Shoulder Pain in Clearwater, MO. Those who suffer from shoulder pain know how hard it can be to manage. It can make any basic task from brushing your teeth to playing volleyball frustrating and, for certain people, unfeasible. But pain and limited shoulder movement does not have to be a part of your everyday life. At Axes Physical Therapy in Clearwater, MO, our professional physical therapists specialize in customized treatment plans, backed by proven research, to get you back to optimal movement health. Let us help you make your shoulder pain a long-forgotten memory. Schedule an appointment through our website or find our location most convenient for you.

The Human Shoulder | Shoulder Pain in Clearwater, MO

The shoulder is among human body’s largest and most complex joints. In actuality, 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 has the widest range of motion as any other human joint.
2. The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is formed by the junction of the collarbone the acromion, the bony tip on the outer edge of the shoulder blade. A plane joint, it allows you to outstretch your arm.
3. The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is a plane-style synovial joint located where the clavicle meets the breastbone at the foundation 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 more of a “floating” joint as it does not have typical joint characteristics. It attaches and allows movement between the shoulder blade and the part of rib cage at the back of our bodies.

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

• the four muscles of the rotator cup covering the head of the upper arm bone, which allow for movement movement and keep the ball of the upper arm bone slipping out of the socket
• the shoulder capsule, a a fluid-filled sac that surrounds and lubricates the shoulder
• the ligaments of the shoulder which attach bones together and provide stability for the capsule
• the biceps tendon and rotator cuff tendons which allow muscles to power the bones
• the brachial plexus nerves that allow the brain to tell the shoulder and arm to move and the shoulder to tell the brain when it feels pain or other sensory information
• the blood vessels that pump much-needed blood to the shoulder

In order for the shoulder to function properly the entire complex system must function well. Blood must flow freely to the shoulder maintain healthy soft tissue and stimulate the body’s natural recovery processes. The muscles strong enough to move and flexible enough to safely make those movements, 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 messages most be able to be sent and received between the brain and shoulder. When any of these functions are not being carried out in a healthy way, it often causes shoulder pain and movement problems. If if shoulder pain or poor shoulder movement is part of your daily life, reach out to Axes’ physical therapists for a complimentary injury screening.

What’s Behind My Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of circumstances, from sports injuries to acute trauma, a work injury from overuse to our bodies just getting weaker as we get older. Below are the most common underlying conditions that lead to shoulder pain in Clearwater, 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 repeated activities, often occurs in association with shoulder impingement, and can make basic tasks like getting dressed immensely difficult.
• Tendinitis — Tendinitis is typically caused by a tendon becoming irritated. It typically falls into one of two categories:
  • Acute: This can happen because of a sudden blow, repeated overhead motions, or other overhead activities needed in some sports and fields of employment, such as throwing overhead or lifting boxes above your head.
  • Chronic: The result of degenerative conditions or the body becoming weaker as we age.

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

• Rotator Cuff Tear — These can also be acute, such falling on an outstretched arm, or wear and tear. 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 having difficulty raising your arm or lifting things you normally can, pain when lying on the side of the affected shoulder, and a popping sensation with specific movements.
• Shoulder Impingement — Impingement is the result of soft tissue 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 happens when the head 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 cause shoulder pain and a sense of the shoulder “giving way.”
• Arthritis — While arthritis refers to a range of diagnoses, osteoarthritis is the condition that typically affects the shoulder. It is the result of the cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between your bones weakens and wears away. Common causes include tissue weakening as we become older, persistent trauma, and overuse. Arthritis cannot be cured, but effective pain management is possible with Clearwater, MO physical and occupational therapists.
• Shoulder Fractures — The upper arm bone, clavicle, and shoulder blade are the most commonly broken bones in the shoulder. They are often the result of falling from a height or forceful collisions such as a car accident. The shoulder pain is immediate and obvious, along with considerable swelling and contusions.
• Axillary Nerve Injuries or Brachial Plexus Injuries — Nerve damage in the shoulder can occur when nerves are stretched, 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 high-impact trauma but can also happen because of wear and tear.

Sometimes, injuries are intertwined, 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 Clearwater, MO may help determine the root of it. If you’ve sustained a severe injury or have severe shoulder pain, a physician in Clearwater, MO may use a physical examination, various imaging techniques, and/or arthroscopy to discover the cause. Most people who experience shoulder pain can find recovery with a tailored treatment plan with licensed physical therapists that specialize in movement health in Clearwater, MO can be an effective way to return to the things you love to do the most.

Treating Your Shoulder Pain in Clearwater, MO

Your personalized and evidence-backed physical therapy treatments may include:

• 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 surgeon, if you need surgery to relieve your shoulder pain
• Kinesio Taping® to reduce pain and inflammation and keep you safe as you participate in physical activity or go back to work while your body heals
• Blood flow restriction training to strengthen muscles while reducing overall stress on the shoulder
• Trigger point dry needling to target harder-to-reach damaged muscles, ligaments, and tendons to stimulate blood flow
• Posture correction to ensure 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 increase and maintain your mobility

Missouri Revised Statute §334.506 dictates that you need a prescription for physical therapy, so it’s necessary to speak to your Clearwater, MO doctor to see if physical therapy is safe and an effective treatment option for your shoulder pain. Our experienced physical and occupational therapists are responsible and work closely with your primary care physician to make sure your treatment plan is safe for your condition.

Other services we offer in Clearwater, 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

Clearwater, 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 positive outcomes for Clearwater, MO residents by implementing evidence-backed 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 things you love doing most and a pain-free life. Request an appointment online or call the location nearest you.