“Fifty percent of the population over age 60 will suffer from [shoulder rotator cuff tears].” This was a statement in a Washington Health article in the April 28-May 4 edition of the Tri-City Voice. The article then discusses the “debilitating” pain and weakness in the arm as symptoms of rotator cuff tears and a new surgical procedure to reduce the rehabilitation and recovery time from six to three months for some injuries.
Unfortunately, unmentioned in the Washington Health article is that there are preventive measures to avoid rotator cuff tears entirely. This a very big deal given the reported prevalence of rotator cuff tears for those over age 60. In this regard, the U. S. Census reports that there are almost 80 million people over age 60 currently living in the United States, which means, in accordance with the article’s 50% statistic, about 40 million such seniors are suffering from or have had rotator cuff tears and their “debilitating” pain.
As previously mentioned, there are preventative measures for rotator cuff tears, such as reported by Duke Health on July 21, 2025 (online). I suggest that Tri-City Voice urge Washington Health to submit a new article covering these important preventive measures for rotator cuff tears. Orthopedic doctors, as well as hospitals and physical therapists, may lose some business, but the Tri-City Voice readers will benefit, particularly those aged 60 and over.
John Michael Kelly
Hayward
