“I couldn't lift my arm above my shoulder before surgery. Now I'm back to my full range of motion.”
SPORTS & SHOULDER SURGERY
Rotator Cuff
Rotator Cuff
Repair
Arthroscopic repair of a torn rotator cuff tendon — relieving shoulder pain and restoring the strength to lift and move your arm freely.
Rotator cuff repair, at a glance.
A quick summary of what the procedure involves, who it's for, and what to expect — from recovery to cost.
Rotator cuff repair reattaches a torn shoulder tendon to bone using suture anchors, performed arthroscopically through small keyhole incisions. Recommended for larger tears, significant weakness, or when physiotherapy hasn't relieved your symptoms. Most patients wear a sling for 4 to 6 weeks, with tendon healing taking around 3 months and a full return to sport around 6 to 9 months.
ABOUT THE TREATMENT
Restoring Strength to a Torn Shoulder
The rotator cuff is a group of tendons that stabilise the shoulder and power arm movement. When one tears, from injury or gradual wear, lifting the arm becomes painful and weak. Dr. Unmesh repairs the tendon arthroscopically, reattaching it to bone with suture anchors through small keyhole incisions, minimising tissue disruption while restoring the shoulder's mechanics.
Minimally invasive
technique
technique
Precise
tendon reattachment
tendon reattachment
Restored
strength & motion
strength & motion
OUR SURGICAL APPROACH
Arthroscopic Technique
-
01
Detailed imaging to assess the tear
-
02
Small keyhole incisions for camera & instruments
-
03
Secure repair — Dr. Unmesh confirms fixation before closing
BENEFITS
Benefits of Rotator
Cuff Repair
A precise, minimally invasive repair built to restore your shoulder's strength.
01
Relief From
Relief From
Shoulder Pain
Repairing the tendon relieves pain from the underlying tear.
02
Minimally
Minimally
Invasive
Small keyhole incisions mean less tissue disruption and scarring.
03
Restored
Restored
Arm Strength
A securely repaired tendon supports regaining lifting strength.
04
Improved
Improved
Range of Motion
Restoring the tendon helps recover smooth, pain-free shoulder movement.
05
High-Definition
High-Definition
Precision
Arthroscopic camera guidance helps ensure accurate tendon repair.
06
Return to
Return to
Sport & Activity
A structured recovery plan supports getting back to the activities you love.
WHY CHOOSE DR. UNMESH
Experience. Expertise. Better Outcomes.
A patient-first approach, backed by years of experience and advanced surgical expertise, to help you move better and live pain-free.
19+
Years of
Experience
Experience
1,100+
Joint & Sports
Surgeries
Surgeries
14,000+
Surgeries
Performed
Performed
“
Surgery is never the first conversation — my goal is to help you move better and live pain-free, with or without an operation.
— Dr. UnmeshSYMPTOMS & WHO NEEDS IT?
Could You Need
Rotator Cuff
Repair?
Not every shoulder problem needs surgery. If you have persistent weakness or pain linked to a tear, it may be time for an assessment.
-
01
Persistent Shoulder Pain
Pain, especially with overhead movement or at night.
-
02
Weakness Lifting the Arm
Difficulty or weakness raising your arm above shoulder height.
-
03
monitoring
Imaging Confirms a Tear
MRI or ultrasound shows a partial or full-thickness tendon tear.
-
04
accessibility_new
Reduced Range of Motion
Difficulty with everyday tasks like reaching or dressing.
-
05
Limited Response to Conservative Care
Pain that hasn't improved enough with physiotherapy or rest.
-
06
An Active Lifestyle or Sport
Athletes and active patients often benefit from timely repair.
HOW THE SURGERY WORKS
A Step-by-Step Journey
From consultation to recovery, here's what the rotator cuff repair process looks like.
01
Consultation & Evaluation
We assess your shoulder, review imaging and discuss your goals.
02
view_in_ar
Advanced Imaging
MRI helps map the exact size and pattern of your tear.
03
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Arthroscopic Repair
The torn tendon is reattached to bone through small keyhole incisions.
04
Sling & Guided Rehabilitation
A sling protects the repair while a staged physiotherapy programme rebuilds motion and strength.
05
Long-Term Support
We continue to monitor your progress toward a full return to activity.
RECOVERY TIMELINE
What to Expect After Surgery
Tendon healing takes time — here's a general guide to what recovery looks like.
Day 1–7
Sling ProtectionPain management and rest in a sling to protect the repair.
EARLY PROTECTIONWeek 2–6
Gentle MotionPassive range-of-motion exercises under physiotherapy guidance.
PROTECTED HEALINGWeek 6–12
Active MotionSling discontinued, active movement and light activity resume.
TENDON HEALINGMonth 3–6
Building StrengthProgressive strengthening rebuilds power in the shoulder.
BUILDING STRENGTH6–9 Months
Return to SportFull return to overhead sport or heavy lifting as advised.
BACK TO ACTIVITY
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your Questions, Answered
What is the rotator cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that surround the shoulder joint, helping you lift and rotate your arm. A tear in one or more of these tendons can cause pain and weakness.
What is rotator cuff repair surgery?
Rotator cuff repair reattaches a torn tendon to the shoulder bone using suture anchors, usually performed arthroscopically through small keyhole incisions.
Do all rotator cuff tears need surgery?
No, smaller or partial tears often respond well to physiotherapy and activity modification. Surgery is generally considered for larger tears, significant weakness, or when non-surgical treatment hasn't helped.
How is rotator cuff repair performed?
Dr. Unmesh performs rotator cuff repair arthroscopically, using a small camera and instruments through keyhole incisions to reattach the torn tendon to bone with suture anchors.
How long does the surgery take?
Rotator cuff repair typically takes 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the size and pattern of the tear.
Will I need a sling after surgery?
Yes, most patients wear a sling for around 4 to 6 weeks to protect the repair while the tendon heals back to bone.
How long is the recovery period?
Tendon healing takes around 3 months, with continued strengthening over 4 to 6 months. A full return to overhead sport or heavy lifting can take 6 to 9 months.
Is rotator cuff repair painful?
There is some discomfort after surgery, managed with pain medication, and this typically eases significantly within the first couple of weeks as you begin guided physiotherapy.
Will I regain full shoulder strength?
Most patients regain good functional strength and motion, though outcomes depend on the tear size, tissue quality and how closely rehabilitation guidance is followed.
Am I a candidate for rotator cuff repair?
Candidacy depends on the size of your tear, your symptoms and activity level, and whether non-surgical treatment has helped. Dr. Unmesh will confirm suitability through examination and imaging.