Rotator cuff surgery is a procedure to repair a torn or damaged tendon in the shoulder. It's most often recommended when a rotator cuff injury hasn't improved with non-surgical treatment, or when the tear is significant. If you're not sure whether your symptoms are related to your rotator cuff, our rotator cuff injury page explains the common causes and how it's diagnosed.
This page explains what rotator cuff surgery involves, who might need it, recovery times, potential risks and costs.
Book an appointment with a Ramsay specialist to discuss your symptoms.
What is rotator cuff surgery?
Rotator cuff surgery is a procedure to repair a torn or damaged tendon in the shoulder, reattaching it to the bone so the joint can move and function normally again. It's typically carried out using keyhole (arthroscopic) techniques, where a surgeon uses small incisions and a camera to access and repair the tendon, though open surgery may be recommended for larger or more complex tears. The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthetic, sometimes combined with a nerve block to help manage pain in the shoulder and arm afterwards. The specific technique your surgeon recommends will depend on the size and pattern of the tear, the condition of the surrounding tissue, and your individual circumstances.
When is rotator cuff surgery needed?
Most rotator cuff injuries are treated with non-surgical options first, such as physiotherapy, activity modification and pain relief, see our rotator cuff injury page for more on these. Sometimes rotator cuff repair surgery is the first recommendation for your injury. In other cases, it's recommended when non-surgical treatments haven't improved your symptoms. This commonly means trying conservative treatments first for at least three months, although the appropriate approach will depend on your individual circumstances. Your suitability for surgery may be influenced by factors like:
Surgery isn’t necessarily the best option for every rotator cuff injury. In some cases of degenerative tears, the potential risks of surgery may outweigh the expected benefits. The decision whether to have rotator cuff surgery should be made with your surgeon, based on your symptoms, the nature of your injury, and your individual circumstances.
What does rotator cuff surgery involve?
If it’s recommended that you have rotator cuff surgery, your orthopaedic specialist will explain the procedure and what you can expect before, during, and after your operation.
Whilst the details of individual procedures and hospital visits will vary, most patients can expect broadly the following:
Before your rotator cuff repair surgery
The first step is usually to have a consultation with an orthopaedic specialist. They’ll talk to you about your symptoms, review your medical history, and perform a physical examination of your shoulder. You may also need to have your shoulder imaged, such as with an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI scan, to assess the extent of the damage.
In the run-up to your operation, you may have one or more health checks to make sure you’re fit for the procedure. You may also be told to stop smoking if you do so, and advised on how to maintain a healthy weight to support your post-surgery recovery.
The day before your shoulder surgery, you’ll be told how to prepare for your operation. This includes any medicines that may need to be changed or temporarily stopped, when to stop eating and drinking, the kind of clothes to wear, and how else to prepare yourself.
You may also need to arrange transport home and help with everyday activities while your shoulder is healing.
Your hospital will explain what to expect when you arrive on the day of your surgery, including the anaesthetic planned for your procedure.
During your rotator cuff repair surgery
Rotator cuff surgery is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic.
Today, most rotator cuff repair surgery is performed as arthroscopic ‘keyhole’ surgery rather than open surgery. This involves making small incisions around the shoulder to insert an arthroscope. This is a long, thin video camera with a light that sends footage to a screen that the surgeon uses to guide the operation. Slender keyhole surgical instruments can then be inserted through the incisions to make the needed repairs, such as reattaching a tendon to the bone or stitching a torn tendon.
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery is typically performed as an outpatient or short-stay procedure, meaning you may be able to go home the same day as the operation or after a one- to two-night stay in hospital.
For larger or more complex tears, open rotator cuff repair surgery may be recommended. This involves a larger incision to access the shoulder injury and generally has a longer recovery period.
Depending on the nature and severity of your shoulder problem, your surgeon may conduct other procedures at the same time as your rotator cuff repair surgery. These can include removing a bone spur or, in more severe cases, a tendon transfer or shoulder replacement.
After your rotator cuff repair surgery
After your operation, you’ll be taken to a recovery area and monitored as you come around from the anaesthetic. You may experience pain or numbness, but your healthcare team will provide appropriate pain relief and advice on managing your symptoms and taking care of your surgical wound.
As you recover in hospital, your arm will usually be placed in a sling to protect it.
Most patients can go home either on the day of the operation or within a day or two, depending on their individual circumstances and recovery.
Physiotherapy usually starts as early as possible. Before you leave the hospital, you’ll be introduced to an exercise programme tailored to your recovery. Your physiotherapy programme is an important part of protecting the repair, restoring movement and gradually rebuilding strength.
You’ll usually need to wear a sling for around six weeks to protect your healing tendons. Your orthopaedic surgeon and physiotherapy team will advise you about your individual recovery and when it’s appropriate to gradually return to normal activities.
Rotator cuff surgery recovery time
Recovery after rotator cuff surgery takes time, and exact recovery timelines will vary from person to person. Your own recovery will depend on factors including the severity of your injury, your overall health and condition, how closely you follow the recovery advice you’re given, and how well your shoulder responds to rehabilitation.
Although rotator cuff surgery recovery times will differ, most patients can broadly expect to progress through the following general timeline:
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Immediately after surgery: Your arm will be placed in a sling to protect the repaired tendon(s). Some degree of pain and discomfort should be expected as the anaesthetic wears off, but is usually well managed with pain relief medication.
