Rotator Cuff Tears: Is Shoulder Surgery the Only Treatment Option?

In sports medicine, one common injury I see in athletes is rotator cuff tears. Depending on the patient’s age and severity of the tear, there are a few treatment options. While shoulder surgery is sometimes the best option, there are also alternatives. In the following video, I discuss diagnosing shoulder injuries, rotator cuff surgery, recovery following a shoulder injury and more.

For patients with other shoulder injuries or conditions, my colleagues have created these additional videos with more information:


About the Author: Charles E. Rhoades, M.D., is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in conditions of the hand and upper extremities. His other areas of expertise involve the shoulder and sports injuries of the knee.


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The medical information contained in the Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics website is provided to increase your knowledge and understanding of orthopedic conditions. This information should not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific medical or surgical treatment plan. As each patient may have specific symptoms or associated problems, the treatment regimen for a specific patient may not be the proper treatment for another.

Gaining knowledge and understanding of a particular problem or condition is the first step in any medical treatment plan. I believe the information presented on our website will be helpful for those individuals experiencing shoulder pain, sports injuries, or other related problems. However, this information is not intended to replace the advice of your family physician. You are encouraged to consult with your physician to discuss any course of treatment presented or suggested.