SHOULDER ROTATOR CUFF TEARS

A shoulder rotator cuff tear is a common cause of persistent shoulder pain, weakness and restricted movement among adults in Singapore. The rotator cuff consists of a group of muscles and tendons that stabilise the shoulder joint and allow you to lift and rotate your arm. When these tendons are torn — whether from ageing, repetitive strain or injury — daily activities such as reaching overhead, carrying groceries, or even sleeping comfortably can become difficult .

In Singapore, shoulder rotator cuff tears are frequently seen in working adults, sports enthusiasts, and elderly individuals due to accumulated wear and tear.

At Singapore Paincare, our specialists provide minimally-invasive treatments that relieve pain safely and effectively—offering an alternative to long-term medication or surgery, often with little to no downtime. Our goal is to help you get back to your daily life with comfort and confidence.

What are the causes of Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tears?

Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tears can come from many different factors, ranging from aging to sudden acute injury.

Trauma or Accidents

A fall onto the shoulder, sports injury, or sudden impact can tear the tendon abruptly. In Singapore, this may occur during badminton, tennis, cycling accidents, or slips on wet floors.

You may feel sudden pain and immediate weakness after the injury.

Age-Related Degeneration

As we age, the blood supply to shoulder tendons decreases. Small wear-and-tear injuries may not heal fully, gradually weakening the tendon.

Adults above 40 are more vulnerable — sometimes even without a major injury.

Repetitive Overuse

Repeated overhead movements place strain on the shoulder. This includes:

Racquet sports
Weightlifting
Swimming
Manual labour
Prolonged poor desk posture

Over time, this strain can lead to tendon damage.

Bone Spurs

With ageing, bone spurs may form under the acromion (a bone above the shoulder joint). These can rub against the tendon when you lift your arm.

Repeated friction may gradually lead to tearing.

What are the Symptoms of Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tears?

Rotator Cuff Tear symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe, daily limitations. If your pain persists, worsens, or restricts your ability to perform simple actions, it's best to have it assessed by a specialist.

Dull Ache: A deep, dull ache is felt in the shoulder when it is pressed (e.g. lying on the affected shoulder during sleep). It is usually felt in the mid-arm rather than in the shoulder.
Sharp Pain: Acute shoulder rotator cuff tears from sudden injuries, like falls, typically cause severe pain. You may feel or hear a snapping sensation followed by instant weakness in the upper arm.
Limited Range of Motion: Lifting your hand above your head or reaching for things behind you (i.e. hooking a bra from behind or drying your back with a towel) becomes difficult. Such stiffness, if left untreated for long, can severely restrict shoulder movement.
Arm Weakness: Alongside pain and stiffness, arm weakness makes it harder to exert the same amount of strength or pressure on certain tasks.

It's important to recognise that rotator cuff tears don't always produce pain. Despite the absence of discomfort, these tears may still cause weakness in the arm along with additional symptoms.

What Are the Options for Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tears Treatment in Singapore?

Conservative Treatments

If your Rotator Cuff Tear is mild, you will benefit from conservative treatments, including:

Physiotherapy & Exercises: Intense rehabilitation can reduce stiffness. Our specialists formulate treatments and exercises that help improve shoulder flexibility, range of motion, reduce pain, and prevent further damage.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDS are prescribed to help reduce pain and swelling.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

If your shoulder discomfort has been persistent or more severe, minimally invasive treatments can address the exact source without the need for open surgery. At Singapore Paincare, we offer a range of precise procedures designed to relieve your pain at its origin.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy supports healing when a shoulder rotator cuff tear continues to cause pain and weakness. A small sample of your own blood is processed to concentrate the platelets, which are rich in natural growth factors, and carefully injected into the torn tendon to stimulate blood flow and activate the body’s repair response. The procedure is performed with local anaesthetic for comfort, involves no significant downtime, and most patients can return to light activities shortly after, with many noticing early signs of improvement within 2 to 4 weeks as strength and comfort gradually improve.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery may be considered for severe or complete tears, especially in younger or highly active individuals.

