Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment Farmington, MO. If you’re suffering from a rotator cuff tear or shoulder pain, you’re likely facing daily difficulties that affect your ability to work, exercise, or live your life comfortably. At Axes Physical Therapy, we recognize how such injuries can affect your life and mental health. Our expert physical therapy team in Farmington, MO is prepared to provide the personalized care you need to feel like your old self again. With our extensive experience in rotator cuff tear treatment, we will help you return to the activities you enjoy, whether that’s being active, working, playing with your kids, 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 reach out to the Axes location nearest you to get started with your recovery.

Understanding Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff represents a crucial element of the shoulder’s anatomy, consisting of four muscles and their associated tendons: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. These muscles work together to stabilize the shoulder joint and enable a wide range of movements, such as lifting, rotating, and reaching.

Types of Rotator Cuff Tears

Rotator cuff tears are classified into different levels of severity, determining treatment options and recovery time. The two main types of tears include:

1. Partial Tears: These occur when the tendon gets frayed or damaged but not completely severed. Even though they are painful and restrictive, partial tears typically respond well to conservative treatments such as physical therapy.
2. Full-Thickness Tears: A full-thickness tear occurs when, the tendon detaches from the bone, often requiring more intensive treatment. This type of tear can cause significant weakness in the shoulder and are more likely to need surgery. A partial full-thickness tear means there is still some of the tendon attached to the bone. A full-thickness complete tear means the tendon fully detaches from the bone.

Common Causes of 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, may result in an acute tear.
• Chronic Degeneration: As time passes, repeated stress from activities such as painting, lifting, or sports may weaken the tendons, leading to a tear.
• Age-Related Wear and Tear: With aging, the tendons naturally 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 key to seeking timely treatment. Frequent symptoms are:

• Persistent shoulder pain, especially at night or when resting on the affected side.
• Weakness in the shoulder, making it difficult to lift or rotate the arm.
• Reduced mobility, particularly when lifting the arm or reaching overhead.
• A crunching feeling or audible popping when moving the shoulder.

Recognizing these symptoms and the underlying anatomy clarifies why prompt treatment is important to prevent further damage and for recovering normal shoulder function.

Diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Tears in Farmington, MO

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in effectively managing a rotator cuff tear. The earlier you detect the issue, the better the chances of a full recovery without invasive procedures. Should you already have a diagnosis by a physician, we’ll form a team with you and your Farmington, MO physician to get you the best possible treatment and outcome achievable.

Feel free to visit any Axes location for a free injury screening. We begin with a thorough physical examination to evaluate 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 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, initiate your treatment, and have several physical therapy sessions without a prescription from a doctor in Farmington, MO.

Non-Surgical Rotator Cuff Treatment Options in Farmington, MO

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 prioritize personalized, conservative care that targets your specific needs.

Farmington, MO Physical Therapy for Rotator Cuff Tears

Physical therapy is commonly the first approach to rotator cuff treatment. Our therapists develop personalized treatment plans to strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder, enhance flexibility, and alleviate pain. Here’s how physical therapy assists:

• Strengthening: Targeted workouts to develop the muscles supporting the rotator cuff, helping to prevent further injury.
• Mobility Improvement: Flexibility and motion 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

Managing pain effectively is essential 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 promotes blood flow and eases muscle tension.
• 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, even though it’s typically a short-term solution.
• Activity Modification and Rest: Restricting activities that irritate your shoulder is important during the healing process. Our Farmington, MO physical therapists will instruct you on how to adjust your daily routine to avoid strain, while still maintaining some level of physical activity to promote healing.

Staying consistent is vital in non-surgical treatment. Following your physical therapy plan, attending all scheduled sessions, and completing your home exercises are essential for recovery. Our team at Axes is dedicated to helping you every step of the way, making sure you stay on track for a successful recovery.

Surgical Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Tears in Farmington, MO

In cases where non-surgical treatments aren’t effective enough, 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 are:

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

No matter which surgery is performed, physical therapy is a key factor before as well as after the procedure. Pre-surgery physical therapy is beneficial in strengthening the surrounding muscles, while post-surgical rehabilitation is essential for restoring strength, mobility, and function during recovery. At Axes Physical Therapy, we develop personalized recovery plans to ensure a smooth and successful recovery process.

Recovery Timeline for Rotator Cuff Tears in Farmington, MO

Recovery from a rotator cuff tear depends depending on whether the treatment was surgical or non-surgical. For non-surgical treatments, recovery can take a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the tear and the consistency of physical therapy. Post-surgical recovery typically requires a longer period, usually 4 to 6 months, with a gradual return to full activity.

Consistent physical therapy is key to a successful recovery. At Axes Physical Therapy, our Farmington, MO physical therapists guide you through a tailored rehabilitation program crafted to bringing back strength, flexibility, and mobility. Our therapists offer ongoing support and plan adjustments, to ensure continuous improvement.

To maximize your recovery, it’s crucial to stick to your prescribed exercises, make it to all therapy appointments, and adopt the necessary lifestyle modifications to protect your shoulder. Whether you’re healing from surgery or managing a tear through non-surgical means, our team is here to guiding you to the best possible recovery and resume your usual activities. We’ll also show you injury prevention techniques so you can stay active and pain-free.

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

At Axes Physical Therapy, our team of expert physical therapists focuses on providing customized treatment adapted to each patient’s unique needs. With an average of over 15 years of experience, our therapists are skilled in helping Farmington, MO patients heal from rotator cuff tears and restore their strength and mobility. We focus on a compassionate, supportive approach, ensuring that every patient feels understood and cared for throughout their recovery journey. Our personalized treatment plans are crafted to help you reach the best possible outcomes and resume the activities you love.

Call Axes for Physical Therapy in Farmington, MO

If you’re suffering from a rotator cuff tear, don’t hesitate to begin your recovery. Book an appointment with Axes Physical Therapy today and let our expert team design a tailored treatment plan to bring you back to the activities you love. Uncertain if you have a tear? Take advantage of our free injury screening, where we can evaluate your symptoms and help you determine the best course of action. Reach out to the location nearest you to schedule your appointment at one of our convenient locations near Farmington.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we are devoted to supporting you in overcoming the challenges of a rotator cuff tear and returning to your normal activities with confidence. Our highly trained team gives compassionate, individualized care focused on meeting 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 hold you back—connect with us today to begin your journey to recovery.