Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment Brentwood, MO. After a rotator cuff tear or shoulder injury, 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 recognize how such injuries can affect your life and mental health. Our experienced physical therapy team in Brentwood, 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 you love, whether that’s playing sports, working, engaging in family activities, or enjoying a pain-free life.

You can visit any of our locations for a free injury screening, make an appointment through out website, or contact the Axes location nearest you to start your path to recovery.

Understanding Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff represents a crucial part of the shoulder’s anatomy, consisting of four muscles and their associated tendons: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. Together, these muscles 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, affecting treatment options and recovery time. The two main types of tears comprise:

1. Partial Tears: These occur when the tendon is frayed or damaged but not completely severed. While still painful and limiting, partial tears often respond well to conservative treatments such as physical therapy.
2. Full-Thickness Tears: With a full-thickness tear, the tendon separates from the bone, often requiring more intensive treatment. Such tears can cause considerable weakness in the shoulder and are often more likely to necessitate surgery. An incomplete full-thickness tear happens when 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?

Being aware of the common causes of rotator cuff tears can help you avoid injury or identify problems early:

• Acute Injuries: Quick, forceful actions, like lifting a heavy object or falling on an outstretched arm, might cause an acute tear.
• Chronic Degeneration: As time passes, repeated stress from activities including painting, lifting, or sports may weaken the tendons, leading to a tear.
• Age-Related Wear and Tear: With aging, the tendons gradually weaken, increasing the risk of tears, especially in individuals over 40.

Symptoms of a Torn Rotator Cuff

Identifying the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear is crucial to seeking timely treatment. Some common signs are:

• Persistent shoulder pain, especially at night or when resting on the affected side.
• Reduced strength in the shoulder, making it hard to lift or rotate the arm.
• Restricted movement, particularly when raising the arm or stretching overhead.
• A crackling sensation or a popping sound when moving the shoulder.

Knowing these symptoms and the underlying anatomy helps clarify why prompt treatment is crucial to stop further damage and to regain normal shoulder function.

Diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Tears in Brentwood, MO

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in effectively managing a rotator cuff tear. The sooner you identify the issue, the better the chances of a full recovery with conservative treatment. Should you already have a diagnosis by a physician, we’ll form a team with you and your Brentwood, MO physician to get you the best possible treatment and outcome available.

Feel free to visit any Axes location for a free injury screening. We initiate a thorough physical examination to check your shoulder’s range of motion, strength, and pain levels. If necessary, we may refer you for imaging tests such as an MRI or ultrasound to capture a detailed view of the injury.

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

Non-Surgical Rotator Cuff Treatment Options in Brentwood, MO

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

Brentwood, MO Physical Therapy for Rotator Cuff Tears

Physical therapy is typically the first approach to rotator cuff treatment. Our therapists design personalized treatment plans to build up the muscles surrounding the shoulder, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. Here’s the way physical therapy benefits:

• Strengthening: Specialized exercises to fortify the muscles around the rotator cuff, preventing further injury.
• Mobility Improvement: Flexibility and motion exercises to enhance the range of motion and prevent stiffness.
• Pain Relief: Techniques such as manual therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation to reduce pain.

Pain Management Techniques for Rotator Cuff Tears

Managing pain effectively is important for recovery. According to the severity of your symptoms, we may suggest a combination of:

• Ice and Heat Therapy: Ice reduces inflammation, while heat boosts circulation and soothes muscles.
• Medications: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help reduce pain and swelling.
• Corticosteroid Injections: When symptoms are severe, injections may 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 essential during the healing process. Our Brentwood, MO physical therapists will advise you on how to alter your daily activities to avoid strain, while still ensuring you stay somewhat active to support 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 essential for recovery. Our team at Axes is here to support you every step of the way, to help you stay on course for a successful recovery.

Surgical Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Tears in Brentwood, MO

If non-surgical treatments fail to offer enough relief, or if the rotator cuff tear is more serious, surgery might be required. Surgical options can vary according to the extent of the tear and the patient’s individual needs. Common procedures may involve:

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

Regardless of the type of surgery, physical therapy plays a critical role before as well as 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 design individualized rehab programs to help ensure a smooth and effective recovery.

Recovery Timeline for Rotator Cuff Tears in Brentwood, MO

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

Consistent physical therapy is crucial for a successful recovery. At Axes Physical Therapy, our Brentwood, MO physical therapists guide you through a tailored rehabilitation program crafted to bringing back strength, flexibility, and mobility. Our therapists deliver ongoing support and modifications to your program, helping you make consistent progress.

To optimize your recovery, it’s essential to follow your prescribed exercises, attend all therapy sessions, and implement necessary lifestyle changes to protect your shoulder. Whether you’re healing from surgery or managing a tear through non-surgical means, our team is dedicated to ensuring you achieve the best results and resume your usual activities. We’ll also show you injury prevention techniques so you can continue being active without pain.

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

At Axes Physical Therapy, our team of highly skilled physical therapists focuses on providing customized treatment designed for each patient’s unique needs. With an average of over 15 years of experience, our therapists are proficient at helping Brentwood, MO patients recover from rotator cuff tears and get back their strength and mobility. We emphasize a compassionate, supportive approach, guaranteeing that every patient feels understood and cared for throughout their recovery journey. Our customized treatment plans are focused on achieving the best possible outcomes and go back to doing what you love.

Call Axes for Physical Therapy in Brentwood, MO

When you’re facing 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 help you return to the activities you enjoy. Uncertain if you have a tear? Utilize our free injury screening, so we can evaluate your symptoms and recommend the best path forward. Reach out to the location nearest you to schedule your appointment at one of our convenient locations near Brentwood.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we are devoted to helping you overcome the challenges of a rotator cuff tear and resuming your everyday activities with confidence. Our experienced team gives 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—contact us today to begin your journey to recovery.