Rotator cuff tear occurs as a result of degenerative changes or injury. Patients complain of pain in the shoulder and weakness of the affected arm. The pain is most pronounced on the outside of the upper arm and it intensifies when raising the arm above the head and at night. The range of active movements is smaller than the range of passive movements, atrophy of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus is visible, subacromial crepitations are also present. The diagnosis is made on the basis of history and clinical examination, as well as imaging tests. Rotator cuff tear treatment can be conservative or operative. Conservative treatment includes avoiding overloading the hand during daily activities, using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy. There are three types of surgery for this type of injury; open approach, mini open technique and arthroscopic approach. Operative treatment is mainly performed arthroscopically, which is less invasive than open/mini-open surgery and leaves only a few small scars. Rehabilitation can be started faster and the patient has less pain during recovery. The main goals of rehabilitation after rotator cuff tear surgery are to ensure the healing process and prevent joint stiffness and muscle atrophy.