Shoulder pain can be more than just an inconvenience—it might be a sign of something more serious, such as a rotator cuff tear. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize your shoulder joint and allow you to move your arm. When this critical area is injured or damaged, it can significantly impact your quality of life.

At Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center, led by Dr. Nielsen, we specialize in diagnosing and treating shoulder conditions, including rotator cuff injuries. If you’re unsure whether your shoulder pain warrants surgery, we’re here to help. Below are the top five indicators that you may need rotator cuff surgery—and what you can do about it.

1. Persistent Shoulder Pain

One of the most common signs of a rotator cuff injury is persistent shoulder pain that doesn’t go away with rest or over-the-counter medications. This pain may feel dull at first but can worsen over time.

In particular, if your shoulder pain intensifies at night or prevents you from sleeping comfortably, it’s a red flag that something more serious could be going on. Nighttime pain is often associated with rotator cuff tears because lying down increases pressure on the injured area.

Ignoring this pain can lead to further complications, so if it’s been bothering you for weeks or months, it’s time to consult a specialist like Natalie Smith, PA-C at Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center.

2. Weakness in Your Shoulder

Have you noticed weakness in your shoulder when performing everyday tasks? For example, maybe lifting a grocery bag or reaching for an item on a high shelf feels unusually difficult. This weakness is often caused by damage to the tendons in your rotator cuff, which are responsible for stabilizing and moving your shoulder joint.

Rotator cuff injuries can make even simple movements challenging, and untreated tears may worsen over time, leading to chronic weakness. If this sounds familiar, don’t wait to get evaluated, early intervention can make all the difference.

3. Limited Range of Motion

Another telltale sign of a rotator cuff issue is difficulty moving your shoulder through its full range of motion. You might feel stiffness or experience pain when trying to lift your arm overhead or rotate it outward.

Some people describe this sensation as having a “frozen shoulder.” While stiffness can sometimes be due to inflammation or other minor issues, it’s also a common symptom of rotator cuff tears that require surgical repair.

At Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center, we use advanced tools to determine the root cause of your limited mobility and recommend the most effective treatment plan.

4. Pain After an Acute Injury

Did your shoulder pain begin after an accident or injury? Acute injuries—such as falling on an outstretched arm or lifting something heavy—are common causes of rotator cuff tears.

If you experienced sudden pain followed by swelling, bruising, or difficulty moving your arm, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Left untreated, acute injuries can lead to long-term damage and make surgical repair more complicated.

Dr. Nielsen and our team at Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center specialize in treating both acute and chronic shoulder injuries. We’ll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan designed to restore your mobility and reduce pain.

5. Non-Surgical Treatments Haven’t Worked

Not all rotator cuff injuries require surgery—many patients find relief through non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, cortisone injections, or anti-inflammatory medications. However, if these methods haven’t improved your symptoms after six months or more, surgery may be the next step.

Rotator cuff surgery is often recommended when conservative treatments fail to provide lasting relief or when imaging studies show significant tendon damage. The good news is that modern surgical techniques are minimally invasive and have high success rates for restoring function and reducing pain.

If you’re unsure whether surgery is right for you, schedule a consultation with one of our experienced physical therapists at Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center to discuss your options.

Why Choose Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center?

At Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center, we understand how frustrating shoulder pain can be—and we’re here to help you find relief. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to your specific needs. From diagnosis to recovery, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Our state-of-the-art facility offers advanced diagnostic imaging and cutting-edge surgical techniques designed to minimize downtime and maximize results. Whether you’re dealing with a minor injury or require complex surgical intervention, we’re committed to helping you get back to doing what you love.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

You don’t have to live with shoulder pain any longer. If you suspect you may need rotator cuff surgery—or simply want expert advice on managing your symptoms, Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center is here for you. Schedule an appointment today by visiting our Contact Us page or calling us at 434-244-8412. Let us help you take the first step toward recovery!