Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment Boles, MO. If you are suffering from a rotator cuff tear or shoulder pain, there’s a good chance you’re facing daily difficulties that affect your ability to work, exercise, or be able to relax pain-free. At Axes Physical Therapy, we know how these injuries can affect your life and mental health. Our experienced physical therapy team in Boles, MO is prepared to provide the personalized plan 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 that you love most, whether that’s being active, working, engaging in family activities, or enjoying a pain-free life.

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

Understanding Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff represents a crucial element of the shoulder’s anatomy, comprising four muscles and their associated tendons: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. Together, these muscles stabilize the shoulder joint and allow for a wide range of movements, such as lifting, rotating, and reaching.

Types of Rotator Cuff Tears

Rotator cuff tears can vary in severity, impacting treatment options and recovery time. The two main types of tears comprise:

1. Partial Tears: This happens when the tendon gets frayed or damaged but not completely severed. Even though they are painful and restrictive, partial tears generally respond favorably to conservative treatments such as physical therapy.
2. Full-Thickness Tears: A full-thickness tear occurs when, the tendon becomes detached from the bone, often demanding more intensive treatment. These injuries may cause significant weakness in the shoulder and are more likely to necessitate surgical intervention. An incomplete full-thickness tear happens when there is still some of the tendon attached to the bone. A full-thickness complete tear means the tendon completely detaches from the bone.

What Causes Rotator Cuff Tears?

Knowing the common causes of rotator cuff tears will help you avoid injury or recognize issues sooner:

• Acute Injuries: Sudden, forceful movements, such as lifting a heavy object or falling on an outstretched arm, can lead to an acute tear.
• Chronic Degeneration: With time, continuous strain from activities like painting, lifting, or sports can wear down the tendons, causing a tear.
• Age-Related Wear and Tear: Over the years, 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 is crucial to seeking timely treatment. Typical symptoms may include:

• Continuous shoulder discomfort, most notably at night or when lying on the affected side.
• Reduced strength in the shoulder, making it difficult to lift or rotate the arm.
• Reduced mobility, especially when raising the arm or reaching above your head.
• A crunching feeling or audible popping when moving the shoulder.

Recognizing these symptoms and the underlying anatomy explains why prompt treatment is vital to avoid further damage and to restore normal shoulder function.

Diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Tears in Boles, MO

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in effectively managing a rotator cuff tear. The earlier you recognize the issue, the better the chances of a full recovery with conservative treatment. If you’ve already been diagnosed by a doctor, we’ll collaborate with you and your Boles, MO doctor to ensure you receive the best possible treatment and outcome achievable.

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

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

Non-Surgical Rotator Cuff Treatment Options in Boles, MO

Rotator cuff tears do not always necessitate surgery; in many cases, non-surgical treatments can relieve pain effectively and return shoulder function to normal. At Axes Physical Therapy, we focus on personalized, conservative care that targets your specific needs.

Boles, MO Physical Therapy for Rotator Cuff Tears

Physical therapy is typically the first approach to rotator cuff treatment. Our therapists design individualized treatment plans to fortify the muscles surrounding the shoulder, increase flexibility, and reduce pain. Here’s the way physical therapy assists:

• Strengthening: Focused exercises to build the muscles supporting the rotator cuff, to prevent further injury.
• Mobility Improvement: Stretching and movement exercises to expand the range of motion and minimize stiffness.
• Pain Relief: Approaches including manual therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation to reduce pain.

Pain Management Techniques for Rotator Cuff Tears

Proper pain management is important for recovery. According to the severity of your symptoms, we may propose a combination of:

• Ice and Heat Therapy: Applying ice can decrease inflammation, while heat boosts circulation and soothes muscles.
• Medications: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce pain and swelling.
• Corticosteroid Injections: For severe symptoms, injections might be used to relieve pain and inflammation, though this is typically a short-term solution.
• Activity Modification and Rest: Avoiding activities that strain your shoulder is essential during the healing process. Our Boles, MO physical therapists will instruct you on how to modify daily activities to avoid strain, while still ensuring you stay somewhat active to aid in recovery.

Being consistent is essential in non-surgical treatment. Adhering to your physical therapy regimen, making it to all your sessions, and performing prescribed exercises at home are vital to your recovery. Our team at Axes is here to support you every step of the way, making sure you stay on track for a successful recovery.

Surgical Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Tears in Boles, MO

In cases where non-surgical treatments do not provide sufficient relief, or if the rotator cuff tear is significant, surgery might be required. Surgical options can vary based on the extent of the tear and the patient’s individual needs. Common procedures are:

• Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive surgery where small instruments are used to repair the tear.
• Open Repair: A standard procedure for larger or more complex tears.
• Tendon Transfer: Performed when the tendon is too damaged to reattach to the bone.

Whatever the surgical approach, physical therapy is a key factor both before and after the procedure. Pre-surgery physical therapy can strengthen the surrounding muscles, while post-surgical rehabilitation is essential for regaining strength, mobility, and function during recovery. At Axes Physical Therapy, we design individualized rehab programs to ensure a smooth and successful recovery process.

Recovery Timeline for Rotator Cuff Tears in Boles, MO

Recovery from a rotator cuff tear differs depending on whether or not you had surgery. For non-surgical treatments, recovery typically takes anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the tear and the consistency of physical therapy. Post-surgical recovery generally requires a longer period, usually 4 to 6 months, slowly returning to full activity.

Sticking to your physical therapy is essential to a successful recovery. At Axes Physical Therapy, our Boles, MO physical therapists lead you through a tailored rehabilitation program designed to bringing back strength, flexibility, and mobility. Our therapists deliver ongoing support and plan adjustments, helping you make consistent progress.

To ensure the best recovery, it’s vital to stick to your prescribed exercises, go to every therapy session, and adjust your lifestyle as needed to protect your shoulder. Whether you are recovering from surgery or dealing with a tear through non-surgical means, our team is committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome and return to your daily life. We’ll also teach you injury prevention techniques so you can keep active and avoid pain.

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

At Axes Physical Therapy, our team of dedicated physical therapists focuses on providing individualized care designed for each patient’s unique needs. With an average of over 15 years of experience, our therapists are adept at guiding Boles, MO patients heal from rotator cuff tears and get back 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 customized treatment plans are designed to help you achieve the best possible outcomes and get back to the activities you enjoy.

Call Axes for Physical Therapy in Boles, MO

If you are dealing with a rotator cuff tear, don’t put off starting 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. Not sure if you have a tear? Utilize our free injury screening, to assess your symptoms and direct you to the best treatment option. Contact the location nearest you to schedule your appointment at one of our convenient locations near Boles.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we focus on supporting you in overcoming the challenges of a rotator cuff tear and returning to your normal activities with confidence. Our expert team provides compassionate, individualized care tailored to meet 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—reach out to us now to begin your journey to recovery.