What Is a Rotator Cuff Tear?
The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that stabilise and move the shoulder. Tears may be partial or full-thickness, and can result from a sudden injury or, more commonly, gradual degeneration with age. Symptoms include shoulder pain (often worse at night and when lifting the arm), weakness, and difficulty with overhead activities.
Non-Surgical Treatment
- Physiotherapy: The cornerstone for many partial tears and degenerative tears — strengthening surrounding muscles to restore function.
- Activity modification & medication: To control pain and inflammation.
- Corticosteroid injection: Can reduce pain to enable rehabilitation.
Many people, particularly with degenerative partial tears, improve well without surgery.
Surgical Repair
Surgery is considered for full-thickness tears, significant weakness, tears from an acute injury in active people, or when conservative treatment fails. Arthroscopic (keyhole) rotator cuff repair reattaches the torn tendon to the bone with anchors. It's typically a day or short-stay procedure followed by a structured rehabilitation programme.
Recovery
- Weeks 0–6: Sling protection; gentle passive movement to protect the repair.
- Weeks 6–12: Progressive active movement and strengthening.
- Months 4–6: Return to most activities; full strength recovery can take up to a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
See who practises in this field: subspecialty focus, credentials and clinic websites, checked against public records.
Browse orthopaedic surgeons →Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair typically costs S$15,000–S$28,000+ privately including surgeon, anchors, facility and anaesthesia. Subsidised rates apply at public hospitals. It's medically necessary, Medisave-claimable up to limits and often Shield-covered.
Partial and degenerative tears often improve with physiotherapy, activity modification and sometimes an injection — many people regain good function without surgery. Full-thickness tears, significant weakness, or acute tears in active people are more likely to need repair.
Recovery is gradual: a sling for around 6 weeks to protect the repair, then progressive strengthening. Most people return to daily activities by 3–4 months, with full strength taking up to a year. Rehabilitation is essential.
Yes. Rotator cuff repair is a medically necessary procedure, Medisave-claimable up to surgical limits and often covered by Integrated Shield Plans. Confirm with the clinic.
General information only — not medical advice. Always verify a doctor’s SMC registration and discuss your individual circumstances with a qualified specialist.