Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment St. Genevieve, MO. After a rotator cuff tear or shoulder injury, there’s a good chance you’re facing daily challenges that affect 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 well-being. Our experienced physical therapy team in St. Genevieve, MO is ready to provide the personalized care you need to regain your strength and mobility. With our comprehensive rotator cuff tear treatment, we will help you return to the activities you enjoy, whether that’s playing sports, working, engaging in family activities, or just living without pain.

Feel free to come to any of our locations for a free injury screening, schedule an appointment online, or reach out to the Axes location nearest you to start your path to recovery.

Understanding Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff represents a crucial element of the shoulder’s anatomy, made up 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, such as lifting, rotating, and reaching.

Types of Rotator Cuff Tears

Rotator cuff tears are classified into different levels of severity, and how severe your tear is will direct your treatment approach and recovery timeline. The two main types of tears are:

1. Partial Tears: This type of tear occurs when the tendon gets frayed or damaged but not completely severed. Though still painful and restrictive, partial tears typically respond well to conservative treatments including physical therapy.
2. Full-Thickness Tears: During a full-thickness tear, the tendon is separated from the bone, often necessitating more intensive treatment. These injuries may cause significant weakness in the shoulder and are 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 is when the tendon fully detaches from the bone.

Common Causes of Rotator Cuff Tears

Being aware of the common causes of rotator cuff tears will help you steer clear of injury or spot issues early:

• Acute Injuries: Sudden, forceful movements, such as lifting a heavy object or falling on an outstretched arm, can lead to an acute tear.
• Chronic Degeneration: With time, repetitive stress from activities such as painting, lifting, or sports can deteriorate the tendons, causing a tear.
• Age-Related Wear and Tear: Over the years, 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 plays a vital role in seeking timely treatment. Some common signs are:

• Persistent shoulder pain, especially at night or when sleeping on the affected side.
• Weakness in the shoulder, which makes it tough to lift or rotate the arm.
• Restricted movement, particularly when lifting the arm or reaching above your head.
• A grinding sensation or audible popping when moving the shoulder.

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

Diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Tears in St. Genevieve, 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. Should you already have a diagnosis by a doctor, we’ll partner with you and your St. Genevieve, MO physician to provide you with the best possible treatment and outcome possible.

Feel free to visit any Axes location for a free injury screening. We initiate a thorough physical examination to evaluate your shoulder’s range of motion, strength, and pain levels. If necessary, we may recommend imaging tests like an MRI or ultrasound to get 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 perform several physical therapy sessions without a prescription from a doctor in St. Genevieve, MO.

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

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

St. Genevieve, MO Physical Therapy for Rotator Cuff Tears

Physical therapy is typically the first line of defense against rotator cuff tears. Our therapists craft individualized treatment plans to fortify the muscles surrounding the shoulder, improve flexibility, and minimize pain. Here’s why physical therapy helps:

• Strengthening: Focused exercises to develop the muscles supporting the rotator cuff, preventing further injury.
• Mobility Improvement: Flexibility and motion exercises to expand 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

Proper pain management is important for recovery. According to the severity of your symptoms, we may propose a combination of:

• Ice and Heat Therapy: Applying ice can decrease inflammation, while heat boosts circulation and soothes muscles.
• Medications: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help reduce pain and swelling.
• Corticosteroid Injections: When symptoms are severe, injections might be used to reduce pain and inflammation, even though it’s typically a short-term solution.
• Activity Modification and Rest: Limiting activities that aggravate your shoulder is essential during the healing process. Our St. Genevieve, MO physical therapists will advise you on how to alter your daily activities to avoid strain, while still keeping some physical activity to aid in recovery.

Being consistent is essential in non-surgical treatment. Adhering to your physical therapy regimen, showing up for all scheduled appointments, and doing your prescribed exercises at home are critical to your recovery. Our team at Axes is dedicated to helping you every step of the way, ensuring you stay on track for a successful recovery.

Surgical Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Tears in St. Genevieve, MO

When non-surgical treatments aren’t effective enough, or if the rotator cuff tear is particularly severe, surgery might be required. Surgical options are different depending on the extent of the tear and the patient’s individual needs. Common procedures may involve:

• 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: Required when the tendon is too damaged to be repaired.

Whatever the surgical approach, physical therapy plays a critical role both before and after the procedure. Pre-surgery physical therapy can strengthen the surrounding muscles, while post-surgical rehabilitation is necessary for 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 St. Genevieve, MO

Recovery from a rotator cuff tear varies depending on whether or not you had surgery. For non-surgical treatments, recovery may 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, commonly 4 to 6 months, slowly returning to full activity.

Regular physical therapy is crucial for a successful recovery. At Axes Physical Therapy, our St. Genevieve, MO physical therapists support you through a tailored rehabilitation program designed to restore strength, flexibility, and function. Our therapists offer ongoing support and plan adjustments, to ensure continuous improvement.

To ensure the best recovery, it’s essential to do your recommended exercises, go to every therapy session, and make necessary lifestyle modifications to protect your shoulder. Whether you’re healing from surgery or managing a tear through non-surgical means, our team is committed to ensuring you achieve the best results and get back to your normal routine. We’ll also instruct you in injury prevention techniques so you can remain active without pain.

Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Your Rotator Cuff Tear in St. Genevieve, MO

At Axes Physical Therapy, our team of highly skilled physical therapists focuses on providing customized treatment focused on each patient’s unique needs. With an average of over 15 years of experience, our therapists are proficient at helping St. Genevieve, MO patients overcome rotator cuff tears and rebuild their strength and mobility. We believe in a compassionate, supportive approach, guaranteeing that every patient feels understood and cared for throughout their recovery journey. Our personalized treatment plans are focused on achieving the best possible outcomes and go back to doing what you love.

Call Axes for Physical Therapy in St. Genevieve, MO

If you are dealing 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 bring you back to the activities you love. Not sure if you have a tear? Take advantage of our free injury screening, so we can evaluate 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. Genevieve.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to helping you overcome the challenges of a rotator cuff tear and resuming your everyday activities with confidence. Our experienced team provides compassionate, individualized care tailored to meet your unique needs. Whether via non-surgical options or post-surgical rehabilitation, we’ll be here to support you along your entire journey. Don’t let shoulder pain stop you—reach out to us now to begin your journey to recovery.