179. Rotator Cuff Tears 101: Partial vs. Full Thickness & What It Means for Your Patients

Send us Fan Mail Not all rotator cuff tears are the same, and understanding why can completely change how you set expectations and build a plan with your patients. In this episode, we break down tendon anatomy and physiology, the different ways rotator cuff tears develop (degenerative vs. traumatic), the difference between partial- and full-thickness tears, and the factors that influence healing and prognosis for both conservative and surgical patients. In this episode you'll learn: What a tendon actually is and why its structure (and blood supply) matters for healing The difference between degenerative and traumatic rotator cuff tears Risk factors that make someone more likely to develop a tear Articular-side vs. bursal-side partial thickness tears — and why bursal tears tend to hurt more What "massive" and "irreparable" tears mean, and how outcomes differ Predictors of good outcomes with conservative care (hint: baseline ROM and strength matter) A quick look at steroid injections vs. PRP for rotator cuff tears Test yourself: What is a tendon's main job, and what structures help it do that job? What are the main categories of rotator cuff tears? What are the two types of partial thickness tears, and how do they differ? What factors affect healing after a rotator cuff tear — for both conservative and surgical patients? 🎉 MedBridge Days Sale is Here! MedBridge's Bridge Days sale runs June 15–30! Use code PTSNACKS15 for: $126 off an Individual Subscription → Get your discount 15% off Group Subscriptions → Group pricing MedBridge is also celebrating their 15-year anniversary, with tons of CEU courses for PTs, OTs, and SLPs — plus built-in exam prep for OCS, SCS, and other specialty certifications. Don't wait — this offer is only live for two weeks! Resources: 📋 Free rotator cuff study guide 📱 Follow along on TikTok @ptsnackspodcast for visual study tools ✉️ Questions or topic requests? Email ptsnackspodcast@gmail.com or join the email list for episode highlights If this episode helped you, please take a moment to leave a review — it helps the show grow more than you know! 🙏 Need CEUs? Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge. You’ll get thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses. Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout to save over $100. Student? Use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT Support the show Studying for the NPTE? Check out PT Final Exam — they’ve helped thousands of students pass with confidence. Use code PTSnacks at checkout for a discount. Stay Connected! Follow so you never miss an episode. Send your questions via email to ptsnackspodcast@gmail.com Join the email list HERE Support the Show: Share the episode with someone who'd benefit. Contributing directly to the "support" link. Thanks for tuning in—your support makes this all possible!