Shoulder Pain in Champ, MO. Those who suffer from shoulder pain know how hard it can be to manage. It can make any daily task from strapping on a seatbelt to diving for a softball painful and, for some of us, 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 Champ, MO, our professional physical therapists specialize in personalized treatment plans, proven to work through research, to get you back to striking out opponents, or just combing your hair pain-free. Let us help you make your shoulder pain a long-forgotten memory. Request an appointment through our website or reach out to the location most convenient for you.

The Human Shoulder | Shoulder Pain in Champ, MO

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

1. The glenohumeral (GH) joint is the joint responsible for connecting the upper extremity to the trunk. Because the top of the upper arm bone is 3-4 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 clavicle the acromion, the part of the shoulder blade that is the highest part of the shoulder. A plane style synovial joint, it allows your shoulder blade to follow the movements of the other shoulder joints.
3. The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is a plane-style synovial joint located where the clavicle meets the breastbone at the base of the neck. This joint is where the arm and body meet, it coordinates 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 does not have union by fibrous, cartilaginous or synovial tissues. It attaches and allows movement between the shoulder blade and the thoracic cage.

The shoulder is supported and surrounded by:

• the four muscles of the rotator cup that surround 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 help connect bone to bone and provide stability for the capsule
• 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 supply nutritious blood to the shoulder

In order for the shoulder to function properly the entire complex system must be able to work together. Sufficient blood must flow 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 connecting them to the bones must be intact and strong, the ligaments that attach our bones need to be similarly healthy, and the brain and shoulder need to have clear communication with each other. When any of these parts are not at optimal health, it often causes shoulder pain and movement problems. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain or any other symptoms of a shoulder injury, reach out to 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 our bodies just getting weaker as we get older. The following are the most common underlying conditions that lead to shoulder pain in Champ, 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 association with irritation of the rotator cuff, and can make basic activities like getting in and out of cars immensely difficult.
• Tendinitis — Tendinitis is typically caused by inflammation or irritation of a tendon. There are two causes of tendinitis:
  • Acute: The result of trauma, excessive throwing, or other overhead activities common in some competitive and activities and occupations, such as tennis or lifting and lowering boxes.
  • Chronic: The result of degenerative conditions 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 lifting an incredibly heavy object, or more chronic in nature. The tendon is initially frayed before becoming torn. A partial tear often goes unnoticed. Full-thickness tears, which go all the way through the tendon, often require surgery. Associated symptoms are pain with specific movements, pain when lying on the side of the affected shoulder, and a popping feeling with specific movements.
• Shoulder Impingement — Impingement occurs when your acromion (the bony tip of your shoulder blade) irritates the rotator cuff and bursae. It often occurs alongside 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 exits the shoulder socket, 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. Long-term instability will cause shoulder pain and a sense of the shoulder “giving way.”
• Arthritis — While arthritis refers to a range of diagnoses, the shoulder most typically suffers from osteoarthritis. It occurs when the cartilage cushioning the ends of your bones breaks down. Common causes include tissue weakening as we become older, repeated injuries, and overuse. There is no cure for arthritis, but effective pain management is possible with Champ, 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 from a height or forceful collisions such as being tackles in a football game. The shoulder pain is immediate and obvious, and the shoulder will experience considerable inflammation and bruising.
• Axillary Nerve Injuries or Brachial Plexus Injuries — Nerve damage in the shoulder can occur when nerves are impinged on, when scar tissue interferes with their electric signals, or the nerves rupture. 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 how an untreated rotator cuff tear can lead to arthritis. If you’re currently suffering from shoulder pain, one of our no-risk, free injury screenings in Champ, 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 Champ, MO may use a physical examination, an X-Ray, an MRI, a CT scan, arthrogram, and/or arthroscopy to discover the cause. For most injuries or conditions that cause shoulder pain, a customized treatment plan with professional physical therapists that are experts in movement health in Champ, MO can be an effective way to get you back to the activities you love.

How Do Champ, MO Physical Therapists Treat Shoulder Pain?

Your personalized and proven physical therapy treatments may include:

• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to detect and treat any soft tissue disorders
• Pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation, coordinated together with your physician, if your shoulder pain was caused by an injury that needed surgery to correct
• Kinesio Taping® to reduce pain and inflammation and keep you safe as you participate in physical activity 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 harder-to-reach damaged soft tissue to stimulate blood flow
• Posture correction to ensure 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 exercises to increase and maintain your mobility

Missouri Revised Statute §334.506 requires a prescription for physical therapy, so it’s important to speak to your Champ, 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 you are getting the care that fits into your overall treatment plan.

Other services we offer in Champ, 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

Champ, MO Shoulder Pain | Axes Physical Therapy

Optimal movement health is important to not only carrying out daily tasks with ease, but to keeping up the active lifestyles we desire. At Axes, we focus on positive outcomes for our Champ, MO clients by developing proven treatment plans catered to 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. Request an appointment through our website or call the location nearest you.