Symptoms
Common symptoms
- Comprehensive shoulder & elbow evaluation
- Same-day imaging at most offices
- Conservative-first care plan tailored to your goals
- Coordinated specialty referrals when needed
- In-network insurance for most major carriers
Rotator cuff repair
procedure
Rotator cuff repair restores the tendons that connect your shoulder muscles to the upper arm when a tear is keeping you from reaching, lifting, or sleeping comfortably. Our shoulder & elbow surgeons use arthroscopic, minimally invasive techniques whenever possible — same-day discharge for most patients.
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Shoulder surgery made simple
Minimally invasive repair by Los Angeles specialists.
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Key takeaways
- Rotator Cuff Repair is considered when pain keeps limiting daily function.
- Candidacy is confirmed with exam findings and imaging.
- Most plans include pre-op education and post-op rehab milestones.
- You get a clear return-to-work and activity timeline.
Overview
About rotator cuff repair
Rotator Cuff Repair is part of the comprehensive shoulder & elbow care we offer at LAOSS. Below, we walk through the anatomy involved, who benefits from this service, what it looks like at our clinics, and the recovery and risk considerations to weigh.
Our specialists move stepwise — start with the least-invasive option that fits, escalate only when it doesn't.
Patient education
Watch: Rotator Cuff Repair (Arthroscopic)
This surgery repairs a tear of the rotator cuff in your shoulder. The rotator cuff is the group of muscles and tendons. It holds the head of the humerus in the shoulder socket.
Animations licensed from ViewMedica · Swarm Interactive
Anatomy of the shoulder & elbow — rotator cuff, glenoid, humerus, ulna, and radius.
Anatomy
Inside the shoulder & elbow.
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body. The elbow is a hinge that lets you reach, lift, and rotate.
What this service covers
What we offer with rotator cuff repair.
Causes
Common causes
- New patients exploring an orthopedic complaint
- Existing LAOSS patients continuing care
- Patients seeking a second opinion
- Athletes and active adults of every age
How LAOSS care works
How we start treatment
When you book with LAOSS for rotator cuff repair, here's the flow:
- Initial visit — detailed history, focused exam, on-site X-ray when needed
- Diagnosis & plan — most patients leave with imaging-confirmed answers and a written treatment plan
- Treatment — whether that's PT, an injection, or surgery, your specialist stays involved at every step
- Follow-up — measured benchmarks, direct line to your care team, plan adjustments as recovery progresses
Treatment options
Shoulder & elbow care, conservative-first.
We start with the least-invasive option that fits — and escalate only when it doesn't.
Conservative care
Step 1Conservative care first
Non-surgical options designed to relieve pain, restore movement, and avoid the OR when possible.
- Physical therapy & scapular mechanics work
- Bracing & immobilization
- Image-guided steroid injections
- PRP & regenerative injections
- Activity modification & ergonomic adjustments
Surgical care
When neededSurgical options when needed
Minimally invasive and reconstructive procedures performed by board-certified orthopedic surgeons.
- Shoulder & elbow arthroscopy
- Rotator cuff repair
- Labrum repair (Bankart, SLAP)
- UCL reconstruction (Tommy John)
- Total or reverse shoulder replacement
Surgeon expertise
Why experience matters.
Why experience matters
Shoulder & elbow care is highly technique-dependent. Volume, training, and judgment together determine the outcome you feel six months later.
- Precise diagnosis from imaging and exam
- Conservative-first care that avoids unnecessary surgery
- Technique refined over thousands of cases
- On-site imaging + coordinated PT through your in-network provider
The LAOSS approach
Our shoulder & elbow specialists move stepwise — start with the least-invasive option that fits, escalate only when it doesn't.
- Same-day imaging at most offices
- PT coordinated in your insurance network
- Board-certified specialists performing the procedures themselves
- Direct access to your specialist between visits
Candidacy
Am I a candidate?
If most of these match your situation, an evaluation with a shoulder & elbow specialist is the next step.
You may be
You may be a candidate if
These signs typically point toward this service being a good fit.
- Shoulder & elbow pain or dysfunction lasting more than a few days
- Swelling, instability, or noticeable change in function
- Symptoms that limit walking, lifting, sleep, or work
- Previous treatment that didn't fully resolve the problem
- Imaging or exam findings that suggest an underlying issue
Evaluation
What evaluation includes
Your first visit is built to give you an answer the same day, not just another referral.
