A rotator cuff tear can cause persistent shoulder pain and limit your ability to lift your arm or sleep comfortably. When nonsurgical treatments like physical therapy or injections do not provide enough relief, rotator cuff repair surgery becomes a strong option. Dr. Reza Jazayeri is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, with clinical expertise in shoulder care.
He performs rotator cuff repair for patients throughout the greater Los Angeles area using advanced, minimally invasive techniques. His approach combines precise surgical skill with a recovery plan built around your specific tear pattern and personal goals.
Procedure Description:
Surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff most often involves re-attaching the tendon to the head of humerus (upper arm bone). A partial tear, however, may need only a trimming or smoothing procedure called a debridement. A complete tear is repaired by stitching the tendon back to its original site on the humerus.
Your doctor may offer surgery as an option for a torn rotator cuff if your pain does not improve with nonsurgical methods. Continued pain is the main indication for surgery. If you are very active and use your arms for overhead work or sports, your doctor may also suggest surgery.
Other signs that surgery may be a good option for you include:
- Your symptoms have lasted 6 to 12 months
- You have a large tear (more than 3 cm) and the quality of the surrounding tendon tissue is good
- You have significant weakness and loss of function in your shoulder
- Your tear was caused by a recent, acute injury
Types Of Rotator Cuff Repair Techniques
Your surgeon may recommend surgery if your pain does not improve with nonsurgical methods. Continued pain is the main reason to consider surgery. If you are very active and use your arms for overhead work or sports, surgery may also be suggested.
A partial tear may need only a trimming or smoothing procedure called a debridement. A complete tear is repaired by stitching the tendon back to its original site on the humerus. Dr. Jazayeri evaluates your tear size, tissue quality, and activity demands before recommending the most appropriate surgical approach for your shoulder.
What to expect with an RCR surgery?
- Rotator cuff tears are performed arthroscopically (with a camera/scope) using small instrumentations to repair the torn tendon back to its normal location on the humerus. (see attached video animation).
- This surgery is done as an outpatient procedure. You will arrive at the hospital 2 hours prior to your surgery. General anesthesia (you will be asleep) in addition to a pain/nerve block will be provided just prior to surgery in the pre-op area.
- Depending on the size and complexity of your rotator cuff tear, surgery usually takes 1.5-2 hours. After surgery is completed you will spend approximately 1 hour in the recovery room, and once your pain is controlled and vital signs are stable, you will be discharged home.
- The entire process will take approximately 5-6 hours the day of surgery.
Sling
- You will be discharged home with a sling that will be used for 6 weeks after surgery to help protect your repair.
- You will keep sling on for most of the day and during sleep for the first 6 weeks.
- You are encouraged to immediately use your hands/wrist and elbow for gentle range of motion exercises.
- The sling can be taken off 4-5 times a day for a short period of time to do range of motion exercises as will be instructed.
- You can type and do a desk job a few days after surgery.
- Showering is allowed 3 days after surgery.
Pain Medication
- Narcotics(Percocet) and anti-inflammatory medications are used for the first 2 weeks after surgery.
- After 2 weeks, a non-narcotic pain medications and anti-inflammatory medications will be provided.
Physical therapy
- Home therapy exercise will begin on the first day after surgery. You will be provided an app (myHealthTrack) during your pre-op visit that can be downloaded on your smartphone. This will guide you through your home therapy for the first 12 weeks.Â
- In addition, you will start in person physical therapy approximately 2 weeks after surgery. This will be in conjuction with the myHealthTrack App
- Most patients will continue to do some form of physical therapy (home/in person) for up to 6 months after surgery.
Recovery
- Depending on the size and complexity of your tear, recovery can be anywhere from 6 months to 1 year. This will be further discussed with you before and after surgery.
- In general, most patients can resume driving by 3-4 weeks.
- Return to a desk job approximately 2 weeks.
- Can resume walking immediately.
- Overhead lifting and strengthening exercise can usually start 6 weeks after surgery.
- Getting back to the gym and upper body exercise can usually be started 3-4 months after surgery depending on your tear size.
WATCH: Rotator Cuff Repair with Arthrex® SpeedBridge™
WATCH: Bio Fertilization™ Rotator Cuff Repair Protocol
Frequently Asked Questions
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Rotator cuff repair surgery is a procedure to fix tears in the rotator cuff, which is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. This surgery is often recommended when other treatments, like physical therapy, do not relieve shoulder pain.
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There are three main techniques for rotator cuff repair: open repair, arthroscopic repair, and mini-open repair. Open repair uses a larger incision for severe tears, while arthroscopic repair is less invasive and suitable for smaller tears. The mini-open approach combines both techniques.
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Recovery time can vary based on the type of surgery performed and the individual patient. Generally, full recovery can take anywhere from 6 months to a year, with some patients able to return to light activities within a few weeks.
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After surgery, you will wear a sling for about 6 weeks to protect your shoulder. You will also start gentle range of motion exercises immediately and may begin physical therapy about 2 weeks after surgery.
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Preparing for surgery includes following pre-operative instructions from your surgeon, which may involve home therapy exercises and nutritional optimization. Dr. Jazayeri also uses prehabilitation to strengthen surrounding muscles before the procedure.
Why Choose Dr. Jazayeri For Rotator Cuff Repair?
Choosing the right surgeon for your rotator cuff repair is crucial. Dr. Reza Jazayeri is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon with over 15 years of experience.
He specializes in shoulder injuries and has treated many athletes and active adults in the Greater Los Angeles area. His approach combines advanced surgical techniques with personalized recovery plans that meet your specific needs.
Dr. Jazayeri uses minimally invasive methods whenever possible. This can lead to less pain and quicker recovery times.
He also emphasizes a non-surgical-first approach, exploring all options before recommending surgery. With his extensive training from NYU and the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic, you can trust that you are in skilled hands for your rotator cuff repair.
Meet Dr. Reza Jazayeri
Dr. Reza Jazayeri specializes in sports medicine with expertise in shoulder, knee, and elbow injuries. A Southern California native, Dr. Jazayeri combines an engineering background with elite surgical training, completing his orthopedic surgery residency at the nationally ranked NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases and a sports medicine fellowship at the renowned Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic.
After more than 15 years caring for patients within the Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Dr. Jazayeri joined DOCS Health to expand a practice focused on personalized orthopedic and sports medicine care and surgical excellence. As Director of Longevity at DOCS Health, he leads the development and implementation of optimization protocols and regenerative medicine strategies designed to improve long-term musculoskeletal health and extend healthspan.
His published work includes a 2026 coauthored review of nutritional optimization in spine surgery in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. View Dr. Jazayeri’s research publications and training.
Dr. Jazayeri walked into the operating room and gave a pep talk to his assistants which was like a football coach pumping up his team. I immediately felt confident and relaxed. He then repaired my rotator cuff which was not only torn but was shredded. He did an awesome job! Even now, almost 16 months post surgery he is always available for advice and consultations. I am back to playing tennis 2 to 3 times a week at age 76. I feel lucky to have had him as my surgeon. Loren.
Schedule Your Consultation With Dr. Jazayeri
If shoulder pain is keeping you from the activities you enjoy, rotator cuff repair may help you regain function and comfort. Dr. Reza Jazayeri is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon with over 15 years of experience and advanced sports medicine training. He takes a non-surgical-first approach and applies minimally invasive techniques whenever possible.
Virtual consultations are available for patients across California and beyond. Reach out to his practice today to discuss your shoulder and learn whether rotator cuff repair is the right next step for you.
Medically reviewed by Reza Jazayeri, M.D. on
