Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment Ladue, MO. After a rotator cuff tear or shoulder injury, there’s a good chance you’re facing daily challenges that impact your ability to work, exercise, or be able to relax pain-free. At Axes Physical Therapy, we recognize how such injuries can affect your life and well-being. Our expert physical therapy team in Ladue, MO is here to provide the personalized care 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 enjoy, whether that’s playing sports, working, engaging in family activities, or simply living pain-free.

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

About Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff represents a crucial part of the shoulder’s anatomy, including four muscles and their associated tendons: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. These muscles collaborate to stabilize the shoulder joint and enable a wide range of motions, including lifting, rotating, and reaching.

Types of Rotator Cuff Tears

Rotator cuff tears differ in 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 happens when the tendon gets frayed or damaged but not completely severed. While still painful and limiting, partial tears often respond well to conservative treatments like physical therapy.
2. Full-Thickness Tears: A full-thickness tear occurs when, the tendon detaches from the bone, often demanding more intensive treatment. Such tears can cause significant weakness in the shoulder and are more prone to require 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.

What Causes Rotator Cuff Tears?

Understanding the common causes of rotator cuff tears may help you prevent injury or recognize issues sooner:

• Acute Injuries: Abrupt, strong movements, like lifting a heavy object or falling on an outstretched arm, may result in an acute tear.
• Chronic Degeneration: Over time, repeated stress from activities like painting, lifting, or sports can deteriorate the tendons, causing a tear.
• Age-Related Wear and Tear: As we age, the tendons tend to 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 key to seeking timely treatment. Common symptoms include:

• Ongoing shoulder pain, most notably at night or when resting on the affected side.
• Weakness in the shoulder, making it difficult to lift or rotate the arm.
• Restricted movement, notably when elevating the arm or reaching above your head.
• A grinding sensation or a clicking noise when moving the shoulder.

Recognizing these symptoms and the underlying anatomy helps explain why prompt treatment is essential to avoid further damage and to restore normal shoulder function.

Diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Tears in Ladue, 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 without invasive procedures. Should you already have a diagnosis by a doctor, we’ll partner with you and your Ladue, MO physician to provide you with the best possible treatment and outcome available.

Feel free to visit any Axes location for a free injury screening. We initiate a thorough physical examination to assess your shoulder’s range of motion, strength, and pain levels. If necessary, we may suggest imaging tests like an MRI or ultrasound to capture 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 have several physical therapy sessions without a prescription from a doctor in Ladue, MO.

Non-Surgical Rotator Cuff Treatment Options in Ladue, MO

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

Ladue, MO Physical Therapy for Rotator Cuff Tears

Physical therapy is commonly the first approach to rotator cuff treatment. Our therapists design personalized treatment plans to fortify the muscles surrounding the shoulder, boost flexibility, and reduce pain. Here’s the way physical therapy helps:

• Strengthening: Focused exercises to fortify the muscles supporting the rotator cuff, to prevent 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

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

• Ice and Heat Therapy: Ice helps reduce inflammation, while heat boosts circulation and eases muscle tension.
• Medications: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help reduce pain and swelling.
• Corticosteroid Injections: In severe cases, injections might be used to relieve pain and inflammation, even though it’s typically a short-term solution.
• Activity Modification and Rest: Avoiding activities that strain your shoulder is crucial during the healing process. Our Ladue, MO physical therapists will advise you on how to adjust your daily routine to avoid strain, while still ensuring you stay somewhat active to aid in recovery.

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 vital to your recovery. Our team at Axes is here to support you at every stage, ensuring you stay on track for a successful recovery.

Surgical Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Tears in Ladue, MO

If non-surgical treatments don’t bring adequate relief, or if the rotator cuff tear is severe, surgery might be required. Surgical options differ according to the extent of the tear and the patient’s individual needs. Common procedures include:

• Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive surgery where small instruments are used to repair the tear.
• Open Repair: A standard procedure 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 essential throughout the procedure. Pre-surgery physical therapy works to strengthen the surrounding muscles, while post-surgical rehabilitation is critical for rebuilding strength, mobility, and overall 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 Ladue, MO

Recovery from a rotator cuff tear depends based on whether or not you had surgery. For non-surgical treatments, recovery often takes 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, typically 4 to 6 months, slowly returning to full activity.

Consistent physical therapy is essential to a successful recovery. At Axes Physical Therapy, our Ladue, MO physical therapists assist you through a tailored rehabilitation program focused on restore strength, flexibility, and function. Our therapists provide ongoing support and adjustments to your plan, ensuring you make steady progress.

To ensure the best recovery, it’s crucial to adhere to your exercise regimen, make it to all therapy appointments, and adjust your lifestyle as needed to protect your shoulder. Whether you are recovering from surgery or managing a tear through non-surgical means, our team is committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome and resume your usual activities. We’ll also teach you injury prevention techniques so you can continue being active without pain.

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

At Axes Physical Therapy, our team of expert physical therapists focuses on providing tailored care focused on each patient’s unique needs. With an average of over 15 years of experience, our therapists are experts in assisting Ladue, MO patients recover from rotator cuff tears and get back 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 customized treatment plans are focused on achieving the best possible outcomes and return to the activities you love.

Call Axes for Physical Therapy in Ladue, MO

If you’re suffering from a rotator cuff tear, don’t delay your recovery. Book an appointment with Axes Physical Therapy today and let our expert team design a tailored treatment plan to help you return to the activities you enjoy. Not sure if you have a tear? Make use of our free injury screening, to assess your symptoms and recommend the best path forward. Phone the location nearest you to schedule your appointment at one of our convenient locations near Ladue.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we are devoted to assisting you in overcoming the challenges of a rotator cuff tear and resuming your everyday activities with confidence. Our skilled team provides compassionate, individualized care focused on meeting your unique needs. Whether by means of non-surgical care or post-surgical rehabilitation, we are here to help you at every stage. Don’t let shoulder pain keep you from living fully—connect with us today to begin your journey to recovery.