Rotator Cuff Tear

 

 

Specialist Assessment and Treatment in Rochdale

 

A rotator cuff tear is a common cause of shoulder pain, weakness and difficulty lifting the arm. Symptoms often develop gradually but can also follow an injury.

Mr Robin Seagger is a fellowship-trained shoulder surgeon in Rochdale, specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of rotator cuff tears, including advanced arthroscopic (keyhole) repair where appropriate.

 

 

What is a rotator cuff tear?

 

The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that surround the shoulder joint and help lift and stabilise the arm.

A tear occurs when one or more of these tendons becomes damaged or detached from the bone.

 

Rotator cuff tears are very common and may occur:

 

• Gradually through wear and tear over time

• Following a fall or sudden injury

• As part of age-related tendon degeneration

 

Tears can be partial (frayed or thinned tendon) or full-thickness, where the tendon is completely torn.

 

 

Common symptoms

 

Symptoms vary, but often include:

 

• Shoulder pain, especially when lifting or reaching

• Pain at night or when lying on the affected side

• Weakness in the arm

• Reduced range of movement

• Difficulty with everyday activities such as dressing or reaching overhead

 

Some people have a tear with minimal pain, while others find symptoms significantly affect daily life.

 

 

Do all rotator cuff tears need surgery?

 

No. Many rotator cuff tears can be managed successfully without surgery.

 

Non-surgical treatment may include:

 

• A structured physiotherapy programme

• Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication

• Targeted shoulder injections

• Activity modification

 

Surgery may be recommended when:

 

• Symptoms persist despite appropriate non-surgical treatment

• There is significant weakness or loss of function

• The tear is large or worsening

• The tear followed a clear injury in an active patient

 

The decision to operate is individual and based on symptoms, function, scan findings and personal goals.

 

 

Why see a specialist shoulder surgeon?

 

Shoulder surgery is a highly specialised area of orthopaedics.

Mr Robin Seagger completed additional fellowship training specifically in shoulder surgery after qualifying as an orthopaedic surgeon.

 

Fellowship training involves advanced, high-volume experience focused entirely on shoulder conditions, including rotator cuff repair. As a result, Mr Seagger’s practice is almost exclusively dedicated to shoulder problems rather than general orthopaedics.

 

This specialist focus allows:

 

• Accurate diagnosis

• Appropriate selection of patients for surgery

• Use of modern arthroscopic techniques

• Individualised rehabilitation planning

 

 

Rotator cuff surgery

 

When surgery is recommended, it is usually performed using arthroscopic (keyhole) techniques.

This involves repairing the torn tendon back to the bone through small incisions, using a camera and specialised instruments.

 

Potential benefits of arthroscopic surgery include:

 

• Smaller incisions

• Less soft tissue disruption

• Accurate repair of the tendon

• Structured post-operative rehabilitation

 

Recovery times vary depending on the size of the tear and the type of repair, and this will be discussed in detail during consultation.

 

 

Local specialist care in Rochdale

 

Mr Seagger treats patients from Rochdale, Bury, Oldham, Heywood and North Manchester, offering specialist shoulder care locally without the need to travel into central Manchester.

 

Consultations and surgery take place at The Highfield Hospital, Rochdale, with access to high-quality imaging, physiotherapy and aftercare.

 

 

Arrange a consultation

 

If you are experiencing persistent shoulder pain or weakness and think you may have a rotator cuff tear, a specialist assessment can help clarify the diagnosis and treatment options.

 

📍 Consultations available in Rochdale

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