Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment St. Clair, MO. After a rotator cuff tear or shoulder injury, you are likely facing daily challenges that affect your ability to work, exercise, or live your life comfortably. At Axes Physical Therapy, we know how a rotator cuff injury can affect your life and mental health. Our experienced physical therapy team in St. Clair, MO is prepared to provide the personalized plan necessary to recover your strength and mobility. With our comprehensive rotator cuff tear treatment, we will help you return to the activities you love, whether that’s being active, working, spending time with your children, or just living without pain.

Feel free to visit any of our locations for a free injury screening, make an appointment online, or contact the Axes location nearest you to start your path to recovery.

About Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff is an important part 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 enable a wide range of movements, like lifting, rotating, and reaching.

Types of Rotator Cuff Tears

Rotator cuff tears are classified into different levels of severity, affecting treatment options and recovery time. The two main types of tears are:

1. Partial Tears: These occur when the tendon becomes frayed or damaged but not completely severed. Even though they are painful and restrictive, partial tears generally respond favorably to conservative treatments including physical therapy.
2. Full-Thickness Tears: A full-thickness tear occurs when, the tendon separates from the bone, often requiring more intensive treatment. These tears can cause considerable weakness in the shoulder and are more prone to require surgical intervention. A partial full-thickness tear means 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.

Common Causes of Rotator Cuff Tears

Being aware of the common causes of rotator cuff tears can help you steer clear of injury or identify the root cause of your symptoms:

• 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: As time passes, repeated stress from activities including painting, lifting, or sports can deteriorate the tendons, resulting in a tear.
• Age-Related Wear and Tear: Over the years, the tendons naturally weaken, heightening the chance of tears, especially in individuals over 40.

Symptoms of a Torn Rotator Cuff

Recognizing the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear plays a vital role in seeking timely treatment. Frequent symptoms are:

• Ongoing shoulder pain, especially at night or when lying on the affected side.
• Weakness in the shoulder, making it difficult to lift or rotate the arm.
• Restricted movement, especially when raising the arm or stretching overhead.
• A crunching feeling or a clicking noise when moving the shoulder.

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

Diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Tears in St. Clair, MO

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in effectively managing a rotator cuff tear. The earlier you detect the issue, the better the chances of a full recovery with conservative treatment. If you have already been diagnosed by a doctor, we’ll form a team with you and your St. Clair, MO doctor to get you the best possible treatment and outcome possible.

You can also 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 recommend 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 allow us to evaluate and diagnose you, begin your treatment, and conduct several physical therapy sessions without a prescription from a doctor in St. Clair, MO.

Non-Surgical Rotator Cuff Treatment Options in St. Clair, MO

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

St. Clair, MO Physical Therapy for Rotator Cuff Tears

Physical therapy is commonly the first approach to rotator cuff treatment. Our therapists develop individualized treatment plans to strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder, enhance flexibility, and reduce pain. Here’s why physical therapy helps:

• Strengthening: Focused exercises to build the muscles around the rotator cuff, to prevent further injury.
• Mobility Improvement: Stretching and movement exercises to enhance the range of motion and minimize stiffness.
• Pain Relief: Techniques such as manual therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation to ease pain.

Pain Management Techniques for Rotator Cuff Tears

Proper pain management is vital for recovery. According to the severity of your symptoms, we may advise 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: In severe cases, injections could be used to reduce pain and inflammation, although this is typically a short-term solution.
• Activity Modification and Rest: Restricting activities that irritate your shoulder is essential during the healing process. Our St. Clair, MO physical therapists will guide you on how to modify daily activities to avoid strain, while still maintaining some level of physical activity to aid in recovery.

Consistency is key in non-surgical treatment. Sticking to your physical therapy schedule, making it to all your sessions, and performing prescribed exercises at home are vital to your 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 St. Clair, MO

In cases where non-surgical treatments aren’t effective enough, or if the rotator cuff tear is more serious, surgery may become necessary. Surgical options can vary based on 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 traditional surgery for larger or more complex tears.
• Tendon Transfer: Used when the tendon is too damaged to be repaired.

Whatever the surgical approach, physical therapy is essential before as well as after the procedure. Pre-surgery physical therapy can strengthen the surrounding muscles, while post-surgical rehabilitation is critical for regaining 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 St. Clair, MO

Recovery from a rotator cuff tear can vary based 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 typically 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 St. Clair, MO physical therapists lead you through a tailored rehabilitation program focused on restoring strength, flexibility, and function. Our therapists offer ongoing support and modifications to your program, ensuring you make steady progress.

To optimize your recovery, it’s important to follow your prescribed exercises, make it to all therapy appointments, and adopt the necessary lifestyle modifications to protect your shoulder. Whether you are recovering from surgery or handling a tear through non-surgical means, our team is dedicated to supporting you in getting the best 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 St. Clair, MO

At Axes Physical Therapy, our team of highly skilled physical therapists is dedicated to providing personalized care focused on each patient’s unique needs. With an average of over 15 years of experience, our therapists are skilled in helping St. Clair, MO patients overcome 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 designed to help you achieve the best possible outcomes and go back to doing what you love.

Call Axes for Physical Therapy in St. Clair, MO

If you’re struggling with a rotator cuff tear, don’t hesitate to begin your recovery. Book an appointment with Axes Physical Therapy today and let our expert team design a tailored treatment plan to assist you in getting back to what you love. Not sure if it’s a tear? Utilize our free injury screening, where we’ll 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 St. Clair.

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 experienced team gives compassionate, individualized care focused on meeting your unique needs. Whether with non-surgical therapy or post-surgical rehabilitation, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Don’t let shoulder pain hold you back—get in touch with us today to begin your journey to recovery.