Do all rotator cuff tears need surgery?

No. Many partial tears and some full-thickness tears in older, lower-demand patients do well with therapy, activity modification, and injections. Surgery is considered based on symptoms, function, tear characteristics, and goals.

How long is recovery after rotator cuff repair?

Expect a sling for 4–6 weeks, formal PT for 3–4 months, and gradual return to overhead work or sport by 4–6 months. Individual timelines vary.

Can PRP help my shoulder?

For certain chronic tendon problems, PRP can be a reasonable option. See the PRP & Regenerative Injections page.

What if I keep dislocating my shoulder?

Recurrent instability is often mechanical and often needs surgical stabilization to prevent further damage. An evaluation clarifies your options.

Body Part

Shoulder Pain, Rotator Cuff & Instability — San Diego

Name: North County Orthopedic Medical Group
Address: 8929 University Center Ln, Ste 100, San Diego, CA, 92122, US
Telephone: (858) 457-4040
Price range: $$

Expert shoulder care in San Diego — rotator cuff, instability, labral tears, arthritis, and replacement, surgical and non-surgical.

Request Appointment (858) 457-4040

Overview

A closer look

The shoulder trades stability for range of motion, which is why it's so prone to tears, dislocations, and impingement. Dr. Sidney H. Levine treats the full range of San Diego shoulder problems — from acute rotator cuff tears in workers and athletes to chronic impingement, instability from repeated dislocations, and advanced arthritis requiring shoulder replacement. Because Dr. Levine personally evaluates every patient and coordinates every step of care, your imaging, injections, therapy, and — if needed — surgery are all managed by one experienced surgeon rather than fragmented across a team.

Conditions we treat

What we see most often

Rotator cuff tears (partial and full-thickness)

Shoulder impingement and bursitis

SLAP and labral tears

Shoulder instability and recurrent dislocation

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)

Biceps tendinitis and tears

AC joint injuries and arthritis

Glenohumeral osteoarthritis

Treatment options

Surgical and non-surgical care

Non-surgical options

Corticosteroid injections (subacromial, glenohumeral, AC joint)
PRP injections in select tendon cases
Structured rotator cuff and scapular rehab
Sling and activity modification
Manipulation under anesthesia for frozen shoulder in select cases

Surgical options

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair
Arthroscopic labral repair (Bankart, SLAP)
Subacromial decompression
Biceps tenodesis / tenotomy
Distal clavicle excision
Shoulder replacement (referral coordination when required)

What to expect

Your first visit

Shoulder visits start with a detailed history — how it started, night pain, weakness, and functional limitations — followed by targeted examination and on-site X-ray. Ultrasound or MRI is ordered when needed. You'll leave with a clear diagnosis and a plan graded to the severity and to your goals — return to overhead work, throwing sport, or simply comfortable sleep.

Recovery

What healing looks like

Recovery varies. Impingement often improves in weeks with therapy and an injection. Rotator cuff repair typically requires a sling for 4–6 weeks and 4–6 months of structured rehab. Instability repair follows a graded return-to-sport protocol. Dr. Levine tailors expectations to your specific tear, your age, and your activities.

Insurance & coverage