For symptomatic small to medium full-thickness tears, both physical therapy and surgery result in significant improvements, but over five to ten years of non-operative management, the tear size can progress and lead to permanent muscle atrophy.
Teaching on assessment, testing, investigation, diagnosis and physiotherapy treatment of rotator cuff tears








The latest American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) guidelines, published in August 2025, provide an evidence-based roadmap for managing rotator cuff tears. These guidelines help clinicians navigate the complexities of shoulder pain treatment by focusing on current research. They address everything from the initial clinical investigation to the critical decision-making process between surgical intervention and non-operative options like physical therapy to ensure patients receive the most effective care available.
Not necessarily. According to the 2025 care roadmap, there is a significant debate regarding physical therapy versus surgery. Interestingly, many people over the age of sixty have rotator cuff tears visible on an MRI without experiencing any pain or symptoms. The latest evidence-based medicine suggests that both physical therapy and surgery are viable options, and the choice depends on whether the shoulder requires surgical repair or can be managed through conservative functional rehabilitation.
Shoulder pain is a major health concern in the U.S., accounting for over 4.5 million doctor visits annually. Rotator cuff tears become increasingly common as people age, often acting as a rite of passage. By age sixty, more than half of the population may have a tear. Because many of these tears are asymptomatic, the 2025 AAOS guidelines are essential for distinguishing between normal age-related changes and conditions that require orthopaedic surgery.
Создано выпускниками Колумбийского университета в Сан-Франциско
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Создано выпускниками Колумбийского университета в Сан-Франциско
