--- title: "Tendon & Ligament Repair | Surgery & Therapy | Sutter Health" description: "Torn rotator cuff or meniscus tear? Our orthopedic surgeons offer care from nonsurgical to minimally invasive surgery to treat tendon and ligament injuries." url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/tendon-and-ligament-repair" --- 1. [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) / 2. [Services](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services) / 3. Tendon and ligament repair ![A woman jogs outdoors, staying active after rotator cuff surgery.](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/people/women/woman-running-in-cold.jpg?h=828&iar=0&w=1920) # Tendon and ligament repair A torn rotator cuff or meniscus tear can sideline you fast. Our orthopedic surgeons treat tendon and ligament injuries to reduce pain and improve mobility in the knees, shoulders, ankles and more.  [Find an orthopedic surgeon](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22acceptingNewPatients%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5Btrue%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_providerSpecialties.specialty.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Orthopedic+Surgery%22%2C%22Sports+Medicine%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=healthcare_professionals) [Request a referral](https://www.sutterhealth.org/referrals?facets=%7B%22c_relatedServices.name%22%3A%7B%2256%22%3A%7B%22value%22%3A%22Sports+Medicine%22%2C%22matcher%22%3A%22%24eq%22%7D%7D%7D&verticalKey=healthcare_facilities) ![A woman jogs outdoors, staying active after rotator cuff surgery.](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/people/women/woman-running-in-cold.jpg?h=828&iar=0&w=1920) ## Why choose Sutter? Each year, about 2.5 million people suffer from a severe Achilles tendon injury, and 200,000 people experience anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage, according to the [American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS)](https://www.aaos.org/ "Please note you are leaving the Sutter Health website."). A torn rotator cuff or a torn meniscus are just as common. Sports and overuse are the most common causes, but these injuries can happen during everyday activities. When rest and exercise aren't enough, surgery may be necessary. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons have years of experience with traditional and minimally invasive treatments. One of these techniques is arthroscopy, which allows us to perform surgery through small incisions, usually leading to a quicker and smoother recovery. Whether you need rotator cuff surgery, meniscus repair or Achilles tendon reconstruction, your care team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that gets you back in the game.  By the numbers ### 350+ orthopedic doctors offer advanced pain management and state-of-the-art joint replacements for a faster recovery. ### 5,000+ joint replacements are performed each year at our hospitals. ### 2 Sutter hospitals are in the top 10% nationwide for outpatient joint replacement. ### 34 joint replacement centers offer advanced treatment, recovery and education to get you back on your feet. ## Need a referral? Chat live with our team Monday through Friday, 8:00 am — 5:00 pm, or call us at [888-834-1788](tel:+18888341788). [Request a referral](https://www.sutterhealth.org/referrals) ## Conditions - ACL tear - Bicep tendonitis - Meniscus tear - Rotator cuff tear - Sprain - Tendinosis - Tendon Ruptures - [Tendonitis](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/tendon-and-ligament-repair) - Tennis elbow ## Diagnostics - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - X-ray ## Treatments - Achilles tendon repair - Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery - Meniscus repair - Pain management - [Physical therapy](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/physical-therapy) - Rotator cuff exercises - Rotator cuff surgery - Soft Tissue Injection - [Tendon Repair](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/tendon-and-ligament-repair) ## Related services - [Orthopedics](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/orthopedics) - [Sports medicine](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/sports-medicine) ![home-caregiver-helping-a-senior-man](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/people/men/home-caregiver-helping-a-senior-man.jpg?h=483&iar=0&w=724) ## Comfortable in-between care When you're ready to leave the hospital but not yet ready to go home, our four inpatient rehab centers offer a safe and healthy place for your continued recovery. [View inpatient rehab services](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/acute-inpatient-rehabilitation) ![home-caregiver-helping-a-senior-man](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/people/men/home-caregiver-helping-a-senior-man.jpg?h=483&iar=0&w=724) ![man-doing-physical-therapy-exercises](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/people/men/man-doing-physical-therapy-exercises.jpg?h=483&iar=0&w=724) ## Physical therapy and rehabilitation From rotator cuff exercises to recovery after ligament repair surgery, our physical therapists can help you improve strength, mobility and coordination.  [View physical therapy services](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/physical-therapy-and-rehabilitation) ![doctors-team-are-analyzing-fracture-knee-model](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/people/men/doctors-team-are-analyzing-fracture-knee-model.jpg?h=483&iar=0&w=724) ## Musculoskeletal conditions research Musculoskeletal conditions cause pain or injuries in the joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves and tendons that support the arms, legs, neck and back. Research aims to improve treatment and prevent these issues, especially in the workplace. [View research](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research-search-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_researchTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Musculoskeletal+Disorders%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=clinical_trial) ![doctors-team-are-analyzing-fracture-knee-model](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/people/men/doctors-team-are-analyzing-fracture-knee-model.jpg?h=483&iar=0&w=724) ## Sutter's spotlight Health & wellness ### [Prevent sports injuries](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/prevent-sports-injuries) Don’t get sidelined by injuries. Follow this advice to stay in the game. Health & wellness ### [How Weekend Warriors Can Avoid Injury](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/how-weekend-warriors-can-avoid-injury) Proper preparation can help sprains, strains, tears and trauma. Health & wellness ### [Improve your running gait](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/improve-your-running-gait) Paying attention to how you run can help prevent repetitive motion injuries and pain. Learn how to improve your running cadence, impact and pelvic drop. ## Classes & events [View all classes & events](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/find-event-results?limit=10&query=%22%5C%22Bones%2C+joints+and+muscles%5C%22%22&verticalKey=events) - Class ### [Integrative Approach to Back Pain](https://ewp.seatrobot.com/66f32bee33ea82483f1ddb0b/6a921393a2df098eb8ae55e4/) Wednesday, November 18, 2026 Integrative chiropractor Scott Larsen shares his approach to back pain, exploring movement, posture, and inflammation to help patients understand and find relief. - Class ### [Finding Relief from Mast Cell Overactivity (Virtual)](https://ewp.seatrobot.com/66f32bee33ea82483f1ddb0b/6a922c3193564e6106f484c5/) Thursday, December 10, 2026 Join integrative physician Andy Luckett, MD, to learn about mast cell and histamine disorders, what may cause their dysfunction, and integrative approaches that may help ease symptoms. [View all classes & events](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/find-event-results?limit=10&query=%22%5C%22Bones%2C+joints+and+muscles%5C%22%22&verticalKey=events) Frequently asked questions **What is a rotator cuff injury?** Your rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that keep your shoulder stable and help you lift and rotate your arm. A torn rotator cuff happens when one of these tendons pulls away from the bone or frays over time. It can cause pain, weakness and difficulty lifting your arm. Our orthopedic surgeons can assess the tear and recommend the right treatment, from physical therapy to rotator cuff surgery. **What are rotator cuff tear symptoms?** Common symptoms of a torn rotator cuff include pain when lifting or lowering your arm, weakness when reaching overhead, a cracking sensation when moving your shoulder and difficulty sleeping on the affected side. If you're experiencing these symptoms, our specialists can help diagnose the issue and build a treatment plan. **What rotator cuff exercises can help?**  Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises — like pendulum stretches, wall walks and resistance band work — can help restore shoulder mobility and strength. Our physical therapists can guide you through the right rotator cuff exercises for your stage of recovery, whether you're trying to avoid surgery or rehabbing after rotator cuff surgery. **When do you need rotator cuff surgery?**  Rotator cuff surgery is usually recommended when the tear is large, your symptoms aren't improving with physical therapy and medication, or you've lost significant strength in your shoulder. Our orthopedic surgeons use minimally invasive arthroscopy whenever possible, which often means a faster recovery.  **What is a meniscus tear?**  Your meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions your knee joint. A torn meniscus happens when this cartilage tears — often from twisting or pivoting during sports, but sometimes from everyday wear over time. Meniscus tear symptoms include knee pain, swelling, stiffness and a popping sensation. Our team can diagnose the tear and recommend treatment, from rest and physical therapy to arthroscopic repair. **What are meniscus tear symptoms?** The most common meniscus tear symptoms are pain along the side or center of your knee, swelling that builds over a day or two, a feeling that your knee is catching or locking, and difficulty straightening your leg fully. If you notice these signs, our orthopedic specialists can evaluate your knee and help you decide on the best path forward. **How do you treat a torn meniscus?