Shoulder Pain in Doe Run, MO. Those who suffer from shoulder pain know how hard it can be to manage. It makes everything from driving to making a breakaway layup 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 PT in Doe Run, MO, our experienced physical therapists create customized treatment modalities, based on evidence, to get you back to optimal movement health. Let us help you make your shoulder pain a long-forgotten memory. Schedule an appointment online or call our location most convenient for you.

The Human Shoulder | Shoulder Pain in Doe Run, MO

The shoulder is among human body’s largest and most intricate joints. In reality, it is a complex of four 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. As the ball is several times larger than the socket, it allows for more movement than any other joint.
2. The acromioclavicular (AC) joint connects the clavicle to the acromion, the bony tip on the outer edge of the scapula. A gliding joint, it allows for additional rotation of the shoulder blade.
3. The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is a gliding joint located where the collarbone meets the breastbone at the foundation of the neck. As the only joint that connects the arm to the body, it connects 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 is made up of the shoulder blade and its articulation with the ribcage.

The shoulder is supported and surrounded by:

• the four muscles of the rotator cup that surround the head of the upper arm bone, which allow for movement movement and stabilize the ball of the humerus within the shoulder socket
• the shoulder capsule, a tough sheath or membrane that encloses the shoulder
• the four shoulder ligaments which provide passive stability while still allowing for movements in different planes
• the biceps tendon and rotator cuff tendons 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 arteries that supply 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 be able to work 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 intact and strong, 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 parts are not at optimal health, it can lead to a disruption of the entire network, and anywhere from nagging to debilitating shoulder pain or loss of function. 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?

As the shoulder is complex, shoulder pain can have many root causes, from sports injuries to a car accident, a work injury from repeated activities to our bodies just getting weaker as we get older. The following are the most common underlying conditions that lead to shoulder pain in Doe Run, MO:

• Bursitis — The bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that act as shock absorbers and reduce friction in joints. Bursitis occurs when the bursae because swollen after repeated activities, often occurs in combination with inflammation of the rotator cuff, and can make daily tasks like laying down for bed incredibly painful.
• Tendinitis — Tendinitis is typically caused by a tendon becoming irritated. There are two types of tendinitis:
  • Acute: This can happen because of a sudden blow, excessive throwing, or other overhead activities needed in some sports and fields of employment, such as volleyball or moving objects overhead.
  • Chronic: This can happen because of wear and tear or general weakness as we get weaker.

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

• Rotator Cuff Tear — These can also be caused by acute injuries, 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 unaware. Full-thickness tears, which go all the way through the tendon, do not heal by themselves. Associated symptoms are having difficulty raising your arm or lifting things you normally can, pain when sleeping, and a popping feeling when performing certain motions.
• Shoulder Impingement — Impingement describes when your acromion (outer edge 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 occurs when the head of the humerus is forced out of the shoulder socket, and also can be the result of injury or 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 happens in combination with injury to the supporting soft tissue of the shoulder. Chronic instability will result in shoulder pain and unsteadiness when performing certain motions.
• 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. It can be the result of tissue weakening as we become older, repeated trauma, and overuse. There is no cure for arthritis, but you can find effective pain management techniques with Doe Run, 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 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 usually significant, and the shoulder will experience substantial inflammation and bruising.
• Axillary Nerve Injuries or Brachial Plexus Injuries — Nerve damage in the shoulder is the result of when nerves are stretched, when scar tissue blocks signals between the brain and shoulder, or the nerves burst. These injuries can cause shoulder pain, stingers, numbness, and loss of sensation in your upper extremities. They are usually the result of a sudden blow 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 Doe Run, MO may help determine why you’re experiencing the pain. To diagnose shoulder pain a physician in Doe Run, MO may use a physical examination, various imaging techniques, and/or arthroscopy. For most injuries or conditions that cause shoulder pain, a tailored treatment plan with experienced physical therapists that specialize in movement health in Doe Run, MO can be an effective way to get you back to the things you love to do the most.

How Do Doe Run, MO Physical Therapists Treat Shoulder Pain?

Your personalized and proven physical therapy treatment plan 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, coordinated together with your surgeon, if your shoulder pain was caused by an injury that needed surgery to correct
• Kinesio Taping® to provide support for your shoulder and keep you safe as you participate in sports or go back to 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 irritated muscles, ligaments, and tendons deeper in the body to encourage the body’s natural healing processes
• Posture correction to make sure you do not contribute to your injuries 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 to attend physical therapy appointments, so you need to reach out to your Doe Run, MO physician to see if physical therapy is rights for your shoulder pain. Our experienced physical and occupational therapists work alongside your primary care physician to make sure you are getting the care that fits into your overall treatment plan.

Other services we offer in Doe Run, 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

Doe Run, MO Shoulder Pain | Axes Physical Therapy

A healthy shoulder is important to not only carrying out daily tasks with ease, but to doing the things we love. At Axes, we focus on positive outcomes for Doe Run, MO residents by implementing evidence-backed treatment plans catered to your injury, pain level, age, and the activities you want to get back to. Do not wait to get back to the things you love doing most and a pain-free life. Request an appointment online or reach out to our location most convenient for you.