check your strength and shoulder movements to determine if your injury could be a rotator cuff tear or other type of shoulder injury.
To take more detailed images of your shoulder injury and diagnose your tear, you may also need an X-Ray or MRI scan.
There are different treatment options available for rotator cuff tears, including non-surgical options and surgery.
Your treatment will be personalised, depending on the severity of your tear and other health factors.
Non-surgical treatment
Many people with rotator cuff tears can manage their symptoms without surgery, with the following steps:
Dr Chia can create a personalised treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms safely without surgery.
Surgery
If you have a full thickness tear that occurred because of a traumatic injury, or are experiencing a loss of shoulder function, you may benefit from shoulder surgery.
The surgery will most likely be performed via keyhole (arthroscopic) surgery. During arthroscopy, Dr Chia inserts a small camera, called an arthroscope, into your shoulder joint through a small incision (portal).
The camera transmits images onto a video monitor.
Dr Chia will insert surgical instruments are through additional portals and perform the repair by stitching the tendon back to the bone with sutures and bone anchors.
If you need any additional treatments, such as removing bone spurs from the underside of the acromion (acromioplasty), Dr Chia can also perform these.
After your surgery, you will need to follow a dedicated rehabilitation program under the supervision of a physiotherapist to heal and recover well.
Dr Chia offers specialist diagnosis, management and treatment for shoulder injuries, including dislocated shoulder.
An experienced shoulder surgeon, Dr Chia uses minimally invasive and advanced techniques to help you heal, recover and improve your motion.
If you are concerned you may have a rotator cuff tear, contact us today
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Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. The information provided here is for general educational purposes only. For more information on rotator cuff tear treatment options, please contact the office of Dr Marcus Chia - Sydney Orthopaedic Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon.
For appointments and enquiries, please phone (02) 8014 4252
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Suite 20, Level 7
Northern Beaches Hospital
105 Frenchs Forest Road
Frenchs Forest NSW 2086
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Cremorne NSW 2090
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Sydney Adventist Hospital
185 Fox Valley Road
Wahroonga NSW 2076
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