Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment New Town, MO. If you are suffering from a rotator cuff tear or shoulder pain, you are likely facing daily difficulties that disrupt your ability to work, exercise, or simply enjoy life. At Axes Physical Therapy, we understand how these injuries can affect your life and mental health. Our expert physical therapy team in New Town, MO is ready to provide the personalized care necessary to restore 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 it’s being active, working, engaging in family activities, or just living without pain.
Feel free 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 begin your recovery journey.
About Rotator Cuff Tears
The rotator cuff represents an important part 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 facilitate a wide range of actions, including lifting, rotating, and reaching.
Types of Rotator Cuff Tears
Rotator cuff tears are classified into different degrees of severity, impacting treatment options and recovery time. The two main types of tears are:
- Partial Tears: This type of tear occurs when the tendon is frayed or damaged but not completely severed. While still painful and limiting, partial tears often respond well to conservative treatments like physical therapy.
- Full-Thickness Tears: With a full-thickness tear, the tendon separates from the bone, often requiring more intensive treatment. This type of tear can cause significant weakness in the shoulder and are often more likely 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 means the tendon completely detaches from the bone.
What Causes Rotator Cuff Tears?
Understanding the common causes of rotator cuff tears may help you avoid 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: Over time, repetitive stress from activities including painting, lifting, or sports can wear down the tendons, resulting in a tear.
- Age-Related Wear and Tear: With aging, the tendons gradually 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 crucial to seeking timely treatment. Frequent symptoms are:
- Ongoing 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.
- Restricted movement, notably when elevating the arm or reaching above your head.
- A crunching feeling or a clicking noise when moving the shoulder.
Understanding these symptoms and the underlying anatomy explains why prompt treatment is essential to avoid further damage and for restoring normal shoulder function.
Diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Tears in New Town, MO
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in effectively managing a rotator cuff tear. The sooner you detect the issue, the better the chances of a full recovery with conservative treatment. Should you already have a diagnosis by a physician, we’ll form a team with you and your New Town, MO physician to ensure you receive 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 examine your shoulder’s range of motion, strength, and pain levels. If required, we may suggest 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, initiate your treatment, and have several physical therapy sessions without a prescription from a doctor in New Town, MO.
Non-Surgical Rotator Cuff Treatment Options in New Town, MO
Rotator cuff tears don’t always require surgery; in many cases, non-surgical treatments can effectively alleviate pain and return shoulder function to normal. At Axes Physical Therapy, we focus on personalized, conservative care that targets your specific needs.
New Town, MO Physical Therapy for Rotator Cuff Tears
Physical therapy is typically the first line of defense against rotator cuff tears. Our therapists develop individualized treatment plans to fortify the muscles surrounding the shoulder, enhance flexibility, and ease pain. This is how physical therapy helps:
- Strengthening: Specialized exercises to develop the muscles supporting the rotator cuff, preventing further injury.
- Mobility Improvement: Stretching and movement exercises to enhance the range of motion and minimize stiffness.
- Pain Relief: Approaches including manual therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation to ease pain.
Pain Management Techniques for Rotator Cuff Tears
Effective pain management is crucial for recovery. Depending on 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) can reduce pain and swelling.
- Corticosteroid Injections: In severe cases, injections could 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 New Town, MO physical therapists will instruct you on how to alter your daily activities to avoid strain, while still keeping some physical activity to promote healing.
Being consistent is essential in non-surgical treatment. Following your physical therapy plan, making it to all your sessions, and doing your prescribed exercises at home are vital to your recovery. Our team at Axes is committed to supporting you through the entire process, making sure you stay on track for a successful recovery.
Surgical Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Tears in New Town, MO
When non-surgical treatments aren’t effective enough, or if the rotator cuff tear is severe, surgery may become necessary. Surgical options can vary according to the extent of the tear and the patient’s individual needs. Common procedures include:
- Arthroscopy: A less invasive procedure where small instruments are used to repair the tear.
- Open Repair: A standard procedure for larger or more complex tears.
- Tendon Transfer: Needed when the tendon is too damaged to reattach to the bone.
Regardless of the type of surgery, physical therapy is essential throughout the procedure. Pre-surgery physical therapy can strengthen the surrounding muscles, while post-surgical rehabilitation is necessary for rebuilding strength, mobility, and overall function during recovery. At Axes Physical Therapy, we design individualized rehab programs to support a smooth and successful recovery.
Recovery Timeline for Rotator Cuff Tears in New Town, 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 often requires a longer period, commonly 4 to 6 months, with a gradual return to full activity.
Consistent physical therapy is vital for a successful recovery. At Axes Physical Therapy, our New Town, MO physical therapists lead you through a tailored rehabilitation program aimed at bringing back strength, flexibility, and mobility. Our therapists provide ongoing support and modifications to your program, helping you make consistent progress.
To optimize your recovery, it’s essential to follow your prescribed exercises, go to every therapy session, and adopt the necessary lifestyle modifications to protect your shoulder. Whether you’re healing from surgery or treating a tear through non-surgical means, our team is committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome and return to your daily life. We’ll also guide you on injury prevention techniques so you can stay active and pain-free.
Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Your Rotator Cuff Tear in New Town, MO
At Axes Physical Therapy, our team of experienced physical therapists is committed to providing customized treatment tailored to each patient’s unique needs. With an average of over 15 years of experience, our therapists are proficient at helping New Town, MO patients bounce back from rotator cuff tears and restore their strength and mobility. We prioritize a compassionate, supportive approach, working to ensure every patient feels understood and cared for throughout their recovery journey. Our individualized treatment plans are focused on achieving the best possible outcomes and return to the activities you love.
Call Axes for Physical Therapy in New Town, MO
If you’re struggling with a rotator cuff tear, don’t delay your recovery. Book an appointment with Axes Physical Therapy today and let our expert team develop a customized treatment plan to help you return to the activities you enjoy. Not sure if it’s a tear? Make use of our free injury screening, to 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 New Town.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated 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’re here to assist you along your entire journey. Don’t let shoulder pain hold you back—get in touch with us today to begin your journey to recovery.