Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment Parkway, MO. After a rotator cuff tear or shoulder injury, you are likely facing daily challenges that affect your ability to work, exercise, or simply enjoy life. At Axes Physical Therapy, we understand the frustration and discomfort that comes with these injuries. Our experienced physical therapy team in Parkway, 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’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.

You’re welcome to come to any of our locations for a free injury screening, make an appointment online, or reach out to the Axes location nearest you to get started with your recovery.

About Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff is a crucial component of the shoulder’s anatomy, comprising four muscles and their associated tendons: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. These muscles work together to stabilize the shoulder joint and facilitate a wide range of motions, such as 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 comprise:

1. Partial Tears: These occur when the tendon gets frayed or damaged but not completely severed. Despite being painful and limiting, partial tears generally respond favorably to conservative treatments like physical therapy.
2. Full-Thickness Tears: A full-thickness tear occurs when, the tendon separates from the bone, often necessitating more intensive treatment. These tears can cause considerable weakness in the shoulder and are often more likely to necessitate 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.

What Causes Rotator Cuff Tears?

Understanding the common causes of rotator cuff tears can help you avoid injury or identify the root cause of your symptoms:

• Acute Injuries: Quick, forceful actions, like lifting a heavy object or falling on an outstretched arm, can lead to an acute tear.
• Chronic Degeneration: Over time, repeated stress from activities including painting, lifting, or sports can wear down the tendons, leading to 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

Identifying the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear is essential for seeking timely treatment. Common symptoms include:

• Ongoing shoulder pain, particularly at night or when sleeping on the affected side.
• Reduced strength in the shoulder, which makes it tough to lift or rotate the arm.
• Reduced mobility, particularly when raising the arm or reaching overhead.
• A crunching feeling or a popping sound when moving the shoulder.

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

Diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Tears in Parkway, MO

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in effectively managing a rotator cuff tear. The sooner you identify the issue, the better the chances of a full recovery without invasive procedures. Should you already have a diagnosis by a doctor, we’ll form a team with you and your Parkway, 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 check your shoulder’s range of motion, strength, and pain levels. If necessary, we may suggest 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 enable us to evaluate and diagnose you, initiate your treatment, and have several physical therapy sessions without a prescription from a doctor in Parkway, MO.

Non-Surgical Rotator Cuff Treatment Options in Parkway, MO

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

Parkway, MO Physical Therapy for Rotator Cuff Tears

Physical therapy is typically the first approach to rotator cuff treatment. Our therapists create personalized treatment plans to build up the muscles surrounding the shoulder, enhance flexibility, and minimize pain. Here’s why physical therapy helps:

• Strengthening: Targeted workouts to develop the muscles around the rotator cuff, preventing further injury.
• Mobility Improvement: Stretching routines to expand 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

Effective pain management is crucial for recovery. Based on the severity of your symptoms, we may recommend a combination of:

• Ice and Heat Therapy: Ice helps reduce inflammation, while heat increases blood flow and soothes muscles.
• 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, though this is typically a short-term solution.
• Activity Modification and Rest: Limiting activities that aggravate your shoulder is important during the healing process. Our Parkway, MO physical therapists will guide you on how to modify daily activities to avoid strain, while still keeping some physical activity to support healing.

Being consistent is essential in non-surgical treatment. Sticking to your physical therapy schedule, showing up for all scheduled appointments, 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, ensuring you stay on track for a successful recovery.

Surgical Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Tears in Parkway, MO

When non-surgical treatments fail to offer enough relief, or if the rotator cuff tear is significant, surgery may be necessary. Surgical options can vary according to the extent of the tear and the patient’s individual needs. Common procedures may involve:

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

Regardless of the type of surgery, physical therapy is crucial before as well as after the procedure. Pre-surgery physical therapy works to strengthen the surrounding muscles, while post-surgical rehabilitation is vital to regaining strength, mobility, and 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 Parkway, MO

Recovery from a rotator cuff tear differs depending on whether your injury required surgery or not. For non-surgical treatments, recovery can take weeks to 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, slowly returning to full activity.

Consistent physical therapy is essential to a successful recovery. At Axes Physical Therapy, our Parkway, MO physical therapists assist you through a tailored rehabilitation program aimed at restoring strength, flexibility, and function. Our therapists deliver ongoing support and modifications to your program, to ensure continuous improvement.

To ensure the best recovery, it’s important to adhere to your exercise regimen, make it to all therapy appointments, and adopt the necessary lifestyle modifications to protect your shoulder. Whether you’re healing from surgery or dealing with a tear through non-surgical means, our team is here to supporting you in getting the best outcome and get back to your normal routine. We’ll also instruct you in injury prevention techniques so you can keep active and avoid pain.

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

At Axes Physical Therapy, our team of dedicated physical therapists specializes in providing customized treatment tailored to each patient’s unique needs. With an average of over 15 years of experience, our therapists are adept at guiding Parkway, MO patients bounce back from rotator cuff tears and regain their strength and mobility. We prioritize a compassionate, supportive approach, guaranteeing that every patient feels understood and cared for throughout their recovery journey. Our individualized 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 Parkway, MO

When you’re facing a rotator cuff tear, don’t put off starting your recovery. Book an appointment with Axes Physical Therapy today and let our expert team create a personalized treatment plan to get you back to the activities you love. Uncertain if you have a tear? Utilize our free injury screening, where we can evaluate your symptoms and help you determine the best course of action. Call the location nearest you to schedule your appointment at one of our convenient locations near Parkway.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we focus on supporting you in overcoming the challenges of a rotator cuff tear and return to your daily activities with confidence. Our skilled team delivers compassionate, individualized care focused on meeting your unique needs. Whether through non-surgical treatment or post-surgical rehabilitation, we are here to help you at every stage. Don’t let shoulder pain hold you back—connect with us today to begin your journey to recovery.