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The first week after surgery: You’ll focus on rest and recovery as your body heals, and on managing your pain and any swelling you have.
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Around 2–6 weeks: Gentle exercises and physiotherapy will usually begin, following your surgeon's and physiotherapist's advice. Your rehabilitation programme will gradually work on restoring movement while protecting the healing tendon.
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Around 6 weeks: You’ll typically wear your sling for around six weeks to protect your healing tendons. Your rehabilitation will continue to progress under the guidance of your physiotherapy team. Your pain and discomfort should continue to get better.
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Around 7–12 weeks: Most people are well on the way to recovery. Shoulder movement and strength should continue to improve as you progress with physiotherapy and gradually return to normal activities.
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6–12 months: Full recovery from rotator cuff surgery can take six to 12 months. Recovery continues during this period even after your shoulder begins to feel much better.
Rotator cuff surgery recovery time off work
This will depend both on how well you recover from your surgery and what kind of work you do.
Most patients can return to desk-based and more sedentary jobs in around two weeks, sometimes even sooner. If you have a more physically demanding job, you might be off work longer, even up to three to four months.
If your job involves lifting, repetitive shoulder movements or overhead activity, you may need to avoid some duties for longer after returning to work.
Your surgeon or physiotherapist can advise you about when it’s appropriate to return to your particular role.
How long will I have pain after rotator cuff surgery?
Pain and discomfort will usually be worse right after your surgery but will gradually diminish over the first few weeks of your recovery. You should expect some pain and stiffness during the early stages, even as your shoulder starts to improve.
How long you have pain after rotator cuff surgery varies between patients. Some pain and stiffness can continue for several months as the tendon heals and strength and movement return.
Your pain will be managed as part of your recovery. This is typically with pain medication, especially at first, and as your physiotherapy programme progresses.
It’s important to have realistic expectations about recovery, as you likely won’t feel pain-free immediately after surgery. Your surgeon and physiotherapist can explain what to expect based on your individual procedure and recovery.
Physiotherapy after rotator cuff surgery
Physiotherapy will be a very important part of your recovery following rotator cuff surgery. Your physiotherapist will guide you through exercises designed to support movement and build strength to help you gradually return to normal activities.
Following your personal rehabilitation programme closely will help you make progress during your recovery and achieve the best possible outcome for your individual circumstances.
Find out more about physiotherapy with Ramsay Health Care
Risks and side effects of rotator cuff surgery
Rotator cuff repair surgery can improve pain and shoulder function for many patients, but outcomes vary depending on factors such as the size and type of tear, age and rehabilitation.
However, all surgery carries a certain amount of risk. Although serious complications are uncommon after surgery, it’s important to understand the possible risks.
General risks of surgery include:
Potential complications after rotator cuff surgery include:
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An injury to the nerves in your shoulder
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An injury to the blood vessels in your shoulder
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Lasting shoulder stiffness
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Lasting shoulder weakness after the surgery
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A frozen shoulder
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Re-tearing of the rotator cuff
Your surgeon will be able to advise you on the risks and complications of your individual surgery, so you can make an informed decision.
What is the risk of a rotator cuff re-tear?
A rotator cuff tendon can tear again after surgical repair, with larger tears having a higher risk of re-tearing than smaller ones. Your risk of re-tears will also depend on your age and the condition of your tendons, and how you use your shoulder.
A re-tear doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll experience the same level of pain or loss of function that you had before your surgery, however. Your surgical team will assess your risk of re-tears before proceeding with surgery, and a physiotherapist can help you reduce the risk of them afterwards.
Rotator cuff surgery cost
The cost of rotator cuff surgery with Ramsay will depend on your individual situation, your diagnosis and the specific care you need. After a consultation with one of our orthopaedic specialists, we’ll give you a personalised quote for the cost of your treatment. This will be valid for up to 60 days.
We provide a range of payment options, including:
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0% Payment Plans: Spread the cost of your rotator cuff surgery with fixed, monthly payments made over a time period that suits you.
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Self-fund treatment: Pay a one-time payment at a pre-agreed price that covers all your treatment with our all-inclusive Total Care package.
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Your own medical insurance: Your private healthcare insurance may cover your rotator cuff surgery. You will need written confirmation from your insurance provider before commencing treatment with us.
For a personalised quote or to discuss payment options in more detail, please contact our friendly team.
Rotator cuff surgery at Ramsay Health Care
At Ramsay Health Care, our specialist orthopaedic surgeons provide expert, patient-focused care for people with rotator cuff injuries, across our UK hospital network.
Our orthopaedic surgeons work alongside on-site physiotherapists and other specialist healthcare professionals, ensuring a joined-up approach to your care from your first appointment through to surgery and rehabilitation.
Your Ramsay experience includes:
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Fast access to on-site diagnostics, including MRI and X-ray imaging, to help assess your rotator cuff injury.
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Specialist rotator cuff surgery and treatment, including arthroscopic ‘keyhole’ and open surgical techniques where appropriate.
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Convenient locations across the UK, many with on-site parking. Find your nearest hospital.
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Flexible ways to pay, including self-pay, insured pay, and 0% finance options
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Dedicated patient support with a friendly specialist team guiding you at every stage of your treatment and recovery.
Contact us to find out more and to book an appointment today or call us on 0808 223 0500.
Rotator cuff surgery FAQs
