Rotator Cuff Perth | Rotator Cuff Tears & Repair
Rotator cuff tears: what they are and how they’re treated
“When your shoulder isn’t working as it should, even simple tasks feel tough—here’s what you can do about it.”
Consulting at
Murdoch
[All surgeons]
Wexford Medical Centre
Suite 13
3 Barry Marshall Pde
Murdoch WA 6150
Nedlands
[Dr O’Beirne & Dr Hardisty]
Hollywood Medical Centre
Suite 37
85 Monash Avenue
Nedlands WA 6008
Joondalup
[Dr Ghoshal]
Joondalup Health Campus
Suite 17, Specialist Medical Centre (East), 60 Shenton Avenue
Joondalup WA 6027
If lifting your arm, reaching overhead, or even sleeping on your side has become a struggle, your rotator cuff might be the problem. Tears in these shoulder tendons can happen suddenly or develop over time, and while some are just a nuisance, others can make even basic movements difficult. At Western Orthopaedic Clinic in Perth, Dr Alex O’Beirne specialises in diagnosing and treating rotator cuff tears, helping you regain strength and mobility.
Rotator Cuff Tear Perth
What is a rotator cuff tear?
Your rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that help lift and rotate your arm. They keep your shoulder joint stable, but because they’re used all the time, they’re also prone to damage.
Tears can happen in two main ways:
- Suddenly – A fall, lifting something heavy, or a sports injury can cause a tear on the spot.
- Over time – Years of repetitive movement, overhead work, or even just ageing can wear down the tendons until they eventually give way.
Some people barely notice they have a tear, while others find their shoulder weak, painful, or difficult to move.
Signs your rotator cuff might be torn
A rotator cuff tear doesn’t always cause sharp pain. Sometimes it’s more of a nagging ache that gets worse at night. Other times, it’s a clear loss of strength—struggling to lift objects, reach behind your back, or even pour a cup of coffee.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain when lifting or rotating your arm
- Weakness, making it hard to lift or carry objects
- A clicking or grinding feeling when moving your shoulder
- Difficulty sleeping on the affected side
If any of this sounds familiar and isn’t getting better with rest, it’s time to get checked.
You should see a specialist if:
- The pain hasn’t improved with rest and physiotherapy
- Your shoulder feels unstable or too weak to lift objects properly
- You struggle with simple movements, like reaching for a seatbelt
A GP or physiotherapist can help with mild cases, but if things aren’t improving, an orthopaedic shoulder surgeon like Dr Alex O’Beirne in Perth can give you a clearer diagnosis and treatment plan.
How is a rotator cuff tear diagnosed?
First, we’ll talk about your symptoms and do a hands-on assessment to check your shoulder’s movement, strength, and pain levels. If we suspect a tear, imaging tests can confirm what’s going on.
- X-rays help rule out arthritis or bone spurs but don’t show soft tissue well.
- Ultrasound helps us see the tendons as they move, which can be useful for diagnosing certain injuries.
- MRI scans provide the clearest picture of the tear—its size, location, and severity.
Once we know exactly what’s happening, we can work out the best way forward.
What are the treatment options for rotator cuff tears?
Non-surgical treatment
For smaller tears or mild symptoms, we start with:
- Activity changes – Avoiding movements that make the pain worse.
- Physiotherapy – Strengthening the surrounding muscles to support the shoulder.
- Pain relief – Anti-inflammatory medication or cortisone injections can help reduce discomfort while the shoulder recovers.
Many people find that a combination of these treatments is enough to get back to normal.
When is rotator cuff surgery needed?
If the tear is large, your shoulder is too weak to function properly, or non-surgical treatments haven’t helped, surgery may be the best option.
Common procedures include:
- Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair – Keyhole surgery to stitch the tendon back onto the bone.
- Acromioplasty (shoulder decompression surgery) – Smoothing out bone to stop it from irritating the tendon.
- Tendon transfer – Moving a different tendon to take over the job of a torn one.
- Shoulder replacement surgery – An option for severe cases with arthritis or irreparable damage.
What happens after rotator cuff repair?
Recovery takes time and effort—but for most people, it’s worth it.
- You’ll need to wear a sling for a few weeks to protect the repair.
- Physiotherapy usually begins early with gentle movements, then slowly works on building strength.
- Full recovery takes about three to six months, though some people take longer.
Your commitment to rehab makes a huge difference in getting the best result.
Dr Alex O’Beirne | Shoulder Surgeon Perth
Final thoughts
If your shoulder pain isn’t going away, don’t wait for it to get worse. The sooner you get it looked at, the better your chances of avoiding long-term issues.
At Western Orthopaedic Clinic in Perth, Dr Alex O’Beirne can help you figure out what’s wrong and what to do next—whether that’s rehab, pain management, or shoulder surgery.
If your shoulder pain isn’t improving, a consultation can help you understand your options.
