Rotator cuff injury care at Mayo Clinic
Your Mayo Clinic care team
At Mayo Clinic, orthopedic surgeons work with radiologists, physical therapists and other specialists to evaluate and treat rotator cuff injuries. This means that you're not getting just one opinion — you benefit from the knowledge and experience of each specialist on the multidisciplinary team.
Close collaboration enables the team to have your test results available quickly and to coordinate scheduling your appointments. Evaluation and treatment that might take months elsewhere can typically be done in only a matter of days at Mayo Clinic.
Advanced diagnosis and treatment
Sometimes, a rotator cuff injury is so severe that the tendon can't be repaired. Mayo Clinic surgeons have helped develop unique tendon transfer techniques that broaden the selection of tendons used to restore shoulder function.
Mayo Clinic surgeons have also been involved in the design of reverse shoulder replacement procedures, which have been extremely useful for patients with severe rotator cuff problems.
For massive irreparable rotator cuff injuries, surgeons can implant a small biodegradable balloon that works as a spacer to reduce friction between the bones and muscles of the shoulder. This helps restore shoulder function and reduce pain.
Research and innovation
Surgeons and scientists collaborate to develop new solutions that improve rotator cuff healing, speed rehabilitation and improve the outcomes for people experiencing rotator cuff problems. At Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Center, specific rehabilitation protocols can improve rotator cuff function to prevent injury in high-level athletes or facilitate a return to high-demand activities for the weekend warrior.
Expertise and rankings
- Experience. Mayo Clinic's shoulder surgeons are recognized nationally and internationally for their surgical technical excellence and innovative abilities to solve both simple and difficult rotator cuff problems. Each year Mayo Clinic sees thousands of people with rotator cuff injuries.
- Treatment expertise. Mayo Clinic is at the forefront of new and innovative treatment options for injuries of the rotator cuff. Surgical options specific to each individual's injury, combined with advanced pain management and rehabilitation protocols, have helped Mayo Clinic dramatically improve the lives of people experiencing difficult shoulder problems.
Nationally recognized expertise
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report.
Learn more about Mayo Clinic's Orthopedic Surgery department's expertise and rankings.
Locations, travel and lodging
Mayo Clinic has major campuses in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona; Jacksonville, Florida; and Rochester, Minnesota. The Mayo Clinic Health System has dozens of locations in several states.
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Costs and insurance
Mayo Clinic works with hundreds of insurance companies and is an in-network provider for millions of people.
In most cases, Mayo Clinic doesn't require a physician referral. Some insurers require referrals or may have additional requirements for certain medical care. All appointments are prioritized on the basis of medical need.
Learn more about appointments at Mayo Clinic.
Please contact your insurance company to verify medical coverage and to obtain any needed authorization prior to your visit. Often, your insurer's customer service number is printed on the back of your insurance card.