Shoulder — Evidence-Based Care
Rotator Cuff Injury Treatment in India
Worried about the words “rotator cuff tear” on your MRI? Understand what it means, when physiotherapy suffices or surgery is the right move — global access from Hyderabad.
The basics
What is a Rotator Cuff Injury?
The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that stabilise the shoulder joint. Over-time wear, overuse or a sudden injury can cause partial tears or full thickness tears that may lead to pain, weakness and limited movement.
What to watch for
Symptoms & Signs
- Pain at night or when lying on the shoulder
- Difficulty raising or reaching behind your back
- Clicking, catching or shoulder weakness
- Loss of power in overhead or work tasks
MRI & what your report means
Diagnosis & MRI Findings
Your MRI may show tear size, muscle quality (such as fatty infiltration), and tendon retraction — all of which help guide whether physiotherapy alone may succeed or if surgery offers better long-term stability.
Many patients feel alarmed when their report says “tear”. However, an MRI finding alone doesn’t necessarily mean you need surgery — your symptoms, goals, tear pattern and muscle health all matter.
- Tear size & tendon retraction — larger tears and greater retraction raise the risk of repair failure.
- Muscle quality: fatty infiltration/atrophy adversely affect prognosis.
- MRI accuracy is high for identifying tears (≈ 93% for full-thickness, ≈91% for partial tears) — but imaging must be interpreted in context.
First-line care
Physiotherapy & Conservative Treatment
Many patients, especially with tendinopathy or small-medium tears, can avoid surgery by following a well-structured rehabilitation plan. Non-operative outcomes in selected cases remain very good.
| Phase | Focus |
|---|---|
| Pain & Mobility | Education, gentle motion, activity modification |
| Strength & Control | Rotator cuff + scapular strengthening, closed-chain exercises |
| Function | Work/sport-specific drills, return to activity |
If pain, weakness or functional limitation persists after 8-12 weeks of guided rehab, we recommend a detailed surgical review.
When key-hole repair is best
Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
When non-operative treatment isn’t sufficient — for example large tears, trauma, persistent weakness/pain — arthroscopic repair offers the best chance for lasting strength and function.
- Tear size > 1–2 cm or multiple tendons involved
- Traumatic tears with acute loss of function
- Significant muscle fatty infiltration or tendon retraction
- Failed conservative treatment after an appropriate period
Rehab roadmap
Recovery Timeline & Return to Activity
| Phase | Weeks | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort & Protect | 0-2 | Sling, pain control, hand/elbow mobility |
| Motion | 2-6 | Active-assisted → active motion |
| Strength | 6-12 | Cuff & scapular strengthening, low-load functional drills |
| Return | 3-6 + months | Work/sport progression depending on tear size & tissue health |
Larger or massive tears may require up to 9-12 months for full return; we follow evidence-based benchmarks, not just time-based.
Transparent pricing
Cost of Rotator Cuff Treatment in India
Estimated range: ₹1,20,000–₹2,80,000 (varies with tear size, hospital stay, implant use).
- Surgeon & anaesthesia fees
- Operating theatre & consumables
- Implants (anchors, sutures) as required
- Day-care vs overnight stay decisions
International/NRI patients: Tele-consult & global patient support available.
What patients ask
Frequently Asked Questions
Will physiotherapy heal my tear if MRI shows “full-thickness”?
In selected patients with small-medium tears, good muscle quality and no major retraction, yes – physiotherapy can work well long-term.
I’m scared because MRI says “tear” — does that mean I’ll always need surgery?
No. An MRI is a tool, not a verdict. Your symptoms, goals and tissue health guide the decision.
What are the risks of surgery and how long until I return to work or sport?
Minimally invasive arthroscopy has a low complication rate. Recovery depends on tear size and activity – many desk jobs resume in 6-8 weeks; heavy labour/sport may take 6-12 months.
Expertise you can trust
Why choose Dr. Deepthi Nandan Reddy?
- Fellowship-trained shoulder & upper-limb surgeon
- High-volume rotator cuff repairs & rehab integration
- Pan-India & international patient care (tele-consult available)
- In-house physiotherapy unit aligned with surgical protocols
- Transparent, outcome-focused care with global best-practice
Ready to reclaim your shoulder? Let’s talk.
Book a consultation with Dr. Deepthi Nandan Reddy — in-person in Hyderabad or via tele-consult for out-of-station & international patients.
Related reading: Shoulder Arthroscopy · Shoulder Reconstruction · Shoulder Replacement Surgery
