Rotator Cuff Tears

Rotator Cuff Tears: Non-Surgical Treatment in Palm Beach

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that stabilize the shoulder and allow for overhead movement. Rotator cuff tears are one of the most common sources of shoulder pain, affecting athletes, overhead workers, and older adults with age-related tendon degeneration.

At Palm Beach Regenerative, Dr. Ghattas evaluates rotator cuff tears on an individual basis and offers image-guided orthobiologic treatment as a non-surgical option for appropriately selected partial and, in some cases, complete tear patterns. Give us a call to schedule a visit.

What Is a Rotator Cuff Tear?

Rotator cuff tears range from partial thickness tears (the tendon is partially torn but still intact) to full-thickness tears (the tendon is completely separated). Partial tears are often more amenable to non-surgical treatment, while large full-thickness tears in active patients may require surgical repair.

The supraspinatus is the most commonly injured rotator cuff tendon, though tears of the infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor also occur.

Signs and Symptoms

• Shoulder pain, often worsening at night or when lying on the affected side
• Pain with overhead reaching, lifting, or reaching behind the back
• Weakness in the shoulder, including difficulty lifting objects or raising the arm
• Crackling or popping sensations with shoulder movement
• Limited range of motion

Common Causes and Risk Factors

• Age-related tendon degeneration
• Repetitive overhead activities (tennis, golf, swimming, throwing sports)
• Acute injury or fall
• Heavy lifting with poor mechanics
• Prior shoulder injuries or impingement

How It Is Diagnosed

Physical examination tests (Hawkins, Neer, drop arm, empty can) help identify rotator cuff pathology. MRI is the gold standard for confirming tear type, size, and location, and for assessing overall shoulder joint health.

Dr. Ghattas reviews your MRI in detail and will discuss whether your specific tear pattern is appropriate for non-surgical treatment or whether surgical consultation is warranted.

Conventional Treatment Options

• Physical therapy: Rotator cuff strengthening and shoulder mechanics correction
• NSAIDs for pain and inflammation management
• Steroid injections: Temporary relief of shoulder inflammation, though repeated injections may affect tendon integrity
• Surgical repair: Typically recommended for large full-thickness tears in active patients, or those who have not responded to conservative care

The Palm Beach Regenerative Approach

For partial rotator cuff tears and select complete tear patterns, image-guided orthobiologic injection, delivered precisely to the tear site under real-time ultrasound guidance, may support the body's natural healing response and help reduce inflammation within the tendon.

Dr. Ghattas uses Regenexx Super Concentrated Platelet (SCP) or Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC) preparations, customized based on your tear characteristics and MRI findings.

All injections are performed under real-time ultrasound guidance, confirming precise delivery to the tendon. This is a key distinction from blind or landmark-based injections.

Large full-thickness tears with significant tendon retraction typically require surgical evaluation. Dr. Ghattas will provide an honest assessment of whether orthobiologic treatment is likely to be beneficial in your specific case. Schedule an appointment with him today.

The BioMod Advantage: At Palm Beach Regenerative, treatment does not end with a single injection. Through our BioMod Lab, Dr. Ghattas may combine your orthobiologic procedure with MLS Robotic Laser Therapy to reduce inflammation and support tissue recovery, alongside customized Xymogen supplement protocols designed to optimize your body's healing environment. This integrated, concierge approach is what sets Palm Beach Regenerative apart from a standard injection clinic.

Like all medical procedures, orthobiologic treatments have potential risks and benefits. Results vary by individual. Not all patients are candidates. Dr. Ghattas will discuss your specific situation, realistic expectations, and all treatment options, including when surgery or other interventions may be more appropriate.