Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment Sherman, MO. If you’re suffering from a rotator cuff tear or shoulder pain, you are likely facing daily difficulties that impact your ability to work, exercise, or live your life comfortably. At Axes Physical Therapy, we recognize how a rotator cuff injury can affect your life and well-being. Our expert physical therapy team in Sherman, MO is here to provide the personalized care necessary to restore your strength and mobility. With our extensive experience in rotator cuff tear treatment, we’ll help you get back to the activities you love, whether that’s being active, 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.

Understanding Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff forms a crucial component of the shoulder’s anatomy, consisting of 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, 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 include:

1. Partial Tears: This happens when the tendon gets frayed or damaged but not completely severed. While still painful and limiting, partial tears generally respond favorably to conservative treatments like physical therapy.
2. Full-Thickness Tears: In a full-thickness tear, the tendon is separated from the bone, often requiring more intensive treatment. Such tears can cause considerable weakness in the shoulder and are more prone to necessitate surgical intervention. A full-thickness incomplete tear occurs 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.

Common Causes of Rotator Cuff Tears

Understanding the common causes of rotator cuff tears may 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, may result in an acute tear.
• Chronic Degeneration: With time, repeated stress from activities including painting, lifting, or sports can deteriorate 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

Identifying the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear is crucial to seeking timely treatment. Some common signs are:

• Persistent shoulder pain, especially 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, notably when lifting the arm or stretching overhead.
• A crackling sensation or a clicking noise when moving the shoulder.

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

Diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Tears in Sherman, MO

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in effectively managing a rotator cuff tear. The sooner you recognize the issue, the better the chances of a full recovery with conservative treatment. If you’ve already been diagnosed by a doctor, we’ll collaborate with you and your Sherman, MO doctor to provide you with the best possible treatment and outcome achievable.

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. When needed, we may recommend imaging tests like an MRI or ultrasound to obtain a detailed view of the injury.

The Direct Access Physical Therapy laws in both Missouri and Illinois permit us to evaluate and diagnose you, start your treatment, and perform several physical therapy sessions without a prescription from a doctor in Sherman, MO.

Non-Surgical Rotator Cuff Treatment Options in Sherman, MO

Rotator cuff tears do not always necessitate surgery; in many cases, non-surgical treatments are effective at alleviating pain and help restore shoulder function. At Axes Physical Therapy, we emphasize personalized, conservative care that addresses your specific needs.

Sherman, MO Physical Therapy for Rotator Cuff Tears

Physical therapy is typically the first approach to rotator cuff treatment. Our therapists craft individualized treatment plans to strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder, boost flexibility, and alleviate pain. Here’s why physical therapy benefits:

• Strengthening: Specialized exercises to fortify the muscles supporting the rotator cuff, preventing further injury.
• Mobility Improvement: Stretching routines to enhance the range of motion and prevent 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 important for recovery. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, we may advise a combination of:

• Ice and Heat Therapy: Ice reduces inflammation, while heat increases blood flow and relaxes muscles.
• Medications: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help reduce pain and swelling.
• Corticosteroid Injections: When symptoms are severe, injections could be used to alleviate 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 Sherman, MO physical therapists will instruct you on how to adjust your daily routine to avoid strain, while still keeping some physical activity to aid in recovery.

Consistency is key in non-surgical treatment. Adhering to your physical therapy regimen, showing up for all scheduled appointments, and performing prescribed exercises at home are critical to your recovery. Our team at Axes is dedicated to helping you throughout your journey, to help you stay on course for a successful recovery.

Surgical Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Tears in Sherman, MO

In cases where non-surgical treatments do not provide sufficient relief, or if the rotator cuff tear is particularly severe, surgery might be required. Surgical options can vary according to the extent of the tear and the patient’s individual needs. Common procedures include:

• 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: Needed when the tendon is too damaged to reattach to the bone.

No matter which surgery is performed, physical therapy is a key factor both before and after the procedure. Pre-surgery physical therapy works to strengthen the surrounding muscles, while post-surgical rehabilitation is critical for regaining strength, mobility, and function during recovery. At Axes Physical Therapy, we develop personalized recovery plans to help ensure a smooth and effective recovery.

Recovery Timeline for Rotator Cuff Tears in Sherman, MO

Recovery from a rotator cuff tear differs depending on whether the treatment was surgical or non-surgical. For non-surgical treatments, recovery can 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, slowly returning to full activity.

Consistent physical therapy is crucial for a successful recovery. At Axes Physical Therapy, our Sherman, MO physical therapists support you through a tailored rehabilitation program crafted to restoring strength, flexibility, and function. Our therapists provide ongoing support and modifications to your program, to ensure continuous improvement.

To ensure the best recovery, it’s essential to adhere to your exercise regimen, make it to all therapy appointments, and implement necessary lifestyle changes to protect your shoulder. If you’re recovering from surgery or treating a tear through non-surgical means, our team is here to guiding you to the best possible recovery and return to your normal activities. We’ll also show you injury prevention techniques so you can remain active without pain.

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

At Axes Physical Therapy, our team of experienced physical therapists is committed to providing individualized care focused on each patient’s unique needs. With an average of over 15 years of experience, our therapists are skilled in helping Sherman, MO patients heal from rotator cuff tears and get back their strength and mobility. We focus on a compassionate, supportive approach, ensuring that every patient feels understood and cared for throughout their recovery journey. Our individualized treatment plans are intended to bring about the best possible outcomes and resume the activities you love.

Call Axes for Physical Therapy in Sherman, MO

If you’re suffering from a rotator cuff tear, don’t hesitate to begin your recovery. Book an appointment with Axes Physical Therapy today and let our expert team craft an individualized treatment plan to help you return to the activities you enjoy. Uncertain if you have a tear? Take advantage 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 Sherman.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to guiding you through the challenges of a rotator cuff tear and resuming your everyday activities with confidence. Our skilled team provides compassionate, individualized care designed to meet your unique needs. Whether by means of non-surgical care or post-surgical rehabilitation, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Don’t let shoulder pain stop you—get in touch with us today to begin your journey to recovery.