Orthopaedics, by video or in person
Rotator Cuff Tear
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Rotator Cuff Tear
- Pain in the outer shoulder and upper arm, often worse at night and when lying on that side
- Pain when lifting the arm out to the side or above the head
- Weakness lifting or turning the arm
- Difficulty combing hair, reaching a shelf or putting on a shirt
- A clicking or catching feeling when the shoulder moves
The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that hold the ball of the shoulder in its socket and lift and turn the arm. A tendon can tear suddenly, in a fall on an outstretched arm or while lifting something heavy, or wear and fray slowly over the years, which is common after 40. A torn tendon does not heal back to the bone on its own, but many people, especially older adults, regain a comfortable, useful shoulder with physiotherapy. A tear after an injury in an active adult, or one that leaves the arm weak, is often repaired with keyhole surgery, and earlier repair tends to heal better.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Pain in the outer shoulder and upper arm, often worse at night and when lying on that side
- Pain when lifting the arm out to the side or above the head
- Weakness lifting or turning the arm
- Difficulty combing hair, reaching a shelf or putting on a shirt
- A clicking or catching feeling when the shoulder moves
- Sudden weakness after a fall or a heavy lift
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital now for shoulder or arm pain that comes with chest pain, breathlessness or sweating, which can be the heart, for a shoulder that looks out of place after an injury, or for a hot, swollen shoulder with fever. See an orthopaedic surgeon within two to three weeks if you cannot lift your arm after a fall or a heavy lift, because a fresh tear repairs best early. See a doctor if shoulder pain lasts more than a few weeks or wakes you at night. Do not have the shoulder pulled or massaged by a bone-setter after an injury.
Treatment options
- Rest from the movements that hurt, without keeping the arm still
- Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medicines for a short time
- Physiotherapy to strengthen the remaining tendons and the muscles around the shoulder blade
- An ultrasound or MRI scan to confirm the tear and its size
- A steroid injection for pain that is stopping you doing the exercises
- Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for a tear after an injury, or one that physiotherapy has not helped
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
Will a rotator cuff tear heal on its own?
The torn tendon does not grow back to the bone, but the pain often settles and strength returns with physiotherapy, especially in older adults with wear-related tears. A tear after an injury in a younger, active person is usually better repaired.
Is it frozen shoulder or a rotator cuff tear?
Both cause shoulder pain at night. In a frozen shoulder, the joint is stiff and nobody can move it fully for you. In a rotator cuff tear, someone else can usually lift your arm, but you struggle to lift it yourself. An examination and a scan tell them apart.
How long does recovery take after a repair?
The arm is in a sling for about four to six weeks, light use returns by three months, and the shoulder keeps improving for up to a year with physiotherapy.
Need Help?
A bone and joint surgeon on a video call, who goes through your scans and says whether physiotherapy, an injection or surgery is right.
See an orthopaedic surgeon by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
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The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Shoulder pain. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 3 November 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.