Rotator cuff tears are common in sports built on repetitive overhead motion, and they can cause weakness, pain, limited mobility, and varying degrees of disability. Many people regain full function without surgery, but some tears need a repair. If that's you, the big question is how long it will take to return to your sport, and whether you'll get back to the same level.
What the research says about return to sport after rotator cuff surgery
A study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine in 2015 investigated the overall rate and timing of return to sport after rotator cuff surgery. The researchers reviewed 859 patients aged 15 to 81 across 25 studies. About 80% were athletes, professional and recreational, who mostly played baseball, tennis, or golf.
Key findings
- 85% of athletes returned to sport after rotator cuff surgery.
- 66% returned to the same level of play as before their injury.
- The average time to return was about 10.5 months after surgery.
- Highly competitive (professional) athletes were at greater risk of not returning to the same level of play.
Why elite athletes struggle to return to the same level
These results may sound surprising, but they make sense when you look deeper. Skill, athletic ability, and knowledge vary widely among average-level athletes. As competition gets closer to the elite level, that variation shrinks significantly.
Highly competitive athletes spend their careers perfecting their skills, technique, strength, and mobility. The difference between a hall of fame athlete and a minor league athlete can be as subtle as the ability to perform consistently. So a rotator cuff injury and surgery might cause a slight decrease in performance for the average athlete, while the same surgical outcome could mean a tremendous decrease for a highly competitive one.
Recovering from rotator cuff surgery or working through a tear? Our physical therapists can build a plan around getting you back to your sport.
book a sessionthe takeaway
Most athletes get back to their sport after rotator cuff surgery: 85% return, 66% at the same level, in about 10.5 months on average. Highly competitive athletes face the hardest road back to their previous level.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to return to sport after rotator cuff surgery?
In a 2015 review of 859 patients across 25 studies, the average time to return to sport was about 10.5 months after surgery.
What percentage of athletes return to sport after rotator cuff surgery?
85% of athletes returned to sport overall, and 66% returned to the same level of play they had before the injury.
Why are professional athletes less likely to return to the same level?
At the elite level, the gap between athletes is small, and the difference can come down to performing consistently. A post-surgery dip in performance that is slight for an average athlete can be a tremendous drop for a highly competitive one.
Does every rotator cuff tear need surgery?
No. Many athletes and non-athletes return to full function without surgery, though some circumstances do require a repair.
References
Klouche, S., Lefevre, N., Herman, S., Gerometta, A., & Bohu, Y. (2015). Return to Sport After Rotator Cuff Tear Repair. The American Journal Of Sports Medicine, 44(7), 1877-1887. doi: 10.1177/0363546515598995
