What happens to Rotator cuff tendon tears if they are not repaired?
Unfortunately, the rotator cuff tendons do not heal. If they are left without treatment, the pain may or may not get worse but the tendon tear will tend to get bigger in time. Occasionally, the tear, over a period of years, becomes so big that it can’t be repaired. Also, the muscle attached to the torn tendon tends to change to fat, as it is unable to function. This process occurs very slowly over a period of years but is not reversible even if the tendon is repaired.
