Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment in Boston
Dr. Robert E. McLaughlin II, MD treats rotator cuff tears with and without surgery. In-office ultrasound diagnosis available — many times avoiding the need for an MRI. Same-day or next-day appointments at four Massachusetts offices.
Call 978-969-3624
What is a rotator cuff tear, and how is it treated?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. A rotator cuff tear can be partial, involving part of a tendon, or full-thickness, involving the entire tendon. Tears may result from a single injury or develop gradually over time.
Dr. McLaughlin treats rotator cuff tears with and without surgery. He uses diagnostic ultrasound in the office to evaluate rotator cuff tears, many times avoiding the need for an MRI. Treatment options include physical therapy, cortisone injections, PRP injections, ultrasound-guided injections, and surgical repair.
Surgery is performed at Beverly Hospital (Lahey) and New England Surgery Center in Beverly. Call 978-969-3624 to schedule an evaluation.
Robert E. McLaughlin II, MD is a board-certified Orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine, named a Boston Magazine Top Doctor in 2025 and 2026. He sees every patient himself.
- Diagnosis In-office ultrasound, often avoiding MRI
- Non-surgical Physical therapy, cortisone, PRP, ultrasound-guided injections
- Surgical Rotator cuff repair available
- Surgery location Beverly Hospital (Lahey) and New England Surgery Center
- Appointments Same-day or next-day at four offices
Rotator cuff treatment options
Dr. McLaughlin evaluates each rotator cuff tear and recommends the appropriate treatment. Options range from non-surgical care to surgical repair. Many tears are first managed with rest, activity changes and anti-inflammatory medicine, along with physical therapy and injections.
In-office ultrasound
Dr. McLaughlin uses diagnostic ultrasound in the office to evaluate rotator cuff tears, many times avoiding the need for an MRI.
Cortisone injections
Cortisone injections can reduce inflammation and pain in the shoulder, allowing patients to participate in physical therapy and recover without surgery.
Learn more →PRP injections
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may support healing in partial rotator cuff tears. PRP is $750 per injection at Boston Concierge Orthopedics.
Learn more →Ultrasound-guided injections
Dr. McLaughlin uses real-time ultrasound guidance for injections to ensure accurate placement.
Learn more →Physical therapy
Physical therapy strengthens the muscles around the rotator cuff and restores shoulder function. Expedited referrals are available when needed.
Surgical repair
When non-surgical treatment is not sufficient, Dr. McLaughlin performs rotator cuff repair at Beverly Hospital (Lahey) and New England Surgery Center, Beverly.
Rotator cuff tear symptoms and causes
Common signs of a rotator cuff tear include a dull ache deep in the shoulder, pain when lifting or lowering the arm, pain that disturbs sleep (especially lying on the affected side), and weakness when reaching overhead or behind the back. Some people also notice popping or cracking with movement. Some tears happen suddenly, after a fall or while lifting something heavy. Others develop gradually from repeated overhead activity or from tendon wear over time. If shoulder pain or weakness lasts or keeps you from normal activities, it is worth having it evaluated. Dr. McLaughlin can often assess the tendon with ultrasound during the first visit.
What rotator cuff surgery involves
Dr. McLaughlin performs arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, using a small camera and instruments placed through small incisions. When surgery is recommended, the goal is to reattach the torn tendon to the bone so it can heal in place. After surgery the arm is usually rested in a sling, followed by a guided physical therapy program to restore motion and then strength. Dr. McLaughlin explains what to expect before surgery and follows each patient himself through recovery. Expedited physical therapy options are available when needed.
Rotator cuff tear questions
How do I know if I have a rotator cuff tear?
Shoulder pain when lifting the arm, pain at night, and weakness when reaching overhead are common signs, but only an examination can confirm a tear. Dr. McLaughlin uses diagnostic ultrasound in the office to evaluate rotator cuff tears, many times avoiding the need for an MRI.
Can a rotator cuff tear heal without surgery?
Some rotator cuff tears can be treated without surgery. Dr. McLaughlin evaluates each tear and discusses all treatment options, including physical therapy, cortisone injections, PRP injections, and surgical repair.
How does Dr. McLaughlin diagnose a rotator cuff tear?
Dr. McLaughlin examines the shoulder’s strength and range of motion. Dr. McLaughlin uses diagnostic ultrasound in the office to evaluate rotator cuff tears, many times avoiding the need for an MRI. If imaging is needed, expedited options are available. Call 978-969-3624 to schedule an evaluation.
Where does Dr. McLaughlin perform rotator cuff surgery?
Dr. McLaughlin performs shoulder surgery at Beverly Hospital (Lahey) and New England Surgery Center in Beverly, Massachusetts.
How soon can I be seen for a rotator cuff tear?
Same-day or next-day appointments are available at the Boston, Norwood, Revere, and Beverly offices. Treatment can often begin at the first visit. Call 978-969-3624.
Does Dr. McLaughlin repair rotator cuff tears arthroscopically?
Yes. Dr. McLaughlin performs arthroscopic rotator cuff repair when surgery is needed.
How long is recovery after rotator cuff surgery?
Recovery takes several months. The arm usually rests in a sling at first, followed by physical therapy to restore motion and then strength before a return to sports or heavy work. Dr. McLaughlin follows each patient himself through recovery.
Rotator cuff care at all four offices
One phone number for every office: 978-969-3624. Phones are answered Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM.
Boston
115 Newbury Street5th Floor
Boston, MA 02116 Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PM Office details → Get directions
Norwood
520 Boston Providence Tpk.Suite 14
Norwood, MA 02062 Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PM Office details → Get directions
Revere
385 BroadwaySuite 201
Revere, MA 02151 Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PM Office details → Get directions
Beverly
900 Cummings CenterSuite 221U
Beverly, MA 01915 Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PM Office details → Get directions