Shoulder Pain in Calverton Park, MO. Those who experience shoulder pain know how debilitating it can be. It can make any daily task from pouring a cup of coffee to making a breakaway layup frustrating and, for some of us, not even an option. But pain and limited shoulder movement is usually manageable and beatable with safe and effective treatment. At Axes PT in Calverton Park, MO, our experienced physical therapists specialize in customized treatment modalities, based on evidence, to get you back to striking out opponents, or just combing your hair pain-free. Let us help you safely and effectively treat your shoulder pain. Make an appointment through our website or reach out to our location nearest you.

The Anatomy of the Shoulder | Shoulder Pain in Calverton Park, MO

The shoulder is among the largest and most intricate joints we have. In reality, it is a multiplex of four joints:

1. The glenohumeral (GH) joint is the joint responsible for connecting the upper extremity to the trunk. As the the top of the humerus is 3-4 times larger than the socket, it allows for more movement than any other joint.
2. The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is formed by the junction of the clavicle the acromion, the part of the scapula that is the highest part of the shoulder. A plane joint, it helps extend the upper extremity from the trunk.
3. The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is a gliding joint formed by the collarbone the breastbone at the bottom of the neck. This joint is where the arm and body meet, it links the movement of the upper limb with the core of your body.
4. The scapulothoracic (ST) “joint” is more of a “floating” joint as it does not have ligaments connecting it to bone. It attaches and allows movement between the shoulder blade and the thoracic cage.

In addition to those four joints, the shoulder is made up of:

• the four muscles of the rotator cup that surround the head of the upper arm bone, which are responsible for movement and keep the ball of the upper arm bone slipping out of the socket
• the shoulder capsule, a tough sheath or membrane that surrounds and protects the joints in the shoulder
• the four shoulder ligaments which attach bones together and provide stability for the capsule
• the biceps tendon and rotator cuff tendons which affix muscle to bone
• the brachial plexus nerves that allow for the brain and muscles to communicate with each other
• the arteries that supply nutrient-rich blood to the shoulder

Optimal shoulder and movement health depends on every part of the system being healthy and working together. Blood must be allowed to reach the shoulder maintain healthy soft tissue and repair minor damage. The muscles must have adequate strength and flexibility, the tendons connecting them to the bones must be strong, flexible, and free of rips or tears, the ligaments that attach our bones need to help support proper 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 free injury screening.

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain can be caused by numerous different circumstances, from sports injuries to acute trauma, a work injury from overuse to old age. The following are the most common underlying conditions that lead to shoulder pain in Calverton Park, MO:

• Bursitis — The bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that act as shock absorbers and reduce friction in joints. Bursitis the result of the bursae becoming irritated after repeated activities, often occurs in combination with shoulder impingement, and can make daily activities like getting dressed tremendously difficult.
• Tendinitis — Tendinitis is typically caused by a tendon becoming irritated. It typically falls into one of two categories:
  • Acute: The result of trauma, repeated throwing, or other overhead activities common in some competitive and activities and fields of employment, such as tennis or lifting and lowering boxes.
  • Chronic: The result of wear and tear or the body becoming weaker as we get older.

  The condition causes pain and tenderness just outside the joint.

• Rotator Cuff Tear — These can also be acute, such falling on an outstretched arm, or repetitive movements or old age. They usually start with fraying and then tear. People often live with partial tears unknowingly. Complete tears, which go all the way through the tendon, do not heal by themselves. Symptoms include pain with certain movements, pain when lying on the side of the affected shoulder, and a clicking feeling when performing specific movements.
• Shoulder Impingement — Impingement is the result of soft tissue rubbing against your shoulder blade. It often occurs in tandem with an injury that causes inflammation in the rotator cuff. Shoulder impingement is most common in people who are physically active.
• Shoulder Instability — This occurs when the head of the upper arm bone is allowed to move out of the socket when the capsule or ligaments become damaged, and also can be the result of injury or overuse. Dislocations can be repeated and partial or the entire bone coming out of the socket. It often happens in combination with injury to the supporting soft tissue of the shoulder. Chronic instability will cause shoulder pain and a sense of the shoulder “giving way.”
• Arthritis — While there are at least six kinds of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the form that typically affects the shoulder. Osteoarthritis is the degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bones. Common causes include tissue weakening as we become older, frequent trauma, and wear and tear. Arthritis cannot be cured, but effective pain management can be found with Calverton Park, MO physical and occupational therapists.
• Shoulder Fractures — The upper arm bone, clavicle, and scapula are the bones in the shoulder most vulnerable to fracture. They are often the result of falling a significant distance or onto a hard surface or forceful collisions such as a car accident. The shoulder pain is usually intense, along with considerable swelling and contusions.
• Axillary Nerve Injuries or Brachial Plexus Injuries — Nerve damage in the shoulder can occur when nerves are compressed, when scar tissue interferes with signals between the brain and shoulder, or the nerves are otherwise damaged. These injuries can cause shoulder pain, stingers, numbness, and loss of sensation in your shoulder, arm, or hand. They are commonly caused by sudden trauma but can also happen because of degenerative conditions.

Sometimes, injuries are intertwined, such as a dislocation causing damage to the nerves. If you’re currently suffering from shoulder pain, one of our no-obligation, free injury screenings in Calverton Park, MO may help determine the root of it. If you’ve sustained a severe injury or have severe shoulder pain, a physician in Calverton Park, MO may use a physical examination, an X-Ray, an MRI, a CT scan, arthrogram, and/or arthroscopy to discover the cause. Most people who experience shoulder pain can experience recovery with a personalized treatment plan with licensed physical therapists that specialize in movement health in Calverton Park, MO can be a successful way to return to the activities you love.

Treating Your Shoulder Pain in Calverton Park, MO

Your tailored 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 problems with your muscles, ligaments, or tendons
• Pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation, coordinated together with your doctor, 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 your body heals
• Blood flow restriction training to improve strength while reducing overall stress on the shoulder
• Trigger point dry needling to attack harder-to-reach damaged soft tissue to encourage the body’s natural healing processes
• Posture correction to make sure you are not inadvertently causing your shoulder pain or do not heal correctly
• Injury prevention so you and your shoulder and stay healthy and active
• Other safe, effective techniques to optimize your mobility

Missouri Law stipulates that you need a prescription to attend physical therapy appointments, so you need to reach out to your Calverton Park, 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 ensure your treatment plan fits into your overall treatment plan.

Other services we offer in Calverton Park, 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

Calverton Park, MO Shoulder Pain | Axes Physical Therapy

Optimal movement health is important to not only carrying out daily tasks with ease, but to doing the things we love. At Axes, we focus on patient results for Calverton Park, MO people of all ages 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 through our website or call the location nearest you.