Shoulder Pain in Catawissa, MO. Those who suffer from shoulder pain know how debilitating it can be. It makes any daily task from brushing your teeth to making a breakaway layup frustrating and, for certain people, not even an option. But you do not need to live the rest of your life with pain and limited shoulder movement. At Axes Physical Therapy in Catawissa, MO, our licensed physical therapists specialize in customized treatment modalities, proven to work through research, to get you back to striking out opponents, or just combing your hair pain-free. Trust in us to make your shoulder pain an ancient memory. Make an appointment through our website or call our location nearest you.

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

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

1. The glenohumeral (GH) joint is a ball and socket joint where the humerus (upper arm bone) fits into a relatively small dish called the glenoid. Because the the top of the humerus is 3-4 times larger than the 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 scapula that is the highest part of the shoulder. A gliding joint, it allows for additional rotation of the shoulder blade.
3. The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is a gliding joint located where the clavicle meets the breastbone at the bottom of the neck. As the only joint that connects the arm to the torso, it it ensures your arm and body move 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 is made up of the scapula and its articulation with the ribcage.

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 humerus, which power movement and keep the head of the humerus firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder
• the shoulder capsule, a soft tissue sac that surrounds and protects the shoulder
• the ligaments of the shoulder which help connect bone to bone and help reinforce the capsule
• the biceps tendon and rotator cuff tendons which connect muscle to bone
• 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 arteries that pump nutrient-rich blood to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons

In order for the shoulder to function properly every joint, ligament, tendon, muscle, artery, capsule, and nerve must function well. Blood must flow freely to the shoulder keep oxygen levels and muscles strong and stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. The muscles must have adequate strength and flexibility, the tendons connecting them to the bones must be intact and strong, the ligaments connecting bones need to be similarly healthy, and the nerves need to have a strong and secure connection to the brain. When any one of the parts of the shoulder is damaged, inflamed, or otherwise irritated, 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 complimentary injury screening.

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain can be caused by numerous different circumstances, from sports injuries to a car accident, a work injury from overuse to our bodies just getting weaker as we get older. Below are common causes of shoulder pain that our physical and occupations therapists see in Catawissa, MO:

• Bursitis — The bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles in and around your shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and other joints. Bursitis occurs when the bursae because swollen after overuse, often occurs in combination with rotator cuff tendinitis, and can make basic activities like getting in and out of cars immensely difficult.
• Tendinitis — Tendinitis is typically caused by a tendon becoming irritated. There are two causes of tendinitis:
  • Acute: The result of trauma, excessive throwing, or other overhead activities common in some competitive and activities and fields of employment, such as tennis or lifting and lowering objects.
  • Chronic: The result of wear and tear or the body becoming weaker as we age.

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

• Rotator Cuff Tear — These can also be acute, like falling on an outstretched arm, or more chronic in nature. They usually start with fraying and then tear. People often live with partial tears unknowingly. Full-thickness tears, which go all the way through the tendon, often require surgery. Associated symptoms are pain with certain motions, pain when lying on the side of the affected shoulder, and a cracking feeling when performing specific movements.
• 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 because of an injury. Shoulder impingement is most common in people who play sports or are otherwise active.
• Shoulder Instability — This occurs when the humerus is forced out of the shoulder socket, and also can happen suddenly or from wear and tear. 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 surrounding areas of the shoulder. Long-term instability will result in shoulder pain and a sense of the shoulder “giving way.”
• Arthritis — While there are many kinds of arthritis, the shoulder most typically suffers from osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bones. Common causes include tissue weakening as we become older, persistent injuries, and wear and tear. Arthritis cannot be cured, but you can find effective pain management techniques with Catawissa, MO physical and occupational therapists.
• Shoulder Fractures — The upper arm bone, collarbone, and scapula are the most commonly broken bones in the shoulder. They usually happen as the result of falling a significant distance or onto a hard surface or high-impact collisions such as being tackles in a football game. The shoulder pain is immediate and obvious, and the shoulder will experience considerable swelling and contusions.
• 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 communication between the brain and shoulder, or the nerves burst. Axillary nerve and brachial plexus 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 degenerative conditions.

At times, one injury leads to another, for example instability that leads to impingement. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, one of our no-risk, free injury screenings in Catawissa, MO may help determine why you’re experiencing the pain. If you’ve sustained a severe injury or have severe shoulder pain, a physician in Catawissa, 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 find relief with a personalized treatment plan with knowledgeable physical therapists and movement health specialists in Catawissa, MO can be a great way to get you back to the activities you love.

Treating Your Shoulder Pain in Catawissa, MO

Your customized and proven physical therapy treatments may include:

• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to identify degenerative tissue, break down scar tissue, and treat the affected area
• Pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation, coordinated together with your surgeon, if you need surgery to relieve your shoulder pain
• Kinesio Taping® to reduce pain and inflammation and allow you to participate in physical activity or go back to 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 target irritated muscles, ligaments, and tendons deeper in the body to stimulate blood flow
• 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 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 Catawissa, MO physician to see if physical therapy is safe and an effective treatment option for your shoulder pain. Our knowledgeable physical and occupational therapists work alongside your primary care physician to make sure your treatment plan fits into your overall treatment plan.

Other services we offer in Catawissa, 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

Catawissa, MO Shoulder Pain | Axes Physical Therapy

Optimal movement health is important 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 Catawissa, MO residents by implementing evidence-backed treatment plans catered to your injury, pain level, age, and desired activity level. You do not have to delay in getting back to the activities you love and a pain-free life. Make an appointment through our website or reach out to the location nearest you.