Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment High Ridge, MO. After a rotator cuff tear or shoulder injury, you’re probably facing daily difficulties that disrupt your ability to work, exercise, or be able to relax pain-free. At Axes Physical Therapy, we know how these injuries can affect your life and mental health. Our experienced physical therapy team in High Ridge, MO is here to provide the personalized care you need to recover your strength and mobility. With our comprehensive rotator cuff tear treatment, we’ll help you get back to the activities that you love most, whether that’s participating in sports, working, spending time with your children, or just living without pain.

Feel free to visit any of our locations for a free injury screening, make an appointment online, or contact the Axes location nearest you to start your path to recovery.

About Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff represents a crucial element of the shoulder’s anatomy, made up of four muscles and their associated tendons: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. They function in unison to stabilize the shoulder joint and enable a wide range of actions, like lifting, rotating, and reaching.

Types of Rotator Cuff Tears

Rotator cuff tears can vary in severity, affecting treatment options and recovery time. The two main types of tears are:

1. Partial Tears: These occur when the tendon is frayed or damaged but not completely severed. Even though they are painful and restrictive, partial tears generally respond favorably to conservative treatments like physical therapy.
2. Full-Thickness Tears: During a full-thickness tear, the tendon separates from the bone, often demanding more intensive treatment. Such 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 full-thickness complete tear is when the tendon completely detaches from the bone.

Common Causes of Rotator Cuff Tears

Understanding the common causes of rotator cuff tears could help you steer clear of injury or detect 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, repetitive stress from activities including painting, lifting, or sports may weaken the tendons, resulting in a tear.
• Age-Related Wear and Tear: With aging, the tendons gradually weaken, heightening the chance of tears, especially in individuals over 40.

Symptoms of a Torn Rotator Cuff

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

• Continuous shoulder discomfort, most notably at night or when lying on the affected side.
• Shoulder weakness, making it hard to lift or rotate the arm.
• Reduced mobility, notably when raising the arm or reaching above your head.
• A grinding sensation or audible popping when moving the shoulder.

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

Diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Tears in High Ridge, MO

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 physician, we’ll collaborate with you and your High Ridge, MO doctor to get you the best possible treatment and outcome possible.

You are welcome to visit any Axes location for a free injury screening. We start with a thorough physical examination to assess your shoulder’s range of motion, strength, and pain levels. If necessary, we may recommend imaging tests including 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, start your treatment, and have several physical therapy sessions without a prescription from a doctor in High Ridge, MO.

Non-Surgical Rotator Cuff Treatment Options in High Ridge, MO

Rotator cuff tears do not always necessitate surgery; in many cases, non-surgical treatments can effectively alleviate pain and help restore shoulder function. At Axes Physical Therapy, we prioritize personalized, conservative care that targets your specific needs.

High Ridge, MO Physical Therapy for Rotator Cuff Tears

Physical therapy is commonly the first line of defense against rotator cuff tears. Our therapists craft individualized treatment plans to fortify the muscles surrounding the shoulder, increase flexibility, and reduce pain. Here’s why physical therapy helps:

• Strengthening: Targeted workouts to build the muscles that support the rotator cuff, helping to prevent further injury.
• Mobility Improvement: Flexibility and motion exercises to increase the range of motion and minimize 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 recommend 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) are effective at reducing pain and swelling.
• Corticosteroid Injections: In severe cases, injections might be used to alleviate pain and inflammation, although this is typically a short-term solution.
• Activity Modification and Rest: Restricting activities that irritate your shoulder is crucial during the healing process. Our High Ridge, MO physical therapists will advise you on how to alter your daily activities to avoid strain, while still keeping some physical activity to promote healing.

Staying consistent is vital in non-surgical treatment. Sticking to your physical therapy schedule, attending all scheduled sessions, and doing your prescribed exercises at home are critical to your recovery. Our team at Axes is here to support you throughout your journey, making sure you stay on track for a successful recovery.

Surgical Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Tears in High Ridge, MO

If non-surgical treatments aren’t effective enough, or if the rotator cuff tear is more serious, surgery might be required. Surgical options are different depending 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: Required when the tendon is too damaged to be repaired.

Whatever the surgical approach, physical therapy is crucial both before and 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 create customized rehabilitation plans to ensure a smooth and successful recovery process.

Recovery Timeline for Rotator Cuff Tears in High Ridge, MO

Recovery from a rotator cuff tear differs depending on whether or not you had surgery. 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 generally requires a longer period, commonly 4 to 6 months, with a gradual return to full activity.

Regular physical therapy is key to a successful recovery. At Axes Physical Therapy, our High Ridge, MO physical therapists support you through a tailored rehabilitation program aimed at restoring strength, flexibility, and function. Our therapists give ongoing support and plan adjustments, helping you make consistent progress.

To optimize your recovery, it’s vital to adhere to your exercise regimen, attend all therapy sessions, 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 dedicated to supporting you in getting the best outcome and return to your normal activities. We’ll also guide you on injury prevention techniques so you can continue being active without pain.

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

At Axes Physical Therapy, our team of expert physical therapists focuses on providing personalized care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. With an average of over 15 years of experience, our therapists are proficient at helping High Ridge, MO patients recover from rotator cuff tears and rebuild their strength and mobility. We focus on a compassionate, supportive approach, working to ensure every patient feels understood and cared for throughout their recovery journey. Our tailored treatment plans are intended to bring about the best possible outcomes and resume the activities you love.

Call Axes for Physical Therapy in High Ridge, MO

If you are dealing with a rotator cuff tear, don’t hesitate to begin 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. Not sure if it’s a tear? Make use of our free injury screening, where we’ll assess 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 High Ridge.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we’re committed to supporting you in overcoming the challenges of a rotator cuff tear and return to your daily activities with confidence. Our highly trained team provides compassionate, individualized care designed to meet your unique needs. Whether through non-surgical treatment or post-surgical rehabilitation, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Don’t let shoulder pain hold you back—get in touch with us today to begin your journey to recovery.