Arthroscopy (Minimally Invasive Surgery): A keyhole procedure that uses a camera to view the affected region so that a precise reattachment can be made, or the torn tendon can be sutured together. Post-recovery takes 2 to 6 months of intensive rehabilitation.
Open Repair: Required for more complex and larger tears, this surgery involves a larger incision to access the damaged tendons, allowing for a more thorough reconstruction. Recovery can take four to six months for strength and function to return, or up to 18 months for a full recovery.

How Singapore Paincare Treats Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tears?

At Singapore Paincare, our specialists use the proprietary Painostic® method, developed from years of clinical experience, to accurately diagnose and manage rotator cuff tears. Shoulder pain is not always caused solely by the tear itself — it may also involve tendon inflammation, impingement, muscle imbalance, or joint degeneration. Our in-house assessment goes beyond standard imaging to identify the true pain generator and determine the most appropriate treatment pathway for your specific shoulder condition.

We focus on the least invasive options first. For rotator cuff tears, this may include targeted ultrasound-guided injections to reduce inflammation and promote healing, combined with structured rehabilitation to restore shoulder strength, stability, and range of motion. Where appropriate, minimally invasive procedures may be considered to address persistent pain. Even in partial or degenerative tears, this integrated approach aims to relieve pain, improve shoulder function, and reduce the risk of further tendon damage or recurrence.

How to Prevent Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tears?

While not all tears are preventable, you can reduce your risk by:

Maintaining shoulder flexibility
Strengthening supporting muscles
Increasing activity intensity gradually
Avoiding repetitive overhead strain
Seeking early evaluation after shoulder injuries
Early treatment can prevent small tears from worsening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a shoulder rotator cuff tear heal on its own?

A small shoulder rotator cuff tear (partial tear) may improve with proper rehabilitation and targeted injections that support healing. However, a complete shoulder rotator cuff tear does not usually reattach on its own. Even so, not every complete tear requires surgery — treatment depends on your pain level, strength, and daily activity needs.

Is surgery always necessary for a shoulder rotator cuff tear?

No. Many patients with a shoulder rotator cuff tear in Singapore recover well with non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections, and structured strengthening programmes. Surgery is typically considered only when pain and weakness remain significant despite conservative care.

How long does recovery take from a shoulder rotator cuff tear?

Recovery from a shoulder rotator cuff tear varies depending on severity and treatment type. Non-surgical treatment may show improvement within a few weeks, especially with guided rehabilitation. Surgical recovery can take several months, with gradual return of strength and function over time.

Is PRP injection painful for shoulder rotator cuff tear treatment?

PRP injections for a shoulder rotator cuff tear are performed with local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable. Most patients tolerate the procedure well and are able to resume light activities shortly after treatment.

Will I regain full strength after a shoulder rotator cuff tear?

Pain relief is often achievable with appropriate treatment for a shoulder rotator cuff tear. Strength usually improves with rehabilitation, although some patients — particularly those with large or long-standing tears — may experience mild residual weakness. Early treatment improves the chances of better functional recovery.

A Message About Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tears from Our Pain Specialist

A shoulder rotator cuff tear can happen after a fall or injury, but more often it develops gradually from ageing, tendon wear and tear, or bone spurs. It usually begins with pain and weakness when lifting the arm. If left untreated, the shoulder may become stiff, making daily movements and sleep increasingly uncomfortable.

Not every rotator cuff tear requires surgery. Many patients improve with targeted injection treatments to relieve pain, while rehabilitation helps restore movement and allows surrounding muscles to support the shoulder. Although some reduction in strength may remain in more severe tears, meaningful pain relief and functional recovery are often achievable.

At Singapore Paincare, our Painostic® method goes beyond treating symptoms. We identify the real source of discomfort and build an individualised, minimally invasive plan—so you can eat comfortably, sleep well, and return to your daily life with confidence.