Shoulder Pain in Arnold, MO. Those who experience shoulder pain know the effect it can have on your life. It makes everything from pouring a cup of coffee to making a breakaway layup frustrating and, sometimes, unfeasible. But pain and limited shoulder movement does not have to be a part of your everyday life. At Axes Physical Therapy in Arnold, MO, our experienced physical therapists create customized treatment plans, based on evidence, to get you back to optimal movement health. Trust in us to make your shoulder pain a long-forgotten memory. Request an appointment through our website or find the location most convenient for you.

How Does the Shoulder Work? | Shoulder Pain in Arnold, MO

The shoulder is among the largest and most complex joints we have. In truth, it is made up of four independent smaller joints:

1. The glenohumeral (GH) joint is a ball and socket joint responsible for connecting the upper extremity to the trunk. Because the top of the upper arm bone is several times larger than the socket, it is the most mobile joint in the body.
2. The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is formed by the junction of the collarbone the acromion, the part of the scapula that is the highest part of the shoulder. A plane style synovial joint, it helps extend the upper extremity from the trunk.
3. The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is a plane-style synovial joint located where the clavicle meets the breastbone at the base of the neck. As the only joint that connects the arm to the torso, it it ensures your arm and body act in coordination.
4. The scapulothoracic (ST) “joint” is not a true anatomical joint as it does not have does not have union by fibrous, cartilaginous or synovial tissues. It attaches and allows movement between the shoulder blade and the thoracic cage.

In addition to those four joints, the shoulder consists of:

• the four muscles of the rotator cup covering the head of the upper arm bone, which are responsible for movement and keep the head of the upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder
• the shoulder capsule, a tough sheath or membrane that surrounds and protects the joints in the shoulder
• the ligaments of the shoulder which provide passive stability while still allowing for a wide range of movements
• the tendons in the biceps and shoulder which allow muscles to power the bones
• the brachial plexus nerves that allow for the brain and muscles to communicate with each other
• the arteries that pump nutritious blood to the shoulder

Being able to move your shoulder pain free depends on every part of the system functioning well. Sufficient blood must reach to the shoulder efficiently to maintain healthy soft tissue and stimulate the body’s natural recovery processes. The muscles must have adequate strength and flexibility, the tendons attaching bone and muscle must be strong, flexible, and free of rips or tears, the ligaments connecting bones need to help maintain structure, and the nerves need to have a strong and secure connection to the brain. When any of these parts are not at optimal health, it often causes shoulder pain and movement problems. If if shoulder pain or poor shoulder movement is part of your daily life, contact Axes’ physical therapists for a no-risk, no-obligation injury screening.

What’s Behind My Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of circumstances, from sports injuries to falls, a work injury from overuse to our bodies just getting weaker as we get older. The following are common causes of shoulder pain that our team see in Arnold, MO:

• Bursitis — The bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that act as shock absorbers and reduce friction in joints. Bursitis occurs when the bursae because irritated after overuse, often occurs in association with irritation of the rotator cuff, and can make basic activities like carrying groceries tremendously painful.
• Tendinitis — Tendinitis generally occurs because of a tendon becoming irritated. There are two types of tendinitis:
  • Acute: This can happen because of trauma, repeated throwing, or other overhead activities needed in some competitive and activities and fields of employment, such as tennis or moving objects overhead.
  • Chronic: The result of degenerative conditions or general weakness as we get weaker.

  Symptoms include a dull ache, tenderness, and slight swelling.

• Rotator Cuff Tear — These can also be caused by acute injuries, like lifting an incredibly heavy object, or more chronic in nature. They usually start with fraying and then tear. A partial tear often goes unnoticed. Complete tears, which go all the way through the tendon, do not heal by themselves. Associated symptoms are having difficulty raising your arm or lifting things you normally can, pain when lying on the side of the affected shoulder, and a cracking sensation with certain motions.
• Shoulder Impingement — Impingement is the result of the rotator cuff and bursae rubbing against your shoulder blade. It is often the result of rotator cuff swellings after an injury. Shoulder impingement is rarely caused by overuse, but rather by physical activity.
• Shoulder Instability — This occurs when the ball of the humerus is forced out of the shoulder socket, and also can happen suddenly or from overuse. Dislocations can be repeated and partial or the entire bone coming out of the socket. It often causes or is the result of injury to the supporting soft tissue of the shoulder. Chronic instability will result in shoulder pain and unsteadiness when performing certain motions.
• Arthritis — While there are at least six types of arthritis, the shoulder most typically suffers from osteoarthritis. It is the result of the cartilage cushioning the ends of your bones breaks down. Common causes include old age, repeated injuries, and wear and tear. Arthritis cannot be cured, but effective pain management can be found with Arnold, MO physical and occupational therapists.
• Shoulder Fractures — The humerus, collarbone, and shoulder blade are the bones in the shoulder most susceptible to fracture. They usually happen as the result of falling from a height or high-impact collisions such as being tackles in a football game. The shoulder pain is usually severe, along with considerable inflammation and bruising.
• Axillary Nerve Injuries or Brachial Plexus Injuries — Nerve damage in the shoulder is the result of when nerves are stretched, when scar tissue interferes with their electric signals, or the nerves burst. Axillary nerve and brachial plexus injuries can cause shoulder pain along with a range of other sensations. They are commonly caused by a sudden blow but can also occur because of degenerative conditions.

Sometimes, injuries are intertwined, for example instability that leads to impingement. If you’re currently suffering from shoulder pain, one of our safe, free injury screenings in Arnold, MO may help determine the underlying cause. To diagnose shoulder pain a physician in Arnold, MO may use a physical examination, various imaging techniques, and/or arthroscopy. Most people who experience shoulder pain can experience relief with a customized treatment plan with certified physical therapists and movement health specialists in Arnold, MO can be an effective way to return to the activities you love.

How Do Arnold, MO Physical Therapists Treat Shoulder Pain?

Your customized and evidence-backed physical therapy may include any one or a variety of different treatment plans:

• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to detect and treat any soft tissue disorders
• Pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation, based on a plan with come up with alongside your physician, if you need surgery to relieve your shoulder pain
• Kinesio Taping® to reduce pain and inflammation and keep you safe as you participate in sports or work while you are still recovering
• Blood flow restriction training to improve strength while reducing overall stress on the shoulder
• Trigger point dry needling to attack harder-to-reach damaged muscles, ligaments, and tendons to encourage the body’s natural healing processes
• Posture correction to make sure you are not inadvertently causing your shoulder pain or heal improperly
• Injury prevention so you do not lose your active lifestyle in the future
• Other safe, effective treatment methods to optimize your mobility

Missouri Law states that you need a prescription for physical therapy, so you need to reach out to your Arnold, MO doctor to see if physical therapy is rights for your shoulder pain. Our professional physical and occupational therapists form a team with your primary care physician to ensure your treatment plan fits into your overall treatment plan.

Other services we offer in Arnold, MO include:

• Physical Therapy Clinic
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
• Sciatica Treatment
• Sports Medicine
• Hand Pain Physical Therapy
• Foot & Ankle Pain Treatment
• Hip Pain Treatment
• Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
• Stroke Rehabilitation
• Hip Replacement Physical Therapy

Arnold, MO Shoulder Pain | Axes Physical Therapy

A healthy shoulder is imperative to not only carrying out daily tasks with ease, but to keeping up the active lifestyles we desire. At Axes, we focus on patient results for our Arnold, MO clients by implementing proven treatment plans catered to your injury, pain level, age, and how physically active you need to be. Do not wait to get back to the activities you love and a pain-free life. Request an appointment online or find our location most convenient for you.