Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment Berkeley, MO. If you are suffering from a rotator cuff tear or shoulder pain, you’re probably facing daily difficulties that affect your ability to work, exercise, or simply enjoy life. At Axes Physical Therapy, we understand how a rotator cuff injury can affect your life and mental health. Our expert physical therapy team in Berkeley, MO is ready to provide the personalized care you need to feel like your old self again. With our extensive experience in rotator cuff tear treatment, we’ll help you get back to the activities you enjoy, whether that’s being active, working, playing with your kids, or simply living pain-free.

Feel free to visit any of our locations for a free injury screening, schedule an appointment online, or contact the Axes location nearest you to start your path to recovery.

About Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff is a crucial element of the shoulder’s anatomy, made up of four muscles and their associated tendons: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. They function in unison to stabilize the shoulder joint and enable a wide range of movements, including lifting, rotating, and reaching.

Types of Rotator Cuff Tears

Rotator cuff tears vary in severity, and how severe your tear is will direct your treatment approach and recovery timeline. The two main types of tears comprise:

1. Partial Tears: These occur when the tendon becomes frayed or damaged but not completely severed. Though still painful and restrictive, partial tears often respond well to conservative treatments such as physical therapy.
2. Full-Thickness Tears: A full-thickness tear occurs when, the tendon detaches from the bone, often demanding more intensive treatment. Such tears can cause considerable weakness in the shoulder and are often more likely to need surgery. A partial full-thickness tear means there is still some of the tendon attached to the bone. A complete full-thickness tear occurs when the tendon completely detaches from the bone.

What Causes Rotator Cuff Tears?

Knowing the common causes of rotator cuff tears will help you prevent injury or identify problems early:

• Acute Injuries: Sudden, forceful movements, like lifting a heavy object or falling on an outstretched arm, may result in an acute tear.
• Chronic Degeneration: As time passes, repetitive stress from activities such as painting, lifting, or sports may weaken the tendons, resulting in a tear.
• Age-Related Wear and Tear: With aging, the tendons tend to weaken, raising the likelihood of tears, especially in individuals over 40.

Symptoms of a Torn Rotator Cuff

Understanding the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear plays a vital role in seeking timely treatment. Frequent symptoms are:

• Persistent shoulder pain, most notably at night or when sleeping on the affected side.
• Reduced strength in the shoulder, which makes it tough to lift or rotate the arm.
• Reduced mobility, particularly when elevating the arm or stretching overhead.
• A crunching feeling or a clicking noise when moving the shoulder.

Being aware of these symptoms and the underlying anatomy helps explain why prompt treatment is crucial to stop further damage and to regain normal shoulder function.

Diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Tears in Berkeley, MO

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in effectively managing a rotator cuff tear. The faster you detect the issue, the better the chances of a full recovery with conservative treatment. If you’ve already been diagnosed by a physician, we’ll form a team with you and your Berkeley, MO doctor to provide you with the best possible treatment and outcome possible.

You can also come to any Axes location for a free injury screening. We initiate a thorough physical examination to evaluate your shoulder’s range of motion, strength, and pain levels. When needed, we may recommend imaging tests including an MRI or ultrasound to obtain a detailed view of the injury.

The Direct Access Physical Therapy laws in both Missouri and Illinois permit us to evaluate and diagnose you, start your treatment, and conduct several physical therapy sessions without a prescription from a doctor in Berkeley, MO.

Non-Surgical Rotator Cuff Treatment Options in Berkeley, MO

Rotator cuff tears aren’t always surgical cases; in many cases, non-surgical treatments are effective at alleviating pain and return shoulder function to normal. At Axes Physical Therapy, we emphasize personalized, conservative care that addresses your specific needs.

Berkeley, MO Physical Therapy for Rotator Cuff Tears

Physical therapy is frequently the first line of defense against rotator cuff tears. Our therapists design individualized treatment plans to build up the muscles surrounding the shoulder, boost flexibility, and ease pain. Here’s how physical therapy helps:

• Strengthening: Targeted workouts to fortify the muscles supporting the rotator cuff, to prevent further injury.
• Mobility Improvement: Stretching routines to expand the range of motion and minimize stiffness.
• Pain Relief: Methods like manual therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation to ease pain.

