Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment in Bend, OregonShoulder pain that isn't improving
If your shoulder still hurts after a few weeks, wakes you up at night, or feels weak with lifting, a rotator cuff tear is high on the list.
My job is simple: figure out if you actually need surgery, and if you do, get you through it with a predictable plan. I take a conservative, patient-centered approach—if you can get better without surgery, that's the path we take.
Common signs:
- Night pain (can't lie on that side)
- Pain with overhead use
- Noticeable weakness
- No progress with rest or basic PT
Next step: get a clear diagnosis and a plan.
What this is
The rotator cuff is a set of tendons that keep the shoulder centered and working.
Tears happen from wear over time or a specific injury.
They range from partial to full thickness. Not all tears need surgery.
Do you need surgery?
I start non-operative whenever it's reasonable. Surgery is a tool—not the default. This is where most patients get vague answers. Here's how I look at it.
Usually non-operative first if:
- Pain is tolerable
- Strength is mostly intact
- You're improving
Leaning toward surgery if:
- Persistent pain despite PT
- True weakness (not just pain-limited)
- Acute tear after an injury
- It's limiting sleep, work, or activity
The goal isn't fixing an MRI. It's getting your shoulder working again in a way that fits your life.
Treatment options:
- Non-surgical
- Physical therapy (targeted, not endless)
- Anti-inflammatories
- Activity adjustment
- Injections in select cases
- A lot of patients do well here.
- Surgery (when indicated)
- Arthroscopic repair in most cases
What we're doing:
- Reattaching tendon to bone
- Restoring strength and function
- Reducing pain long-term
Recovery (what it actually looks like)
You care about timeline. Here it is:
- Sling: ~4–6 weeks
- PT: starts early, progresses in phases
- Functional use: ~3 months
- Full recovery: 4–6+ months
It's a commitment. Done right, most patients get back to what they want to do.
How I approach this
- Conservative first: exhaust appropriate non-surgical options
- Surgery only when it clearly adds value
- Clear plan with defined phases
- Focus on function (sleep, work, lifting, recreation)
- Direct communication—no guesswork
When to get this checked
Don't sit on it if you have:
- Night pain that's not improving
- Weakness lifting the arm
- Symptoms after a fall or injury
Timing matters in some tears. Earlier evaluation helps.
Schedule a shoulder evaluation
Get a diagnosis and a plan.
Most patients are seen within a few days.
Schedule Your Shoulder Evaluation or call: (541) 382-3344.
Bend and Central Oregon
Serving patients in Bend, Redmond, Sisters, and surrounding communities.