The rotator cuff is a complex group of four muscles and their tendons that surround the shoulder joint, connecting the upper arm bone to the shoulder blade. Its primary function is to stabilize the shoulder while allowing for a wide range of motion, including rotation and lifting the arm away from the body. When one of these tendons tears, it results in pain and significant weakness, making even simple daily tasks difficult. Whether a person can continue working with this injury depends highly on the degree of the damage and the specific physical demands of the individual’s job.
Severity of the Tear and Job Demand
The ability to continue working is largely determined by the classification of the injury, which is typically either a partial-thickness or a full-thickness tear. A partial tear means the tendon is damaged or frayed but not completely severed from the bone, and these injuries are often successfully managed through non-surgical methods. Individuals with partial tears, particularly those with less intense symptoms, can frequently remain employed with simple workplace adjustments and reduced activity.
A full-thickness tear, however, involves the tendon separating completely from the bone, creating a gap that severely limits the shoulder’s function and strength. This level of injury usually results in more severe pain and weakness, often making immediate time off necessary for surgical repair or extensive rehabilitation. Trying to push through a full tear in a demanding role can cause the tear to grow larger, potentially leading to muscle atrophy and a more complicated, less successful surgical outcome later on.
The physical requirements of the job determine what is possible and safe for a torn rotator cuff. Sedentary positions, such as desk work or administrative tasks, place minimal strain on the shoulder and are manageable with minor ergonomic modifications. In contrast, highly physical jobs—like construction, nursing, or warehouse stocking—involve movements that directly stress the injured tendons. These movements include repetitive motions, forceful pushing or pulling, and lifting objects over five to ten pounds or reaching overhead. Continuing these actions risks converting a less severe injury into a chronically painful condition or damaging the tendon beyond simple surgical repair.
Workplace Modifications and Pain Management
For those whose jobs allow them to continue working, physical and medical strategies help protect the shoulder while promoting healing. Physical therapy (PT) is a central component of non-operative management, focusing on strengthening surrounding muscles to compensate for the damaged tendon. A healthcare provider may approve light exercises, such as gentle shoulder blade retractions or pendulum swings, that can be integrated into the workday to maintain mobility and blood flow.
Ergonomic adjustments are necessary to minimize stress on the shoulder throughout the workday. For seated workers, this involves adjusting the chair height so that the elbows rest at a 90-degree angle when typing, preventing the shoulders from hiking up toward the ears. Moving frequently used items, like the mouse or telephone, closer to the body eliminates the need for repetitive reaching across the desk. Voice dictation software can also be used to reduce the strain associated with prolonged keyboard and mouse use.
Pain management while working often involves anti-inflammatory medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), to reduce swelling and discomfort. Applying ice packs to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day helps manage inflammation, especially after periods of increased activity. Maintaining open communication with a supervisor is important, clearly outlining the tasks that must be avoided to prevent aggravating the injury.
Navigating Employer Accommodations and Time Off
Support from the employer begins with a detailed medical note from a healthcare provider outlining specific work restrictions. This documentation is the basis for requesting formal support, such as a temporary reassignment to light duty. Light duty involves a modified set of tasks that align with medical restrictions, such as switching from heavy lifting to inventory counting or administrative paperwork.
Employees can formally request a “reasonable accommodation,” which involves changes to the work environment or the way duties are performed that allow the person to continue working. This can include job restructuring, where non-essential tasks that require shoulder use are temporarily removed from the job description. The goal is to allow the employee to remain productive without risking further injury to the shoulder.
In cases where the injury is too severe for any modified work, federal laws protecting workers with temporary disabilities may provide a right to a period of protected leave. This ensures job security while the individual undergoes necessary medical treatment, like surgery or intensive physical therapy. Successfully navigating a rotator cuff tear while working requires a clear medical diagnosis, proactive physical modifications, and engaging formally with employer accommodation policies.