** Treatment depends on the size and location of the tear. Small tears often heal with rest, ice, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication. Larger tears or tears that cause locking may need arthroscopic surgery to repair or trim the damaged cartilage. Our orthopedic surgeons will walk you through your options and help you choose the right approach. ## Recover and get back to it Find tendon and ligament care at Sutter, with treatment options designed to reduce pain and restore movement. [Find an orthopedic surgeon](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider-results?facets=%7B%22c_providerSpecialties.specialty.name%22%3A%7B%220%22%3A%7B%22value%22%3A%22Family+Medicine%22%2C%22matcher%22%3A%22%24eq%22%7D%2C%222%22%3A%7B%22value%22%3A%22Internal+Medicine%22%2C%22matcher%22%3A%22%24eq%22%7D%2C%223%22%3A%7B%22value%22%3A%22Pediatrics%22%2C%22matcher%22%3A%22%24eq%22%7D%2C%224%22%3A%7B%22value%22%3A%22Orthopedic+Surgery%22%2C%22matcher%22%3A%22%24eq%22%7D%2C%2214%22%3A%7B%22value%22%3A%22Podiatry%22%2C%22matcher%22%3A%22%24eq%22%7D%2C%2227%22%3A%7B%22value%22%3A%22Pain+Management%22%2C%22matcher%22%3A%22%24eq%22%7D%2C%2229%22%3A%7B%22value%22%3A%22Sports+Medicine%22%2C%22matcher%22%3A%22%24eq%22%7D%2C%2233%22%3A%7B%22value%22%3A%22Physical+Medicine+and+Rehabilitation%22%2C%22matcher%22%3A%22%24eq%22%7D%2C%2238%22%3A%7B%22value%22%3A%22Hand+Surgery%22%2C%22matcher%22%3A%22%24eq%22%7D%2C%2268%22%3A%7B%22value%22%3A%22Reconstructive+Surgery%22%2C%22matcher%22%3A%22%24eq%22%7D%2C%22136%22%3A%7B%22value%22%3A%22Pediatric+Orthopedics%22%2C%22matcher%22%3A%22%24eq%22%7D%7D%2C%22acceptingNewPatients%22%3A%7B%220%22%3A%7B%22value%22%3Atrue%2C%22matcher%22%3A%22%24eq%22%7D%7D%7D&verticalKey=healthcare_professionals) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"MedicalOrganization","name":"Sutter Health","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org","logo":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/static/images/sutter-health-logo.svg","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"2200 River Plaza Drive","addressLocality":"Sacramento","addressRegion":"CA","postalCode":"95833","addressCountry":"US"},"areaServed":{"@type":"AdministrativeArea","name":"California"},"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/SutterHealth","https://www.instagram.com/sutterhealth/","https://x.com/SutterHealth","https://www.youtube.com/sutterhealth","https://www.linkedin.com/company/sutter-health","https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutter_Health"]} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"MedicalWebPage","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/tendon-and-ligament-repair#medicalwebpage","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/tendon-and-ligament-repair","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/tendon-and-ligament-repair#breadcrumblist"},"name":"Tendon and ligament repair at Sutter Health","description":"Torn rotator cuff or meniscus tear? 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A torn rotator cuff happens when one of these tendons pulls away from the bone or frays over time. It can cause pain, weakness and difficulty lifting your arm. Our orthopedic surgeons can assess the tear and recommend the right treatment, from physical therapy to rotator cuff surgery."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are rotator cuff tear symptoms?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Common symptoms of a torn rotator cuff include pain when lifting or lowering your arm, weakness when reaching overhead, a cracking sensation when moving your shoulder and difficulty sleeping on the affected side. If you're experiencing these symptoms, our specialists can help diagnose the issue and build a treatment plan."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What rotator cuff exercises can help?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises — like pendulum stretches, wall walks and resistance band work — can help restore shoulder mobility and strength. Our physical therapists can guide you through the right rotator cuff exercises for your stage of recovery, whether you're trying to avoid surgery or rehabbing after rotator cuff surgery."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"When do you need rotator cuff surgery?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Rotator cuff surgery is usually recommended when the tear is large, your symptoms aren't improving with physical therapy and medication, or you've lost significant strength in your shoulder. Our orthopedic surgeons use minimally invasive arthroscopy whenever possible, which often means a faster recovery."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is a meniscus tear?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Your meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions your knee joint. A torn meniscus happens when this cartilage tears — often from twisting or pivoting during sports, but sometimes from everyday wear over time. Meniscus tear symptoms include knee pain, swelling, stiffness and a popping sensation. Our team can diagnose the tear and recommend treatment, from rest and physical therapy to arthroscopic repair."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are meniscus tear symptoms?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The most common meniscus tear symptoms are pain along the side or center of your knee, swelling that builds over a day or two, a feeling that your knee is catching or locking, and difficulty straightening your leg fully. If you notice these signs, our orthopedic specialists can evaluate your knee and help you decide on the best path forward."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How do you treat a torn meniscus?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Treatment depends on the size and location of the tear. Small tears often heal with rest, ice, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication. 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