Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment Soulard, MO. After a rotator cuff tear or shoulder injury, you are likely facing daily challenges that impact your ability to work, exercise, or simply enjoy life. At Axes Physical Therapy, we understand how a rotator cuff injury can affect your life and mental health. Our experienced physical therapy team in Soulard, MO is here to provide the personalized care necessary to recover your strength and mobility. With our extensive experience in rotator cuff tear treatment, we will help you return to the activities that you love most, whether it’s being active, working, spending time with your children, or enjoying a pain-free life.

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 part of the shoulder’s anatomy, including four muscles and their associated tendons: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. Together, these muscles stabilize the shoulder joint and enable a wide range of actions, including lifting, rotating, and reaching.

Types of Rotator Cuff Tears

Rotator cuff tears vary 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: These occur when the tendon gets frayed or damaged but not completely severed. While still painful and limiting, partial tears generally respond favorably to conservative treatments including physical therapy.
2. Full-Thickness Tears: During a full-thickness tear, the tendon becomes detached from the bone, often necessitating more intensive treatment. These tears can cause considerable weakness in the shoulder and are more likely to need surgical intervention. 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 can help you prevent injury or spot issues early:

• Acute Injuries: Sudden, forceful movements, for example, lifting a heavy object or falling on an outstretched arm, may result in an acute tear.
• Chronic Degeneration: Over time, repeated stress from activities including painting, lifting, or sports may weaken the tendons, leading to a tear.
• Age-Related Wear and Tear: With aging, the tendons naturally 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. Frequent symptoms are:

• Persistent shoulder pain, especially at night or when sleeping on the affected side.
• Shoulder weakness, making it hard to lift or rotate the arm.
• Restricted movement, particularly when lifting the arm or reaching overhead.
• A grinding sensation or a clicking noise when moving the shoulder.

Being aware of these symptoms and the underlying anatomy clarifies why prompt treatment is vital to prevent further damage and for recovering normal shoulder function.

Diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Tears in Soulard, 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 Soulard, MO doctor to get you the best possible treatment and outcome achievable.

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 necessary, we may refer you for imaging tests such as 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, initiate your treatment, and conduct several physical therapy sessions without a prescription from a doctor in Soulard, MO.

Non-Surgical Rotator Cuff Treatment Options in Soulard, MO

Rotator cuff tears aren’t always surgical cases; in many cases, non-surgical treatments can effectively alleviate pain and help restore shoulder function. At Axes Physical Therapy, we focus on personalized, conservative care that focuses on your specific needs.

Soulard, 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 build up the muscles surrounding the shoulder, increase flexibility, and reduce pain. Here’s the way physical therapy helps:

• Strengthening: Specialized exercises to fortify the muscles supporting the rotator cuff, helping to prevent further injury.
• Mobility Improvement: Stretching and movement exercises to expand the range of motion and reduce 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 crucial for recovery. Based on the severity of your symptoms, we may suggest a combination of:

• Ice and Heat Therapy: Applying ice can decrease 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: When symptoms are severe, injections may be used to relieve pain and inflammation, though this is typically a short-term solution.
• Activity Modification and Rest: Avoiding activities that strain your shoulder is important during the healing process. Our Soulard, MO physical therapists will guide you on how to modify daily activities to avoid strain, while still keeping some physical activity to promote healing.

Consistency is key in non-surgical treatment. Sticking to your physical therapy schedule, attending all scheduled sessions, and completing your home exercises are essential for recovery. Our team at Axes is committed to supporting you throughout your journey, to help you stay on course for a successful recovery.

Surgical Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Tears in Soulard, MO

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

• 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 be repaired.

Regardless of the type of surgery, physical therapy is crucial both before and after the procedure. Pre-surgery physical therapy helps strengthen the surrounding muscles, while post-surgical rehabilitation is vital to restoring 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 Soulard, MO

Recovery from a rotator cuff tear depends depending on whether the treatment was surgical or non-surgical. 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, usually 4 to 6 months, with a gradual return to full activity.

Consistent physical therapy is essential to a successful recovery. At Axes Physical Therapy, our Soulard, MO physical therapists lead you through a tailored rehabilitation program crafted to restoring strength, flexibility, and function. Our therapists deliver ongoing support and plan adjustments, ensuring you make steady progress.

To maximize your recovery, it’s important to follow your prescribed exercises, make it to all therapy appointments, and make necessary lifestyle modifications to protect your shoulder. Whether you’re healing from surgery or treating a tear through non-surgical means, our team is here to ensuring you achieve the best results and return to your normal activities. We’ll also show you injury prevention techniques so you can stay active and pain-free.

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

At Axes Physical Therapy, our team of expert physical therapists is dedicated to providing customized treatment tailored to each patient’s unique needs. With an average of over 15 years of experience, our therapists are skilled in helping Soulard, MO patients overcome 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 tailored treatment plans are designed to help you achieve the best possible outcomes and resume the activities you love.

Call Axes for Physical Therapy in Soulard, MO

If you’re struggling with a rotator cuff tear, don’t put off starting your recovery. Book an appointment with Axes Physical Therapy today and let our expert team develop a customized treatment plan to bring you back to the activities you love. Not sure if you have a tear? Benefit from our free injury screening, to assess your symptoms and direct you to the best treatment option. Contact the location nearest you to schedule your appointment at one of our convenient locations near Soulard.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we’re committed to guiding you through the challenges of a rotator cuff tear and returning to your normal activities with confidence. Our experienced 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 along your entire journey. Don’t allow shoulder pain to limit you—get in touch with us today to begin your journey to recovery.