Shoulder Pain in Barnhart, MO. If you live with shoulder pain, you know how hard it can be to manage. It makes any basic task from brushing your teeth to making a breakaway layup painful and, for certain people, not even an option. But pain and limited shoulder movement does not have to be a part of your everyday life. At Axes Physical Therapy in Barnhart, MO, our professional physical therapists are experts at creating customized treatment modalities, based on evidence, to get you back to optimal movement health. Trust in us to turn your shoulder pain from a daily occurrence into a thing of the past. Request an appointment through our website or reach out to the location nearest you.

The Anatomy of the Shoulder | Shoulder Pain in Barnhart, MO

The shoulder is among human body’s largest and most complex joints. In reality, it is made up of four independent smaller joints:

1. The glenohumeral (GH) joint is the joint responsible for connecting the upper extremity to the trunk. Given the relatively shallow socket, it is the most mobile joint in the body.
2. The acromioclavicular (AC) joint connects the clavicle to the acromion, the part of the shoulder blade that is the highest part of the shoulder. A plane joint, it allows your shoulder blade to follow the movements of the other shoulder joints.
3. The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is a gliding joint formed by the collarbone 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 move in tandem.
4. The scapulothoracic (ST) “joint” is more of a “floating” joint as it does not have typical joint characteristics. It is made up of the scapula and its articulation with the ribcage.

The shoulder is supported and surrounded by:

• the four muscles of the rotator cup covering the head of the upper arm bone, which power movement and stabilize the ball of the humerus within the shoulder socket
• the shoulder capsule, a soft tissue sac that encloses the shoulder
• the four shoulder ligaments which provide passive stability while still allowing for movements in different planes
• the tendons in the biceps and shoulder which allow muscles to power the bones
• the brachial plexus nerves that send motor messages from the brain to muscles and sensory information (like pain) from the joints back to the brain
• the blood vessels that pump nutritious blood to the shoulder

In order for the shoulder to function properly the entire complex system must function well. Sufficient blood must reach to the shoulder efficiently to maintain healthy soft tissue and repair minor damage. The muscles strong enough to move and flexible enough to safely make those movements, the tendons attaching bone and muscle must be strong, flexible, and free of rips or tears, the ligaments connecting bones need to help support proper structure, and the brain and shoulder need to have clear communication with each other. When any of these functions are not being carried out in a healthy way, it often causes shoulder pain and movement problems. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain or any other symptoms of a shoulder injury, contact Axes’ physical therapists for a free 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 old age. The following are the most common underlying conditions that lead to shoulder pain in Barnhart, MO:

• Bursitis — The bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that work as a cushion and gliding surface between tissues. Bursitis the result of the bursae becoming irritated after repeated activities, often occurs in combination with inflammation of the rotator cuff, and can make daily tasks like laying down for bed exceedingly difficult.
• Tendinitis — Tendinitis is typically caused by a tendon becoming irritated. It typically falls into one of two categories:
  • Acute: The result of a sudden blow, repeated overhead motions, or other overhead activities needed in some sports and fields of employment, such as volleyball or lifting and lowering objects.
  • Chronic: This can happen because of wear and tear or the body becoming weaker as we get older.

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

• Rotator Cuff Tear — These can also be caused by sudden trauma, like falling on an outstretched arm, or repetitive movements or old age. They usually start with fraying and then tear. People often live with partial thickness tears obliviously. Full-thickness tears, where the tendon is no longer attached whatsoever to the bone, often require surgery. Symptoms include pain with certain motions, pain when sleeping, and a clicking sensation when performing certain motions.
• Shoulder Impingement — Impingement occurs when your acromion (the bony tip of your scapula) irritates the soft tissue in your shoulder. It often occurs in combination with an injury that causes inflammation in the rotator cuff. Shoulder impingement is rarely caused by overuse, and is most common in athletes or others who engage in physical activity.
• Shoulder Instability — This happens when the humerus is allowed to move out of the socket when the capsule or ligaments become damaged, and also can happen suddenly or from wear and tear. A dislocation can be partial, coming in and out of the socket, or complete when the bone completely comes 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 a sense of the shoulder “giving way.”
• Arthritis — While there are at least six types of arthritis, the shoulder most typically experiences osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bones. Common causes include tissue weakening as we become older, persistent trauma, and wear and tear. Arthritis cannot be cured, but effective pain management is possible with Barnhart, MO physical therapists.
• Shoulder Fractures — The upper arm bone, collarbone, and shoulder blade are the most commonly broken bones in the shoulder. They usually happen as the result of falling from a height or forceful collisions such as being tackles in a football game. The shoulder pain is usually significant, and the shoulder will experience considerable inflammation and contusions.
• Axillary Nerve Injuries or Brachial Plexus Injuries — Nerve damage in the shoulder can occur when nerves are stretched, when scar tissue blocks communication between the brain and shoulder, or the nerves burst. These injuries can cause shoulder pain along with a range of other sensations. They are usually the result of sudden trauma but can also happen because of wear and tear.

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 Barnhart, MO may help you discover the root of it. If you’ve sustained a severe injury or have severe shoulder pain, a physician in Barnhart, MO may use a physical examination, various imaging techniques, and/or arthroscopy to discover the cause. For most injuries or conditions that cause shoulder pain, a personalized treatment plan with professional physical therapists and movement health specialists in Barnhart, MO can be a great way to return to a pain-free daily life and the active lifestyle you deserve.

Treating Your Shoulder Pain in Barnhart, MO

Your personalized and proven physical therapy treatments may include:

• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to identify soft tissue restrictions, break down scar tissue, and treat the affected area
• Pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation, based on a plan with come up with alongside your doctor, if you need surgery to relieve your shoulder pain
• Kinesio Taping® to reduce pain and inflammation and allow you to participate in sports or go back to work while you are still recovering
• Blood flow restriction training to strengthen muscles while reducing overall stress on the shoulder
• Trigger point dry needling to attack irritated soft tissue deeper in the body to stimulate blood flow
• Posture correction to ensure you are not inadvertently causing your shoulder pain or heal improperly
• Injury prevention so you and your shoulder and stay healthy and active
• Other safe, effective treatment methods to optimize your mobility

Missouri Law states that you need a prescription to attend physical therapy appointments, so you need to reach out to your Barnhart, MO physician to see if physical therapy is rights for your shoulder pain. Our experienced physical and occupational therapists form a team with your primary care physician to make sure you are getting the care that is safe for your condition.

Other services we offer in Barnhart, MO include:

• Shin Splint Treatment
• Direct Access Physical Therapy
• Gait Analysis
• Pelvic Floor Therapy
• Dry Needling Near Me
• Tendonitis Treatment
• Manual Physical Therapy
• Orthopedic Rehab Near Me
• Beginner Running Program
• Chronic Pain Treatment

Barnhart, MO Shoulder Pain | Axes Physical Therapy

A well-functioning shoulder is imperative to not only living our every day life, but to keeping up the active lifestyles we desire. At Axes, we focus on patient results for Barnhart, MO residents by developing evidence-backed treatment plans based on your injury, pain level, age, and the activities you want to get back to. You do not have to delay in getting back to the activities you love and a pain-free life. Schedule an appointment online or find our location most convenient for you.