The supraspinatus is one of the four muscles that form the rotator cuff, primarily functioning to initiate arm movement and stabilize the shoulder joint. A supraspinatus tear occurs when this tendon tissue is damaged, disrupting the connection between the muscle and the upper arm bone. Tears are categorized as either partial-thickness (damaged but not completely severed) or full-thickness (complete disruption of fibers). Recovery time depends on the tear’s size, nature, and the chosen treatment path, whether conservative management or surgical repair.
Non-Surgical Recovery Timelines
Non-surgical, or conservative, treatment is typically recommended for partial-thickness tears or small full-thickness tears with minimal functional impact. The goal of this approach is to relieve pain and restore full functional use of the shoulder through physical therapy, rather than anatomically repairing the tear. This recovery is segmented into three sequential phases.
The initial phase focuses on pain and inflammation management, typically lasting one to two weeks. Rest and anti-inflammatory medications help to calm the acute symptoms of the injury. The next goal is restoring the shoulder’s range of motion without placing excessive stress on the damaged tendon. This phase usually spans four to eight weeks, involving gentle, controlled movements guided by a physical therapist.
The final phase centers on strengthening the entire rotator cuff and surrounding muscles to compensate for the injured tendon. This dedicated strengthening can take eight to twelve weeks, though it may extend up to six months for a complete return to strenuous activities. Functional improvement for moderate partial tears takes three to six months, while severe cases may require up to a year of consistent rehabilitation.
Post-Surgical Healing and Rehabilitation Phases
Surgical repair is generally reserved for full-thickness tears or partial tears that fail to improve after non-operative treatment. The recovery timeline following surgery is significantly longer and involves a strict, multi-stage protocol designed to protect the biological healing process. The tendon must heal back to the bone, a process that requires a minimum of four to six months before the tissue is mature enough to withstand significant strain.
The first phase, immobilization or protection, typically lasts four to six weeks immediately following the procedure. The arm must be kept in a sling to prevent active movement that could pull the repaired tendon away from the bone. The focus is entirely on allowing initial biological healing to take place at the surgical site.
The passive range of motion phase begins next, lasting from approximately six to twelve weeks post-surgery. A physical therapist or the patient’s opposite arm moves the affected shoulder gently, without the repaired muscle contracting. This controlled, passive movement is essential for preventing stiffness while protecting the delicate tendon-to-bone junction.
The third phase initiates active range of motion and light strengthening, generally starting between twelve and twenty weeks after the operation. The patient begins to move the arm independently, followed by the introduction of light resistance training to rebuild muscle strength. This phase transitions recovery from protected motion to patient-driven functional recovery.
The final phase is dedicated to advanced strengthening and conditioning, lasting from five to nine months or more. Activities include heavier resistance work, endurance training, and sport-specific conditioning. While most patients regain good shoulder function within six months, full recovery often requires nine to twelve months, or up to eighteen months for larger repairs.
Individual Factors That Influence Speed of Healing
The timelines for both non-surgical and surgical recovery are averages, and a variety of patient-specific factors can accelerate or impede the speed of healing.
Age is a significant variable, as younger patients generally possess a more robust biological healing response compared to older individuals. The tear’s characteristics also play a role, with larger tears or those where the tendon has retracted farther from the bone requiring a longer and more complex recovery.
Pre-existing health conditions can negatively affect the healing environment within the shoulder. Conditions like diabetes, for example, can impair circulation and tissue repair processes, which slows down the rate at which the tendon heals. Lifestyle factors such as smoking also compromise tendon healing rates due to the negative effects of nicotine on blood flow and cellular repair. Compliance with the prescribed physical therapy protocol is a major determinant, as diligent adherence is necessary to avoid re-injury and achieve the best possible long-term outcome.