- Detailed history — onset, mechanism, what makes it better or worse
- Hands-on exam focused on the affected joint or region
- On-site imaging at most offices (X-ray, ultrasound)
- Clear plan with options ranging from conservative to surgical
- Same-day or next-day scheduling for any follow-up tests
ImportantSeek urgent evaluation for sudden severe pain, numbness, progressive weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, or any sign of infection (fever, increasing redness or swelling).
Recovery
Your shoulder & elbow recovery roadmap.
Recovery is rarely a straight line — but a clear plan with measurable milestones makes the path predictable.
01Days 0–14
Right after care
In the first two weeks we focus on protecting the shoulder & elbow, calming inflammation, and restoring basic motion.
- Activity modification with clear do/don't guidance
- Ice, elevation, and pain control as needed
- Gentle range-of-motion within safe limits
- Follow-up scheduled to track healing
02Weeks 2–8
Rehabilitation
Targeted physical therapy rebuilds strength, mobility, and confidence in the shoulder & elbow.
- Progressive strengthening and neuromuscular work
- Manual therapy and soft-tissue treatment
- Sport- or job-specific movement re-training
- Coordinated PT through your in-network provider
03Months 2+
Long-term care
Once function is restored, the focus shifts to keeping you there — and catching any recurrence early.
- Return-to-activity plan with measured benchmarks
- Home program tailored to your sport or job
- Maintenance visits or imaging if symptoms change
- Direct line back to your specialist if needed
Risks & considerations
What to weigh before you decide.
We talk through the risks and benefits with every patient — informed consent is a conversation, not a form.
General
General considerations
Every orthopedic intervention carries a small set of standard risks. We screen, prepare, and monitor for these on every patient.
- Infection (rare with modern technique and prophylaxis)
- Bleeding or bruising at the treatment site
- Reaction to anesthesia or medications
- Need for additional procedures in some cases
Specific
Shoulder & elbow-specific considerations
Some risks are tied to the structures we're treating in the shoulder & elbow. We discuss these in detail at your visit so you can weigh them against the benefits.
- Temporary stiffness or weakness during recovery
- Incomplete pain relief in a small percentage of cases
- Nerve or vessel irritation near the treatment area
- Need for follow-up therapy to fully restore function
Your care team
Meet our shoulder & elbow specialists
At LAOSS, our shoulder & elbow specialists combine advanced surgical expertise with a patient-first approach. From minimally invasive techniques to comprehensive rehab coordination, our physicians bring decades of experience to every case. Trusted across Los Angeles, our team is dedicated to restoring mobility, relieving pain, and helping you return to the activities you love.
About this care
Reliable rotator cuff repair care starts here
At LAOSS, expert care is close to home. With same- or next-day appointments at eight Los Angeles–area offices, you'll never wait weeks or months for answers. Whether you need physical therapy, injections, or surgery, you'll receive coordinated, personalized care every step of the way.
Call or schedule online today to begin your recovery with a trusted shoulder & elbow specialist in Los Angeles.
Patient reviews
What patients say about us.
★★★★★4.97,500+ Google reviews
Wonderful staff. The MA was so kind to my elderly mom and the doctor explained everything twice so she'd remember. Felt like we were treated like family.
Patricia Aguilar
Cerritos, CA · 6 January 2025
Common questions
You asked. We answered.
- It is usually considered when pain or functional limits persist after non-surgical treatment and imaging supports a procedural solution.
- In most cases, yes. Your surgeon will review conservative options and explain when a procedure offers the strongest benefit.
- Recovery depends on the procedure and baseline function, but most plans include staged milestones for mobility, strength, and activity.
- Most patients do. Rehabilitation is a major part of restoring movement quality and long-term outcomes.
- Return timing varies by procedure and activity demands. You will receive a personalized timeline during follow-up.
- Call immediately for chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, wound drainage, calf swelling, or sudden neurologic changes.
Ready when you are
Don't wait on pain.
Ready to move pain-free? Schedule your consultation today with our Los Angeles specialists.
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21 specialists · 8 offices
Greater Los Angeles
On-site X-raySame visit
Most insurers acceptedIn-network