Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment Dardenne Prairie, MO. After a rotator cuff tear or shoulder injury, there’s a good chance you’re facing daily difficulties that impact your ability to work, exercise, or live your life comfortably. At Axes Physical Therapy, we know the frustration and discomfort that comes with a rotator cuff injury. Our experienced physical therapy team in Dardenne Prairie, MO is here 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 it’s playing sports, working, spending time with your children, or enjoying a pain-free life.

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

About Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff forms an important 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 allow for a wide range of actions, like lifting, rotating, and reaching.

Types of Rotator Cuff Tears

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

1. Partial Tears: This type of tear occurs when the tendon becomes frayed or damaged but not completely severed. Even though they are painful and restrictive, partial tears often respond well to conservative treatments like physical therapy.
2. Full-Thickness Tears: A full-thickness tear occurs when, the tendon is separated from the bone, often necessitating more intensive treatment. Such tears can cause significant weakness in the shoulder and are more likely to need surgery. 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 completely detaches from the bone.

What Causes Rotator Cuff Tears?

Understanding the common causes of rotator cuff tears can help you prevent injury or spot issues early:

• 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: Over time, continuous strain from activities like painting, lifting, or sports can deteriorate the tendons, causing 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

Identifying the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear is key to seeking timely treatment. Frequent symptoms are:

• Continuous shoulder discomfort, especially 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, notably 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 Dardenne Prairie, 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 partner with you and your Dardenne Prairie, MO doctor to get you the best possible treatment and outcome available.

You can also visit any Axes location for a free injury screening. We start with a thorough physical examination to examine your shoulder’s range of motion, strength, and pain levels. When needed, we may refer you for imaging tests such as an MRI or ultrasound to get a detailed view of the injury.

The Direct Access Physical Therapy laws in both Missouri and Illinois enable us to evaluate and diagnose you, begin your treatment, and perform several physical therapy sessions without a prescription from a doctor in Dardenne Prairie, MO.

Non-Surgical Rotator Cuff Treatment Options in Dardenne Prairie, MO

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

Dardenne Prairie, MO Physical Therapy for Rotator Cuff Tears

Physical therapy is often the first line of defense against rotator cuff tears. Our therapists develop personalized treatment plans to fortify the muscles surrounding the shoulder, enhance flexibility, and ease pain. Here’s why physical therapy helps:

• Strengthening: Focused exercises to fortify the muscles supporting the rotator cuff, helping to prevent further injury.
• Mobility Improvement: Flexibility and motion exercises to enhance the range of motion and minimize stiffness.
• Pain Relief: Methods like manual therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation to alleviate pain.

Pain Management Techniques for Rotator Cuff Tears

Managing pain effectively is vital for recovery. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, we may propose a combination of:

• Ice and Heat Therapy: Applying ice can decrease inflammation, while heat increases blood flow and relaxes muscles.
• Medications: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective at reducing pain and swelling.
• Corticosteroid Injections: For severe symptoms, injections may be used to reduce pain and inflammation, though this is typically a short-term solution.
• Activity Modification and Rest: Limiting activities that aggravate your shoulder is important during the healing process. Our Dardenne Prairie, 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.

Staying consistent is vital in non-surgical treatment. Adhering to your physical therapy regimen, showing up for all scheduled appointments, and completing your home exercises are essential for recovery. Our team at Axes is committed to supporting you through the entire process, ensuring you stay on track for a successful recovery.

Surgical Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Tears in Dardenne Prairie, MO

If non-surgical treatments aren’t effective enough, or if the rotator cuff tear is significant, surgery may be necessary. Surgical options can vary according to the extent of the tear and the patient’s individual needs. Common procedures consist of:

• 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: Used when the tendon is too damaged to reattach to the bone.

No matter which surgery is performed, physical therapy is essential both before and after the procedure. Pre-surgery physical therapy helps strengthen the surrounding muscles, while post-surgical rehabilitation is vital to 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 Dardenne Prairie, MO

Recovery from a rotator cuff tear depends according to whether or not you had surgery. For non-surgical treatments, recovery may take 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, with a gradual return to full activity.

Sticking to your physical therapy is key to a successful recovery. At Axes Physical Therapy, our Dardenne Prairie, MO physical therapists guide you through a tailored rehabilitation program designed to restore strength, flexibility, and function. Our therapists provide ongoing support and adjustments to your plan, to ensure continuous improvement.

To maximize your recovery, it’s vital to follow your prescribed exercises, make it to all therapy appointments, and make necessary lifestyle modifications 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 guide you on injury prevention techniques so you can keep active and avoid pain.

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

At Axes Physical Therapy, our team of dedicated physical therapists is dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. With an average of over 15 years of experience, our therapists are skilled in helping Dardenne Prairie, MO patients heal from rotator cuff tears and rebuild their strength and mobility. We believe in a compassionate, supportive approach, working to ensure every patient feels understood and cared for throughout their recovery journey. Our individualized treatment plans are focused on achieving the best possible outcomes and resume the activities you love.

Call Axes for Physical Therapy in Dardenne Prairie, 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 develop a customized treatment plan to get you back to the activities you love. Uncertain whether it’s a tear? Benefit from our free injury screening, to assess your symptoms and guide you toward the best course of action. Reach out to the location nearest you to schedule your appointment at one of our convenient locations near Dardenne Prairie.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to supporting you in overcoming the challenges of a rotator cuff tear and resuming your everyday activities with confidence. Our expert team offers compassionate, individualized care crafted to fit your unique needs. Whether by means of non-surgical care or post-surgical rehabilitation, we’re here to assist you every step of the way. Don’t allow shoulder pain to limit you—contact us today to begin your journey to recovery.