Rotator cuff (RC) tears are the most common source of shoulder pain, disability and discomfort. In fact, RC disease is the most common cause of shoulder pain seen by physicians. It has been estimated that as many as 40% of patients with shoulder pain may have a RC tear. Previous research has shown that 80% of these patients will experience pain, and 40% of patients will experience tear progression (tear becoming larger, more painful, multiple muscle involvement). Therefore, it is no surprise that a substantial proportion of individuals with RC tears do not receive adequate relief from non-operative treatments (physiotherapy, acupuncture, massage therapy, activity/work modification, cortisone injection), and require surgical repair.