Do all rotator cuff tears need surgery?

No. Partial and many degenerative tears are managed with injections, shockwave and strengthening. Large acute tears in active people may need a surgical opinion.

Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy and Tear Treatment in Uijeongbu, Korea

In short: Damage to the shoulder's stabilising tendons causing pain and weakness lifting the arm, especially overhead.

What is Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy and Tear?

The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that hold the ball of the shoulder in its socket. Wear, overuse and injury can inflame (tendinopathy) or tear these tendons. Many partial tears respond well to non-surgical care.

Common symptoms

Pain lifting the arm
Night pain
Weakness
Clicking or catching

What causes it?

Age-related wear
Repetitive overhead activity
Falls

How it is diagnosed at Yonsei Leaders

Strength testing and in-clinic ultrasound; MRI for suspected full-thickness tears.

Non-surgical treatment options

Ultrasound-Guided Injection: Real-time ultrasound (E-CUBE 8 DIA) lets the doctor see tendons, ligaments, bursae and nerves while injecting, for accurate soft-tissue and joint…
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy: Focused acoustic energy (IN-520 device) delivered through the skin to stimulate healing in chronic tendon and fascia pain, with no needles and no…
Prolotherapy: An injection treatment that stimulates the body's own repair of weakened ligaments and tendons around the spine, limb joints and jaw.
Rehabilitation and Corrective Exercise: Guided strengthening, stabilisation and mobility exercise to rebuild support around the spine and joints and prevent pain from returning.
Work Injury: Care for back, neck and joint injuries sustained at work, with documentation for Korea Workers' Compensation (KCOMWEL) claims.

Your plan is tailored after examination; many patients combine a targeted procedure with manual therapy and exercise for longer-lasting results.

Self-care tips

Avoid repetitive overhead lifting
Strengthen shoulder blade muscles

When to seek urgent care

Sudden inability to lift the arm after a fall needs prompt assessment.

Book: call 031-874-7500. Yonsei Leaders Neurosurgery Clinic, 3F Yugyeong Bldg II, 181 Hoeryong-ro, Uijeongbu, Korea, 1 minute from Balgok Station Exit 2. Open Mon–Fri 09:00–20:00, Sat 09:00–14:00. See directions and international patient help.

Yonsei Leaders Neurosurgery