Pain Management Techniques for Rotator Cuff Tears

Effective pain management is essential for recovery. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, we may suggest a combination of:

• Ice and Heat Therapy: Applying ice can decrease inflammation, while heat boosts circulation and relaxes muscles.
• Medications: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help reduce pain and swelling.
• Corticosteroid Injections: In severe cases, injections might be used to relieve pain and inflammation, though this is typically a short-term solution.
• Activity Modification and Rest: Limiting activities that aggravate your shoulder is crucial during the healing process. Our Berkeley, MO physical therapists will advise you on how to modify daily activities to avoid strain, while still ensuring you stay somewhat active to promote healing.

Consistency is key in non-surgical treatment. Following your physical therapy plan, making it to all your sessions, and doing your prescribed exercises at home are critical to your recovery. Our team at Axes is committed to supporting you every step of the way, making sure you stay on track for a successful recovery.

Surgical Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Tears in Berkeley, MO

In cases where non-surgical treatments aren’t effective enough, or if the rotator cuff tear is more serious, surgery could be necessary. Surgical options can vary according to the extent of the tear and the patient’s individual needs. Common procedures may involve:

• Arthroscopy: A less invasive procedure where small instruments are used to repair the tear.
• Open Repair: A traditional surgery for larger or more complex tears.
• Tendon Transfer: Used when the tendon is too damaged to be repaired.

Regardless of the type of surgery, physical therapy is a key factor both before and after the procedure. Pre-surgery physical therapy helps strengthen the surrounding muscles, while post-surgical rehabilitation is essential for regaining strength, mobility, and function during recovery. At Axes Physical Therapy, we create customized rehabilitation plans to support a smooth and successful recovery.

Recovery Timeline for Rotator Cuff Tears in Berkeley, MO

Recovery from a rotator cuff tear depends depending on whether or not you had surgery. For non-surgical treatments, recovery often takes a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the tear and the consistency of physical therapy. Post-surgical recovery typically requires a longer period, commonly 4 to 6 months, with a gradual return to full activity.

Consistent physical therapy is essential to a successful recovery. At Axes Physical Therapy, our Berkeley, MO physical therapists lead you through a tailored rehabilitation program crafted to restoring strength, flexibility, and function. Our therapists offer ongoing support and modifications to your program, helping you make consistent progress.

To enhance your recovery, it’s crucial to stick to your prescribed exercises, participate in every therapy session, and make necessary lifestyle modifications to protect your shoulder. If you’re recovering from surgery or managing a tear through non-surgical means, our team is dedicated to guiding you to the best possible recovery and resume your usual activities. We’ll also teach you injury prevention techniques so you can remain active without pain.

Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Your Rotator Cuff Tear in Berkeley, MO

At Axes Physical Therapy, our team of dedicated physical therapists focuses on providing tailored care adapted to each patient’s unique needs. With an average of over 15 years of experience, our therapists are skilled in helping Berkeley, MO patients heal from rotator cuff tears and rebuild their strength and mobility. We believe in a compassionate, supportive approach, making sure every patient feels understood and cared for throughout their recovery journey. Our personalized treatment plans are crafted to help you reach the best possible outcomes and return to the activities you love.

Call Axes for Physical Therapy in Berkeley, MO

If you are dealing with a rotator cuff tear, don’t delay your recovery. Book an appointment with Axes Physical Therapy today and let our expert team design a tailored treatment plan to assist you in getting back to what you love. Uncertain whether it’s a tear? Benefit from our free injury screening, where we’ll assess your symptoms and direct you to the best treatment option. Call the location nearest you to schedule your appointment at one of our convenient locations near Berkeley.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we are devoted to supporting you in overcoming the challenges of a rotator cuff tear and getting back to your daily routine with confidence. Our expert team delivers compassionate, individualized care focused on meeting your unique needs. Whether via non-surgical options or post-surgical rehabilitation, we’ll be here to support you along your entire journey. Don’t let shoulder pain stop you—get in touch with us today to begin your journey to recovery.