What Is a Rotator Cuff Tear?

Rotator Cuff Injury
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping the head of your upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder. A tear occurs when one or more of these tendons become detached from the bone, either partially or completely.

While some tears happen suddenly, many are the result of gradual wear and tear. Regardless of the cause, seeking professional rotator cuff tear treatment in NJ or NYC is essential to prevent the injury from worsening.

What Causes Rotator Cuff Tear?

Rotator cuff injuries generally fall into two categories:

Acute Tears: These are typically caused by a sudden trauma, such as falling on an outstretched arm or lifting a heavy object with a jerking motion.
Degenerative Tears: Most tears are the result of wearing down the tendon slowly over time. This is common as we age and can be exacerbated by repetitive stress (common in athletes or those in manual labor), lack of blood supply to the tendon, or bone spurs.

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What Does a Torn Rotator Cuff Feel Like?

Patients often describe the sensation of a rotator cuff tear as a deep, dull ache in the shoulder. Unlike standard muscle soreness, this pain typically doesn’t improve with rest alone. A hallmark sign of a tear is pain at night, particularly if you attempt to sleep on the affected side. You may also feel a “snapping” sensation or find it difficult to lift your arm to comb your hair or reach behind your back.

Rotator Cuff Tear Symptoms

If you suspect a rotator cuff injury in NJ, look for the following symptoms:

Pain and tenderness when lifting or rotating your arm.
Weakness in the shoulder, making it difficult to lift everyday objects.
A “cracking” or “popping” sound (crepitus) when moving the shoulder in certain positions.
Limited range of motion.
Persistent pain that radiates down the side of the arm, sometimes causing shoulder and hand pain.

patient TESTIMONIALS ★★★★★

The Spine and Rehab Group is home to incredibly friendly, welcoming staff, making interactions with them on an appointment to appointment basis easy and taking one less thing off my shoulders. All of them are very knowledgeable about their field and this aids in answering any and all patient questions and finding the best treatment or procedure for all. Those in the physical therapy department are continuously professional and offer wonderful services. Would recommend to family and friends!

Danielle K. ★★★★★

After going through about 70 visits for my reattached Rotator cuff and going through about 70 visits for my Achilles tendon reattachment therapy, I am pleased with the treatment and professionalism the three young ladies displayed. The first month of therapy on my shoulder was worse than Boot Camp! There were times I dreaded going. With the encouragement and professional knowledge of DPT Bethany and her team, I made it through. I have full movement in my shoulder that many other friends don't have from going to someone else. My Achilles therapy wasn't as painful as my shoulder but they worked me through it. I would recommend them very highly to any one that has this type of surgery and any other replacement surgery's that was performed. If you are going to some ware else and are not satisfied, go to The Spine and Rehab Group. They are the best!!!!

Bobby M.

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Rotator Cuff Tear Treatments in NJ & NYC

At The Spine & Rehab Group, we prioritize interventional and non-surgical approaches to help patients avoid invasive surgery.

Our team specializes in rotator cuff repair in NJ through customized recovery plans, including:

Physical Therapy: Our specialists develop targeted exercise programs to strengthen the surrounding muscles, improve flexibility, and restore shoulder mechanics.
Steroid Injections: To manage acute pain and inflammation, we offer guided injections that provide long-lasting relief, allowing you to participate more effectively in physical therapy.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: An advanced regenerative option that uses your body’s own healing properties to repair damaged tendon tissue.
Activity Modification: We provide ergonomic guidance to help you avoid movements that aggravate the shoulder while the tendon heals.
Medical Massage Therapy: Manual techniques such as Medical Massage can be helpful to a shoulder injury. It is important to work with a massage therapist who is skilled in sports injuries.

A shoulder injury shouldn’t keep you on the sidelines. Whether you need a diagnostic EMG or a comprehensive plan for rotator cuff tear treatment in NJ, our team of top pain management specialists is here to help. Contact The Spine & Rehab Group today to schedule your consultation at one of our convenient Manhattan or New Jersey locations.

Page Updated on Jan 21, 2026 by Dr. Hosny (Interventional Spine Specialist) of The Spine & Rehab Group Dr. Amr Hosny

Dr. Hosny is a distinguished physician, educator, and healthcare leader with a commitment to advancing health equity and accessibility in the rapidly evolving landscape of modern healthcare. After completing his residency at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center, affiliated with Columbia University in New York City, he pursued an Interventional Spine Fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, part of Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA.

Dr. Hosny has held prominent roles in academic medicine, including serving as an Associate Clinical Professor at New York Medical College and as the Interventional Spine Fellowship Program Director. These positions reflect his dedication to mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals and advancing the field of interventional spine care.

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The Spine & Rehab Group
140 NJ-17,
Paramus, NJ 07652
(212) 242-8160

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