Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment Breckenridge Hills, MO. If you are suffering from a rotator cuff tear or shoulder pain, you’re probably facing daily challenges that affect your ability to work, exercise, or enjoy your day-to-day activities. At Axes Physical Therapy, we understand how these injuries can affect your life and mental health. Our experienced physical therapy team in Breckenridge Hills, MO is here to provide the personalized care you need to recover your strength and mobility. With our extensive experience in rotator cuff tear treatment, we will help you return to the activities you love, whether that’s participating in sports, working, engaging in family activities, or just living without pain.

You can visit any of our locations for a free injury screening, make an appointment online, or call the Axes location nearest you to get started with your recovery.

Understanding Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff forms 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 provide for a wide range of movements, including lifting, rotating, and reaching.

Types of Rotator Cuff Tears

Rotator cuff tears are classified into different degrees of 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: This type of tear occurs 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 like physical therapy.
2. Full-Thickness Tears: A full-thickness tear occurs when, the tendon is separated from the bone, often requiring more intensive treatment. These tears can cause significant weakness in the shoulder and are more prone to require surgical intervention. A full-thickness incomplete tear occurs when there is still some of the tendon attached to the bone. A complete full-thickness tear occurs when the tendon fully detaches from the bone.

What Causes Rotator Cuff Tears?

Understanding the common causes of rotator cuff tears could help you prevent injury or identify the root cause of your symptoms:

• 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 such as painting, lifting, or sports can wear down the tendons, resulting in a tear.
• Age-Related Wear and Tear: As we age, the tendons naturally weaken, heightening the chance of tears, especially in individuals over 40.

Symptoms of a Torn Rotator Cuff

Recognizing the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear is essential for seeking timely treatment. Typical symptoms may include:

• Continuous shoulder discomfort, especially at night or when resting on the affected side.
• Shoulder weakness, making it difficult to lift or rotate the arm.
• Reduced mobility, notably when lifting the arm or reaching overhead.
• A crackling sensation or a popping sound when moving the shoulder.

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

Diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Tears in Breckenridge Hills, MO

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in effectively managing a rotator cuff tear. The sooner you recognize the issue, the better the chances of a full recovery without invasive procedures. If you’ve already been diagnosed by a doctor, we’ll form a team with you and your Breckenridge Hills, MO physician to get you the best possible treatment and outcome possible.

Feel free to visit any Axes location for a free injury screening. We begin with a thorough physical examination to examine your shoulder’s range of motion, strength, and pain levels. When needed, we may suggest 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 permit us to evaluate and diagnose you, start your treatment, and have several physical therapy sessions without a prescription from a doctor in Breckenridge Hills, MO.

Non-Surgical Rotator Cuff Treatment Options in Breckenridge Hills, MO

Rotator cuff tears aren’t always surgical cases; in many cases, non-surgical treatments can relieve pain effectively and help restore shoulder function. At Axes Physical Therapy, we focus on personalized, conservative care that focuses on your specific needs.

Breckenridge Hills, MO Physical Therapy for Rotator Cuff Tears

Physical therapy is commonly the first line of defense against rotator cuff tears. Our therapists develop personalized treatment plans to fortify the muscles surrounding the shoulder, boost flexibility, and reduce pain. This is how physical therapy helps:

• Strengthening: Focused exercises to build the muscles that support the rotator cuff, helping to prevent further injury.
• Mobility Improvement: Stretching routines to increase the range of motion and minimize stiffness.
• Pain Relief: Techniques such as manual therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation to reduce pain.

Pain Management Techniques for Rotator Cuff Tears

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

• Ice and Heat Therapy: Ice helps reduce 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 could be used to alleviate pain and inflammation, although this is typically a short-term solution.
• Activity Modification and Rest: Avoiding activities that strain your shoulder is important during the healing process. Our Breckenridge Hills, MO physical therapists will advise you on how to alter your daily activities to avoid strain, while still keeping some physical activity to aid in recovery.

Consistency is crucial in non-surgical treatment. Following your physical therapy plan, attending all scheduled sessions, and doing your prescribed exercises at home are vital to your recovery. Our team at Axes is here to support you through the entire process, ensuring you stay on track for a successful recovery.

Surgical Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Tears in Breckenridge Hills, MO

When non-surgical treatments fail to offer enough relief, or if the rotator cuff tear is particularly severe, surgery could be necessary. Surgical options vary depending on the extent of the tear and the patient’s individual needs. Common procedures include:

• Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive surgery where small instruments are used to repair the tear.
• Open Repair: A more conventional 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 plays a critical role throughout the procedure. Pre-surgery physical therapy works to strengthen the surrounding muscles, while post-surgical rehabilitation is vital to regaining strength, mobility, and function during recovery. At Axes Physical Therapy, we create customized rehabilitation plans to help ensure a smooth and effective recovery.

Recovery Timeline for Rotator Cuff Tears in Breckenridge Hills, MO

Recovery from a rotator cuff tear can vary depending on whether the treatment was surgical or non-surgical. For non-surgical treatments, recovery can take weeks to months, depending on the severity of the tear and the consistency of physical therapy. Post-surgical recovery often requires a longer period, commonly 4 to 6 months, slowly returning to full activity.

Consistent physical therapy is crucial for a successful recovery. At Axes Physical Therapy, our Breckenridge Hills, MO physical therapists assist you through a tailored rehabilitation program crafted to restore strength, flexibility, and function. Our therapists deliver ongoing support and adjustments to your plan, helping you make consistent progress.

To enhance your recovery, it’s essential to stick to your prescribed exercises, attend all therapy sessions, and implement necessary lifestyle changes to protect your shoulder. Whether you’re healing from surgery or dealing with a tear through non-surgical means, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible outcome and return to your normal 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 Breckenridge Hills, MO

At Axes Physical Therapy, our team of expert physical therapists is committed to providing personalized care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. With an average of over 15 years of experience, our therapists are experts in assisting Breckenridge Hills, MO patients heal from rotator cuff tears and rebuild their strength and mobility. We focus on a compassionate, supportive approach, guaranteeing that 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 Breckenridge Hills, MO

If you’re struggling 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 create a personalized treatment plan to bring you back to the activities you love. Uncertain whether it’s a tear? Take advantage of our free injury screening, so we can evaluate your symptoms and direct you to the best treatment option. Phone the location nearest you to schedule your appointment at one of our convenient locations near Breckenridge Hills.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to guiding you through the challenges of a rotator cuff tear and resuming your everyday activities with confidence. Our highly trained team gives compassionate, individualized care designed to meet your unique needs. Whether by means of non-surgical care 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.