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The object of this thesis is the tears of the rotator cuff complex. Initially, there is referring about the structure and function of the whole shoulder area, as well as the simultaneous movements that happen in all of the different joints in order the glenohumeral joint to get its maximal movement. Afterwards, the structure and usefulness of the rotator cuff is analysed, which is responsible for both humeral head dynamic stabilisation and glenohumeral rotation movements. Furthermore, there are informing data about the kind of rotator cuff tears and which factors help so that they get classified. Regarding the tears of the rotator cuff, the different diagnostic process which are used are described and how it gets separated from other shoulder injuries which give similar clinical presentation, too. Finally, the background and the factors that define the whole way of thinking so that the appropriate rehabilitation plan will be chosen, is presented.These include the decision of the doctor about the need or not of a surgery and the whole rehabilitation programme that is applied by the physiotherapist in each occasion.