Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment Granite City, IL. After a rotator cuff tear or shoulder injury, you’re probably facing daily challenges that disrupt your ability to work, exercise, or enjoy your day-to-day activities. At Axes Physical Therapy, we understand how a rotator cuff injury can affect your life and well-being. Our experienced physical therapy team in Granite City, IL is here to provide the personalized care necessary to recover your strength and mobility. With our comprehensive rotator cuff tear treatment, we will help you return to the activities you love, whether that’s being active, working, engaging in family activities, or just living without pain.

You’re welcome to visit 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 get started with your recovery.

Understanding Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff forms an important element of the shoulder’s anatomy, comprising four muscles and their associated tendons: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. They function in unison to stabilize the shoulder joint and allow for a wide range of motions, 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 are:

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 often respond well to conservative treatments including physical therapy.
2. Full-Thickness Tears: A full-thickness tear occurs when, the tendon becomes detached from the bone, often demanding more intensive treatment. Such tears can cause significant weakness in the shoulder and are often more likely to necessitate surgical intervention. 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 fully detaches from the bone.

What Causes Rotator Cuff Tears?

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

• Acute Injuries: Quick, forceful actions, for example, lifting a heavy object or falling on an outstretched arm, might cause an acute tear.
• Chronic Degeneration: As time passes, repetitive stress from activities such as painting, lifting, or sports can wear down the tendons, causing a tear.
• Age-Related Wear and Tear: Over the years, the tendons tend to weaken, increasing the risk 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. Common symptoms include:

• Continuous shoulder discomfort, most notably at night or when sleeping on the affected side.
• Weakness in the shoulder, making it hard to lift or rotate the arm.
• Restricted movement, especially when raising the arm or stretching overhead.
• A crunching feeling or a popping sound when moving the shoulder.

Understanding these symptoms and the underlying anatomy explains why prompt treatment is important to prevent further damage and to regain normal shoulder function.

Diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Tears in Granite City, IL

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in effectively managing a rotator cuff tear. The faster you identify the issue, the better the chances of a full recovery with conservative treatment. Should you already have a diagnosis by a doctor, we’ll form a team with you and your Granite City, IL doctor to provide you with the best possible treatment and outcome available.

You can also 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. If required, we may suggest 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 allow us to evaluate and diagnose you, initiate your treatment, and perform several physical therapy sessions without a prescription from a doctor in Granite City, IL.

Non-Surgical Rotator Cuff Treatment Options in Granite City, IL

Rotator cuff tears do not always necessitate surgery; in many cases, non-surgical treatments can relieve pain effectively and return shoulder function to normal. At Axes Physical Therapy, we prioritize personalized, conservative care that focuses on your specific needs.

Granite City, IL Physical Therapy for Rotator Cuff Tears

Physical therapy is often the first approach to rotator cuff treatment. Our therapists craft personalized treatment plans to strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder, enhance flexibility, and ease pain. This is how physical therapy assists:

• Strengthening: Specialized exercises to build the muscles that support the rotator cuff, helping to prevent further injury.
• Mobility Improvement: Stretching routines to expand the range of motion and prevent stiffness.
• Pain Relief: Approaches including manual therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation to alleviate pain.

Pain Management Techniques for Rotator Cuff Tears

Proper pain management is vital for recovery. According to the severity of your symptoms, we may propose a combination of:

• Ice and Heat Therapy: Ice reduces inflammation, while heat increases blood flow and eases muscle tension.
• Medications: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help reduce pain and swelling.
• Corticosteroid Injections: For severe symptoms, injections may 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 essential during the healing process. Our Granite City, IL physical therapists will instruct you on how to adjust your daily routine to avoid strain, while still maintaining some level of physical activity to support healing.

Being consistent is essential in non-surgical treatment. Following your physical therapy plan, showing up for all scheduled appointments, and performing prescribed exercises at home are vital to your recovery. Our team at Axes is here to support you throughout your journey, to help you stay on course for a successful recovery.

Surgical Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Tears in Granite City, IL

If non-surgical treatments fail to offer enough relief, or if the rotator cuff tear is significant, surgery may become necessary. Surgical options differ based on the extent of the tear and the patient’s individual needs. Common procedures are:

• 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: Needed when the tendon is too damaged to be repaired.

No matter which surgery is performed, physical therapy is essential both before and after the procedure. Pre-surgery physical therapy can strengthen the surrounding muscles, while post-surgical rehabilitation is necessary for restoring strength, mobility, and function during recovery. At Axes Physical Therapy, we create customized rehabilitation plans to ensure a smooth and successful recovery process.

Recovery Timeline for Rotator Cuff Tears in Granite City, IL

Recovery from a rotator cuff tear can vary depending on whether the treatment was surgical or non-surgical. 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 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 Granite City, IL physical therapists support 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 optimize your recovery, it’s essential to follow your prescribed exercises, participate in every therapy session, and make necessary lifestyle modifications to protect your shoulder. Whether you are recovering from surgery or managing a tear through non-surgical means, our team is committed to supporting you in getting the best outcome and return to your daily life. We’ll also instruct you in injury prevention techniques so you can remain active without pain.

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

At Axes Physical Therapy, our team of dedicated physical therapists is committed to providing tailored care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. With an average of over 15 years of experience, our therapists are skilled in helping Granite City, IL patients bounce back from rotator cuff tears and restore their strength and mobility. We believe in a compassionate, supportive approach, guaranteeing that every patient feels understood and cared for throughout their recovery journey. Our tailored treatment plans are crafted to help you reach the best possible outcomes and get back to the activities you enjoy.

Call Axes for Physical Therapy in Granite City, IL

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 bring you back to the activities you love. Uncertain whether it’s a tear? Utilize our free injury screening, where we’ll assess your symptoms and guide you toward the best course of action. Phone the location nearest you to schedule your appointment at one of our convenient locations near Granite City.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we’re committed to helping you overcome the challenges of a rotator cuff tear and return to your daily activities with confidence. Our expert team gives compassionate, individualized care tailored to meet your unique needs. Whether with non-surgical therapy or post-surgical rehabilitation, we are here to help you at every stage. Don’t let shoulder pain hold you back—contact us today to begin your journey to recovery.