Where in Dubai
Dr. Subhash sees rotator cuff problems at Grand Infinity Medical Center in Al Muteena, Deira. Shoulder tendon pain is common in people who lift, reach overhead or train hard at the gym. At the first visit he examines the shoulder and may arrange an MRI or ultrasound. If a repair is advised, he tells you which hospital it will be in and what your insurer needs.
What is rotator cuff repair?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that wrap around the shoulder. They hold the ball of the arm bone in its socket and help you lift and turn the arm. A tendon can tear in a fall or while lifting something heavy, or wear through slowly with age and repeated overhead work. A torn tendon does not grow back onto the bone by itself. In a rotator cuff repair, the surgeon stitches the tendon back to the bone, usually with keyhole surgery. Not every tear needs an operation: many people manage well with physiotherapy.
Who it can help
- Shoulder pain when lifting the arm, reaching overhead or putting on a jacket.
- Night pain, especially when lying on the affected side.
- Weakness lifting or turning the arm, sometimes with a crackling feeling.
- A sudden tear after a fall or heavy lift, with weakness that starts straight away.
- Pain and weakness that remain after three to six months of physiotherapy.
How Dr. Subhash approaches it
Dr. Subhash performs shoulder arthroscopy, including rotator cuff repair and subacromial decompression, and arthroscopy is one of his stated main interests. He also performs shoulder replacement, which is an option when a large tear cannot be repaired and arthritis has set in. He looks at the size of the tear, the quality of the tendon and how you use your arm, then explains whether physiotherapy, repair or another approach suits you.
What to expect
Consultation
He examines the shoulder, tests the strength of each tendon and reviews X-rays. An MRI or ultrasound shows the size of the tear.
Deciding together
He explains the options, including physiotherapy alone, and the risks and recovery of surgery. Insurance pre-approval is arranged if you choose surgery.
The operation
Under a general anaesthetic, often with a nerve block, the tendon is stitched back to the bone using small anchors. It takes about one to two hours.
Going home
Most people go home the same day or the next, with the arm in a sling.
Rehabilitation and follow-up
Physiotherapy moves the shoulder gently at first, then builds strength over months. He reviews you at planned visits.
Recovery, in general terms
Every patient is different. These are typical milestones, not a promise; your own plan comes from your consultation.
- A sling for about four to six weeks while the tendon starts to heal.
- Gentle passive movement first, then active movement and strengthening from about six weeks.
- Driving often at around eight weeks; desk work sooner, manual work later.
- Most people feel steady improvement over six months, and full recovery can take up to a year.
Risks to know about
- Stiffness, which usually improves with physiotherapy.
- The tendon failing to heal or tearing again, more likely with large tears.
- Infection, which is uncommon.
- A blood clot or nerve injury, both rare.
When to book a visit
Book a visit if shoulder pain and weakness have lasted more than a few weeks, or if you suddenly cannot lift your arm after a fall. After a repair, call the clinic the same day for a fever, red or leaking wounds, or new numbness in the arm.
Where to book
Dr. Subhash sees patients at Grand Infinity Medical Center in Al Muteena, Deira, in north-east Dubai. The clinic is at Shop No. 4, next to the Grand Excelsior Hotel.
Grand Infinity Medical Center
Shop No. 4, next to Grand Excelsior Hotel, Al Muteena, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Questions patients ask
My job involves lifting. When can I go back to work?
Light office work is often possible within a few weeks, with the arm in a sling. Lifting and overhead work usually waits three to six months. He can give you a medical report for your employer.
Does every rotator cuff tear need surgery?
No. Many partial tears and wear-related tears in older people are managed with physiotherapy and pain relief. Surgery is more often advised for a sudden tear in an active person, or when pain and weakness persist after treatment.
Why does the shoulder hurt more at night?
Lying down puts pressure on the inflamed tendon, and there are fewer distractions. Sleeping propped up on pillows, or in a reclining chair, often helps both before and after surgery.
Will the tendon tear again?
Some repairs do not heal fully, more often with large or long-standing tears. Following the sling and exercise plan carefully gives the tendon the time it needs to bond to the bone.
Book an appointment
The clinic confirms every booking by phone or WhatsApp.