Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment St. Louis, MO. If you are suffering from a rotator cuff tear or shoulder pain, you’re probably facing daily difficulties that affect your ability to work, exercise, or live your life comfortably. At Axes Physical Therapy, we understand the frustration and discomfort that comes with such injuries. Our experienced physical therapy team in St. Louis, MO is here to provide the personalized care you need to regain 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 that’s playing sports, working, engaging in family activities, or enjoying a pain-free life.

You’re welcome to visit any of our locations for a free injury screening, request an appointment online, or contact the Axes location nearest you to start your path to recovery.

Understanding Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff is an important part of the shoulder’s anatomy, including four muscles and their associated tendons: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. These muscles work together to stabilize the shoulder joint and enable a wide range of movements, including 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 is frayed or damaged but not completely severed. Even though they are painful and restrictive, partial tears generally respond favorably to conservative treatments like physical therapy.
2. Full-Thickness Tears: In a full-thickness tear, the tendon becomes detached from the bone, often requiring more intensive treatment. These injuries may cause significant weakness in the shoulder and are often more likely to need surgical intervention. A partial full-thickness tear means there is still some of the tendon attached to the bone. A complete full-thickness tear occurs when the tendon completely detaches from the bone.

Common Causes of Rotator Cuff Tears

Knowing the common causes of rotator cuff tears will help you prevent injury or identify the root cause of your symptoms:

• Acute Injuries: Abrupt, strong movements, like lifting a heavy object or falling on an outstretched arm, might cause an acute tear.
• Chronic Degeneration: Over time, continuous strain from activities like painting, lifting, or sports can deteriorate the tendons, causing a tear.
• Age-Related Wear and Tear: Over the years, the tendons naturally weaken, raising the likelihood of tears, especially in individuals over 40.

Symptoms of a Torn Rotator Cuff

Understanding the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear plays a vital role in seeking timely treatment. Typical symptoms may include:

• Ongoing shoulder pain, especially at night or when resting on the affected side.
• Weakness in the shoulder, making it difficult to lift or rotate the arm.
• Reduced mobility, particularly when lifting the arm or stretching overhead.
• A grinding sensation or a clicking noise when moving the shoulder.

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

Diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Tears in St. Louis, MO

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

You can also visit any Axes location for a free injury screening. We begin with a thorough physical examination to check your shoulder’s range of motion, strength, and pain levels. When needed, we may suggest 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 enable us to evaluate and diagnose you, begin your treatment, and perform several physical therapy sessions without a prescription from a doctor in St. Louis, MO.

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

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

St. Louis, 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 fortify the muscles surrounding the shoulder, improve flexibility, and alleviate pain. Here’s how physical therapy aids:

• Strengthening: Targeted workouts to build the muscles supporting the rotator cuff, preventing further injury.
• Mobility Improvement: Stretching routines 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

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

• Ice and Heat Therapy: Ice reduces inflammation, while heat boosts circulation and relaxes muscles.
• Medications: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help reduce 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. Louis, MO physical therapists will instruct you on how to alter your daily activities to avoid strain, while still maintaining some level of physical activity to support healing.

Consistency is key in non-surgical treatment. Adhering to your physical therapy regimen, making it to all your sessions, and completing your home exercises are vital to your recovery. Our team at Axes is dedicated to helping you throughout your journey, ensuring you stay on track for a successful recovery.

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

When non-surgical treatments fail to offer enough relief, or if the rotator cuff tear is particularly severe, surgery may become necessary. Surgical options can vary based on 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 traditional surgery for larger or more complex tears.
• Tendon Transfer: Used when the tendon is too damaged to reattach to the bone.

Regardless of the type of surgery, physical therapy is essential throughout the procedure. Pre-surgery physical therapy works to strengthen the surrounding muscles, while post-surgical rehabilitation is essential for rebuilding strength, mobility, and overall function during recovery. At Axes Physical Therapy, we create customized rehabilitation plans to support a smooth and successful recovery.

Recovery Timeline for Rotator Cuff Tears in St. Louis, MO

Recovery from a rotator cuff tear depends based on whether the treatment was surgical or non-surgical. For non-surgical treatments, recovery can take 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, typically 4 to 6 months, with a gradual return to full activity.

Regular physical therapy is essential to a successful recovery. At Axes Physical Therapy, our St. Louis, MO physical therapists guide you through a tailored rehabilitation program crafted to bringing back strength, flexibility, and mobility. Our therapists offer ongoing support and adjustments to your plan, to ensure continuous improvement.

To ensure the best recovery, it’s vital to do your recommended exercises, participate in every therapy session, and adopt the necessary lifestyle modifications to protect your shoulder. Whether you’re recovering from surgery or treating 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 stay active and pain-free.

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

At Axes Physical Therapy, our team of experienced physical therapists is dedicated to providing individualized care adapted to each patient’s unique needs. With an average of over 15 years of experience, our therapists are adept at guiding St. Louis, MO patients heal from rotator cuff tears and restore their strength and mobility. We believe in a compassionate, supportive approach, ensuring that every patient feels understood and cared for throughout their recovery journey. Our tailored treatment plans are focused on achieving the best possible outcomes and get back to the activities you enjoy.

Call Axes for Physical Therapy in St. Louis, 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 develop a customized treatment plan to assist you in getting back to what you love. Not sure if you have a tear? Take advantage of our free injury screening, where we can evaluate your symptoms and recommend the best path forward. Call the location nearest you to schedule your appointment at one of our convenient locations near St. Louis.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we are devoted to guiding you through the challenges of a rotator cuff tear and getting back to your daily routine with confidence. Our skilled team gives compassionate, individualized care crafted to fit your unique needs. Whether with non-surgical therapy 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.