Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment Edwardsville, IL. If you are suffering from a rotator cuff tear or shoulder pain, 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 understand the frustration and discomfort that comes with such injuries. Our expert physical therapy team in Edwardsville, IL is ready to provide the personalized care you need to feel like your old self again. With our comprehensive 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 enjoying a pain-free life.

You’re welcome to visit any of our locations for a free injury screening, schedule an appointment online, or call the Axes location nearest you to start your path to recovery.

About Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff represents an important component of the shoulder’s anatomy, made up of four muscles and their associated tendons: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. These muscles work together to stabilize the shoulder joint and facilitate 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, influencing treatment options and recovery time. The two main types of tears are:

1. Partial Tears: This happens when the tendon becomes frayed or damaged but not completely severed. While still painful and limiting, partial tears often respond well to conservative treatments including physical therapy.
2. Full-Thickness Tears: During a full-thickness tear, the tendon is separated from the bone, often demanding more intensive treatment. These tears can cause considerable weakness in the shoulder and are more prone to need 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?

Knowing the common causes of rotator cuff tears may help you avoid injury or identify the root cause of your symptoms:

• Acute Injuries: Abrupt, strong movements, like lifting a heavy object or falling on an outstretched arm, can lead to an acute tear.
• Chronic Degeneration: Over time, repeated stress from activities like painting, lifting, or sports can deteriorate the tendons, leading to a tear.
• Age-Related Wear and Tear: Over the years, the tendons naturally weaken, raising the likelihood of tears, especially in individuals over 40.

Symptoms of a Torn Rotator Cuff

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

• Persistent shoulder pain, particularly at night or when sleeping on the affected side.
• Shoulder weakness, which makes it tough to lift or rotate the arm.
• Restricted movement, notably when elevating the arm or reaching above your head.
• A crunching feeling or a popping sound when moving the shoulder.

Knowing these symptoms and the underlying anatomy explains why prompt treatment is essential to stop further damage and for restoring normal shoulder function.

Diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Tears in Edwardsville, IL

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 physician, we’ll partner with you and your Edwardsville, IL physician to ensure you receive the best possible treatment and outcome achievable.

You can also 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 suggest 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 allow us to evaluate and diagnose you, start your treatment, and have several physical therapy sessions without a prescription from a doctor in Edwardsville, IL.

Non-Surgical Rotator Cuff Treatment Options in Edwardsville, IL

Rotator cuff tears don’t always require surgery; 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.

Edwardsville, IL Physical Therapy for Rotator Cuff Tears

Physical therapy is frequently the first approach to rotator cuff treatment. Our therapists create individualized treatment plans to fortify the muscles surrounding the shoulder, improve flexibility, and alleviate pain. Here’s the way physical therapy helps:

• Strengthening: Targeted workouts to fortify the muscles that support the rotator cuff, preventing 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 important for recovery. According to 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 eases muscle tension.
• Medications: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective at reducing pain and swelling.
• Corticosteroid Injections: For severe symptoms, injections could be used to relieve pain and inflammation, though this is typically a short-term solution.
• Activity Modification and Rest: Restricting activities that irritate your shoulder is important during the healing process. Our Edwardsville, IL physical therapists will instruct you on how to modify daily activities to avoid strain, while still keeping some physical activity to promote healing.

Staying consistent is vital in non-surgical treatment. Following your physical therapy plan, attending all scheduled sessions, and performing prescribed exercises at home are important for 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 Edwardsville, IL

In cases where non-surgical treatments don’t bring adequate relief, or if the rotator cuff tear is significant, 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 procedure where small instruments are used to repair the tear.
• Open Repair: A more conventional surgery for larger or more complex tears.
• Tendon Transfer: Required when the tendon is too damaged to reattach to the bone.

Regardless of the type of surgery, physical therapy is essential both before and after the procedure. Pre-surgery physical therapy can 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 Edwardsville, IL

Recovery from a rotator cuff tear can vary according to whether or not you had surgery. For non-surgical treatments, recovery often 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 often requires a longer period, generally 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 Edwardsville, IL physical therapists lead you through a tailored rehabilitation program aimed at restoring strength, flexibility, and function. Our therapists offer ongoing support and modifications to your program, helping you make consistent progress.

To maximize your recovery, it’s important to stick to your prescribed exercises, go to every therapy session, and adjust your lifestyle as needed to protect your shoulder. Whether you’re recovering from surgery or treating a tear through non-surgical means, our team is dedicated to ensuring you achieve the best results and return to your daily life. We’ll also guide you on injury prevention techniques so you can remain active without pain.

Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Your Rotator Cuff Tear in Edwardsville, IL

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 adept at guiding Edwardsville, IL patients heal from rotator cuff tears and restore their strength and mobility. We believe in a compassionate, supportive approach, ensuring that every patient feels understood and cared for throughout their recovery journey. Our personalized treatment plans are intended to bring about the best possible outcomes and go back to doing what you love.

Call Axes for Physical Therapy in Edwardsville, IL

If you’re suffering from a rotator cuff tear, don’t wait to start your recovery. Book an appointment with Axes Physical Therapy today and let our expert team craft an individualized treatment plan to bring you back to the activities you love. Not sure if it’s a tear? Make use of our free injury screening, where we can evaluate 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 Edwardsville.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we’re committed 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 via non-surgical options or post-surgical rehabilitation, we’ll be here to support you along your entire journey. Don’t let shoulder pain keep you from living fully—reach out to us now to begin your journey to recovery.