A rotator cuff tear can be a painful and frustrating injury that can take a while to heal. There are several factors that determine the healing time of a rotator cuff tear such as the severity of the tear, age and overall health of the patient. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of rotator cuff tears and discuss the different treatment options that can help in the healing process.
There are two types of rotator cuff tears: partial tears and complete tears. Partial tears occur when the tendon is partially torn, whereas complete tears occur when the tendon is completely separated from the bone. Partial tears can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to heal, while complete tears can take up to six months or longer to fully heal.
The healing time of a rotator cuff tear also depends on the type of treatment that one receives. Conservative treatments like rest, physiotherapy, and chiropractic treatment can take longer to heal partial and complete tears. Patients may need to rest the shoulder for a few weeks, followed by a rehabilitation program to help strengthen the surrounding muscles and minimize the risk of reinjury. Alternatively, complete tears may require surgery, after which the healing time is typically longer, requiring several months of physiotherapy.
Age is also a significant factor when it comes to the time of natural healing for a rotator cuff tear. Generally, younger patients tend to heal faster and may only require conservative treatment, whereas older patients may need more aggressive treatment, such as surgery, to help speed up the healing process.
Several other factors can also impact the healing time of a rotator cuff tear, such as the overall health of the patient. Patients who have pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or obesity may take longer to heal than otherwise healthy patients. Those with underlying conditions may find it difficult for the rotator cuff tear to go away on its own as well.
In summary, the healing time of a rotator cuff tear is dependent on various factors, including the severity of the tear, age, overall health, and the type of treatment one receives. Rotator cuff tears can be hard to heal on their own. If you are suffering from a rotator cuff tear, you should speak with your doctor or physiotherapist to determine the best course of treatment to help speed up the healing process. With proper treatment, patients can expect to recover from partial tears in a few weeks to a few months, while complete tears may take up to six months or longer to fully heal.
