Shoulder Pain in Dutzow, MO. If you live with shoulder pain, you know how debilitating it can be. It makes everything from brushing your teeth to playing volleyball frustrating and, for some of us, impossible. But you do not need to live the rest of your life with pain and limited shoulder movement. At Axes Physical Therapy in Dutzow, MO, our experienced physical therapists specialize in customized treatment modalities, backed by proven research, to get you back to striking out opponents, or just combing your hair pain-free. Trust in us to turn your shoulder pain from a daily occurrence into a thing of the past. Request an appointment through our website or call the location nearest you.

The Human Shoulder | Shoulder Pain in Dutzow, MO

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

1. The glenohumeral (GH) joint is a ball and socket 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 allows for more movement than any other joint.
2. The acromioclavicular (AC) joint connects the collarbone to the acromion, the part of the shoulder blade that is the highest part of the shoulder. A gliding joint, it allows you to outstretch your arm.
3. The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is a plane-style synovial joint formed by the collarbone the sternum at the foundation of the neck. This joint is where the arm and torso meet, it coordinates the movement of the upper limb with the core of your body.
4. The scapulothoracic (ST) “joint” is not a true anatomical joint as it does not have typical joint characteristics. It is made up of the scapula and its articulation with the ribcage.

In addition to those four joints, the shoulder consists of:

• the four muscles of the rotator cup that surround the head of the upper arm bone, which power movement and keep the head of the upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder
• the shoulder capsule, a a fluid-filled sac that surrounds and lubricates the joints in the shoulder
• the four shoulder ligaments which help connect bone to bone and help reinforce the capsule
• the tendons in the biceps and shoulder which affix 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 blood vessels that supply much-needed blood to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons

Being able to move your shoulder pain free depends on every part of the system functioning well. Sufficient blood must flow to the shoulder efficiently to keep oxygen levels and muscles strong and stimulate the body’s natural recovery processes. The muscles must have adequate strength and flexibility, the tendons attaching bone and muscle must be strong, flexible, and free of rips or tears, the ligaments that attach our bones need to help support proper structure, and the brain and shoulder need to have clear communication with each other. 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 free injury screening.

What’s Behind My Shoulder Pain?

As the shoulder has so many moving parts, shoulder pain can have any of a number of root causes, from sports injuries to being struck by an object, 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 Dutzow, MO:

• Bursitis — The bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that work as a cushion and gliding surface between muscles, bones, tendons, and skin. Bursitis occurs when the bursae because irritated after repeated activities, often occurs at the same time as rotator cuff tendinitis, and can make daily tasks like laying down to go to sleep immensely painful.
• Tendinitis — Tendinitis generally occurs because of a tendon becoming irritated. It typically falls into one of two categories:
  • Acute: The result of trauma, repeated throwing, or other overhead activities needed in some competitive and activities and fields of employment, such as track and field throwing events or lifting boxes overhead.
  • Chronic: The result of degenerative conditions or the body becoming weaker as we age.

  The condition causes pain and tenderness just outside the joint.

• Rotator Cuff Tear — These can also be acute, like a blow to the shoulder, or wear and tear. 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, often require surgery. Symptoms include pain with specific motions, pain when sleeping, and a popping sensation when performing certain movements.
• Shoulder Impingement — Impingement is the result of soft tissue rubbing against your shoulder blade. It often occurs in combination with an injury that causes inflammation in the rotator cuff. Shoulder impingement occurs the most in people who are physically active.
• 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. 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 causes or is the result of injury to the surrounding areas of the shoulder. Chronic instability will result in shoulder pain and unsteadiness when performing certain motions.
• Arthritis — While arthritis refers to a range of diagnoses, osteoarthritis is the form that typically affects the shoulder. It is the result of the cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between your bones degenerates. It can be the result of old age, frequent injuries, and overuse. There is no cure for arthritis, but you can find effective pain management techniques with Dutzow, 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 forceful collisions such as being tackles in a football game. The shoulder pain is immediate and obvious, and the shoulder will experience substantial swelling and bruising.
• Axillary Nerve Injuries or Brachial Plexus Injuries — Nerve damage in the shoulder can occur when nerves are impinged on, when scar tissue blocks 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 commonly caused by sudden trauma but can also happen because of degenerative conditions.

Sometimes, injuries are intertwined, such as 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 Dutzow, MO may help determine the underlying cause. To diagnose shoulder pain a physician in Dutzow, MO may use a physical examination, various imaging techniques, and/or arthroscopy. Most people who experience shoulder pain can find recovery with a tailored treatment plan with professional physical therapists that specialize in movement health in Dutzow, MO can be an effective way to return to the activities you love.

Treating Your Shoulder Pain in Dutzow, 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 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 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 irritated muscles, ligaments, and tendons to stimulate blood flow
• Posture correction to make sure you are not inadvertently causing your shoulder pain or heal improperly
• Injury prevention so you can keep participating in the activities you love
• Other safe, effective techniques to increase and maintain your mobility

Missouri Revised Statute §334.506 stipulates that you need a prescription for physical therapy, so you need to reach out to your Dutzow, MO doctor to see if physical therapy is safe and an effective treatment option for your shoulder pain. Our licensed 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 Dutzow, 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

Dutzow, 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 our Dutzow, MO clients by implementing proven treatment plans catered to your injury, pain level, age, and desired activity level. 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.