Should You Have Surgery for Your Torn Supraspinatus? A Guide to Help You Decide
Understanding Your Injury
Your supraspinatus is one of four muscles that make up your rotator cuff. Think of it as the "lifter" muscle – it helps raise your arm out to the side and keeps your shoulder stable. When this muscle tears, everyday activities like reaching for a coffee mug or combing your hair can become painful or impossible.
I've been treating shoulder injuries in Durango for over a decade, and I see patients struggle with this decision regularly. A rancher from Cortez once told me he'd been putting off surgery for two years, trying to "tough it out." By the time he came to see me, simple tasks like opening gates had become unbearable.
When Surgery Makes Sense
Not every torn supraspinatus needs surgery. Your body has remarkable healing abilities, and smaller tears often respond well to non-operative shoulder treatment. However, certain situations typically require rotator cuff surgery:
Full-thickness tears – When the muscle is completely separated from the bone, it rarely heals on its own. These tears often get larger over time.
Active lifestyle demands – If you're an athlete, work with your hands, or have hobbies that require overhead motion, surgery often provides the best chance of returning to your activities.
Failed conservative treatment – If you've tried physical therapy, injections, and other treatments for 3-6 months without improvement, surgery may be your next step.
Significant weakness – When you can't lift your arm without assistance, the tear is likely too large to heal without surgical repair.
What Non-Surgical Treatment Involves
Before considering surgery, most patients benefit from trying conservative approaches. This might include:
Physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles
Anti-inflammatory medications
Platelet-rich plasma therapy
Lifestyle modifications
Steroid injections for pain relief
A teacher from Pagosa Springs came to my satellite clinic last year with a partial supraspinatus tear. She was worried about taking time off for surgery during the school year. After six months of physical therapy and activity modification, her pain decreased significantly, and she returned to all her normal activities without needing rotator cuff surgery.
The Reality of Rotator Cuff Surgery
Rotator cuff surgery involves reattaching the torn muscle to the bone using small anchors. The procedure is typically done arthroscopically (through small incisions) as an outpatient surgery.
Recovery takes patience. Most patients wear a sling for 6-8 weeks, then begin physical therapy. Full recovery can take 4-6 months, sometimes longer for heavy laborers or athletes.
One construction worker from Farmington asked me, "Doc, will I ever be able to swing a hammer again?" The honest answer is that most people do return to their previous activities, but it requires commitment to rehabilitation and realistic expectations about timing.
Questions to Ask Yourself
How is this affecting your daily life? Can you sleep through the night? Are you avoiding activities you love?
What are your goals? A weekend golfer might have different needs than someone who works overhead all day.
How long have you been dealing with this? Acute tears (less than 6 weeks old) often have better surgical outcomes than chronic tears.
What's your support system like? Recovery requires help with daily tasks, especially in the first few weeks.
Red Flags That Suggest Surgery
Some situations make surgery more urgent:
Sudden loss of strength after an injury
Inability to lift your arm at all
Severe pain that prevents sleep despite medication
Muscle wasting (your shoulder looks noticeably smaller)
Making Your Decision
This choice is deeply personal. I've had patients who were thrilled with non-surgical treatment and others who wished they'd had surgery sooner. The key is understanding your specific situation.
During your shoulder pain evaluation, we'll discuss your tear size, activity level, and goals. We'll also review your imaging studies together so you can see exactly what's happening in your shoulder.
Remember, there's no "right" answer that applies to everyone. A postal worker from Durango chose surgery because her job required repetitive overhead reaching. Her neighbor with a similar tear chose physical therapy and modified his gardening techniques instead. Both made the right choice for their situations.
What Happens Next
If you're still unsure, that's completely normal. Many patients benefit from a second opinion or additional time to consider their options. The decision doesn't have to be made immediately unless you're experiencing significant weakness or your tear is getting larger.
Whether you choose surgery or conservative treatment, the goal remains the same: getting you back to the activities you love with less pain and better function. After eleven years of practicing in the four corners area, I've learned that the best outcomes happen when patients feel confident in their decision and committed to their treatment plan.
Your shoulder problem is unique to you, just like your lifestyle and goals. Take the time you need to make the choice that feels right for your situation.
You can feel free to email Doctor Butzen at doctorbutzen@gmail.com if you have any questions. He may request to see you in the office to discuss face-to-face if it requires a lengthy discussion instead of a simple answer.