Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery in Houston
A torn rotator cuff does more than cause discomfort. It can rob you of your independence and keep you from enjoying your active lifestyle. If you’re waking up at night from rotator cuff pain or can’t lift your arm to perform simple tasks, we can help.
Dr. Barrett S. Brown is one of Houston’s top orthopedic surgeons specializing in rotator cuff injuries, with extensive experience working with athletes and active adults throughout the region. His conservative-first philosophy means exploring all rotator cuff tear treatment options before recommending surgery.
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Understanding Your Rotator Cuff Tear: Causes and Symptoms
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that stabilize the shoulder joint and enable smooth arm movements. When one or more of these tendons tear, the result is pain and weakness that can impact your daily life.
Our Houston clinic treats two main types of rotator cuff tears:
- Degenerative tears: Especially common in adults over 40 who have spent years performing repetitive overhead activities, degeneration is caused by wear and tear.
- Traumatic tears: These result from sudden injuries such as falls, lifting heavy objects or sports-related accidents.
Common symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include:
- Pain
- Noticeable weakness when lifting the arm
- Crackling or popping sounds during movement
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Difficulty moving your shoulder
- Tenderness in the front of your shoulder
Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment Options in Houston
At our Houston clinic, Dr. Brown takes a personalized approach to rotator cuff tears and treatment based on your specific condition, activity level and overall health goals. Conservative care serves as the first line of defense for most of our patients, with options including:
- Rest and activity modification to allow healing
- Physical therapy focused on strengthening
- Anti-inflammatory injections to reduce rotator cuff pain
Surgery is always an option if conservative treatments fail to deliver optimal results. Dr. Brown may recommend a surgical rotator cuff repair if:
- Pain persists after six or more months
- The tear occurred suddenly and requires immediate attention
- Significant weakness impacts your quality of life
- Your personal goals require full shoulder strength, such as returning to competitive sports or physically demanding work
Questions About Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery?
Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Repair
Dr. Brown is a specialist in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. This modern surgical technique uses a tiny camera to visualize the shoulder joint in detail. Specialized instruments inserted through small incisions can then precisely reattach the torn tendon to the humerus bone using advanced suture anchors.
Benefits of this minimally invasive rotator cuff repair include:
- Reduced post-operative pain
- Less muscle damage
- A lower infection risk compared to open procedures
- The ability to go home the same day
- Minimal scarring
- Faster overall healing
Recovery Timeline: Your Path Back to Activity
Understanding the recovery journey helps you set realistic expectations for your path back to full activity. Our team will guide you through each phase of this process, with personalized instruction to keep your health on track.
Phase 1: Protection (Weeks 0-4)
Immediately following surgery, wearing a sling protects the repair and allows the tendon to heal securely to the bone. During this time, we recommend avoiding certain movements.
Phase 2: Passive Motion (Weeks 5-8)
Physical therapy begins with gentle, passive exercises. Your therapist will work with you as your arm gradually regains flexibility without putting stress on the healing tendon.
Phase 3: Strengthening (Months 3-6)
Active motion and resistance exercises progressively rebuild shoulder strength. This phase focuses on preparing you for your return to activities.
The ultimate goal is full function at work and at play so that you can perform activities you enjoy with complete confidence. Recovery varies by tear size and individual healing, but most patients achieve excellent outcomes when they closely follow our rehabilitation protocol.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Shelia Briggs
Cathy Arroyo
Karen Larocca
Lynn Russell
Kimberley Gomez
Karen Larocca
Mary Isern
Jenna Hunter
Why Choose Dr. Barrett S. Brown for Shoulder Rotator Cuff Repair in Houston?
Dr. Barrett S. Brown brings nearly 20 years of expertise in treating complex rotator cuff tear cases to patients living in Houston and beyond. His personalized, patient-first approach means he treats you as an individual — not just a diagnostic condition. A proud member of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Dr. Brown utilizes the latest evidence-based techniques to ensure your repair withstands an active lifestyle.
We work to make rotator cuff repair as convenient and simplified as possible. Our team handles insurance authorizations, removing administrative barriers so you can focus on healing.
Stop the Pain and Regain Your Strength
If you’re searching for an experienced doctor for rotator cuff injuries, trust a specialist who prioritizes your long-term mobility over temporary fixes. Dr. Brown’s commitment to conservative care first, and surgical excellence when needed, has earned him a reputation as one of Houston’s most trusted orthopedic shoulder surgeons.
If you would like to discuss your rotator cuff tear treatment options in Houston, call (346) 247-2531. You can also request an appointment with our specialist online.
