Shoulder Pain in Earth City, MO. Those who experience shoulder pain know how debilitating it can be. It makes everything from strapping on a seatbelt to diving for a softball frustrating and, in some cases, unfeasible. But you do not have to accept pain and limited shoulder movement. At Axes PT in Earth City, MO, our licensed physical therapists create customized treatment plans, proven to work through research, to get you back to the activities you love most. Allow us to make your shoulder pain an ancient memory. Schedule an appointment online or call our location most convenient for you.

The Human Shoulder | Shoulder Pain in Earth City, MO

The shoulder is one of the the largest and most complex joints we have. In reality, it is a compound 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. Given the relatively shallow socket, it allows for more movement than any other joint.
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 plane joint, it allows for additional rotation of the shoulder blade.
3. The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is a gliding joint formed by the collarbone the sternum at the base of the neck. This joint is where the arm and body meet, it it ensures your arm and body act in coordination.
4. The scapulothoracic (ST) “joint” is not a true anatomical joint as it does not have ligaments connecting it to bone. It attaches and allows movement between the shoulder blade and the thoracic cage.

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 allow for movement movement and keep the head of the upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder
• 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 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 nutritious blood to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons

Proper shoulder strength, flexibility, and movement 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 repair minor damage. 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 maintain structure, and the nerves need to have a strong and secure connection to the brain. When any of these functions are not being carried out in a healthy way, 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 no-risk, no-obligation injury screening.

What’s Behind My Shoulder Pain?

As the shoulder is complex, shoulder pain can have any of a number of root causes, 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 Earth City, MO:

• Bursitis — The bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that work as a cushion and gliding surface between tissues. Bursitis the result of the bursae becoming swollen after overuse, often occurs in combination with rotator cuff tendinitis, and can make basic tasks like brushing your teeth immensely painful.
• Tendinitis — Tendinitis is typically caused by a tendon becoming irritated. There are two causes of tendinitis:
  • Acute: This can happen because of a sudden blow, excessive overhead motions, or other overhead activities common in some competitive and activities and occupations, such as track and field throwing events or lifting and lowering objects.
  • Chronic: The result of degenerative conditions or general weakness as we get weaker.

  Symptoms include aching, tenderness, and slight swelling.

• Rotator Cuff Tear — These can also be caused by acute injuries, such falling on an outstretched arm, or more chronic in nature. They usually start with fraying and then tear. A partial thickness tear often goes unnoticed. Full-thickness tears, which pull the tendon off the bone, often require surgery. Symptoms include having difficulty raising your arm or lifting things you normally can, pain when lying on the side of the affected shoulder, and a clicking sensation when performing specific movements.
• Shoulder Impingement — Impingement describes when your acromion (outer edge of your shoulder blade) irritates the rotator cuff and bursae. It is often the result of rotator cuff swellings after an injury. Shoulder impingement is most common in people who are physically active.
• Shoulder Instability — This happens when the humerus is forced out of the shoulder socket, and also can be the result of injury or 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 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 suffers from osteoarthritis. It occurs when the cartilage cushioning the ends of your bones degenerates. Common causes include old age, persistent trauma, and wear and tear. There is no cure for arthritis, but effective pain management can be found with Earth City, MO physical therapists.
• Shoulder Fractures — The humerus, collarbone, and shoulder blade are the most commonly broken bones in the shoulder. They usually happen as the result of falling from a height or high-energy collisions such as a car accident. The shoulder pain is immediate and obvious, and the shoulder will experience considerable swelling and bruising.
• Axillary Nerve Injuries or Brachial Plexus Injuries — Nerve damage in the shoulder can occur when nerves are compressed, when scar tissue blocks their electric signals, or the nerves rupture. These injuries can cause shoulder pain, stingers, weakness, and loss of feeling in your shoulder, arm, or hand. They are usually the result of a sudden blow but can also happen because of overuse.

At times, one injury leads to another, such as instability that leads to impingement. If you’re currently suffering from shoulder pain, one of our no-risk, free injury screenings in Earth City, MO may help determine the root of it. To diagnose shoulder pain a physician in Earth City, MO may use a physical examination, various imaging techniques, and/or arthroscopy. For most injuries or conditions that cause shoulder pain, a personalized treatment plan with certified physical therapists and movement health specialists in Earth City, MO can be a successful way to get you back to a pain-free daily life and the active lifestyle you deserve.

Treating Your Shoulder Pain in Earth City, MO

Your customized 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 physician, if your shoulder pain was caused by an injury that needed surgery to correct
• Kinesio Taping® to reduce pain and inflammation and allow you to participate in sports or work while your body heals
• Blood flow restriction training to offer your shoulder a low-intensity exercise with high-intensity benefits
• Trigger point dry needling to attack harder-to-reach damaged muscles, ligaments, and tendons to encourage the body’s natural healing processes
• Posture correction to ensure you do not contribute to your injuries or do not heal correctly
• Injury prevention so you do not lose your active lifestyle in the future
• Other safe, effective exercises to increase and maintain your mobility

Missouri Law requires a prescription for physical therapy, so it’s important to speak to your Earth City, MO primary care physician to see if physical therapy is safe and an effective treatment option for your shoulder pain. Our licensed physical and occupational therapists are responsible and work closely with your primary care physician to ensure you are getting the care that is safe for your condition.

Other services we offer in Earth City, 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

Earth City, MO Shoulder Pain | Axes Physical Therapy

A well-functioning shoulder is imperative to not only living our every day life, but to doing the things we love. At Axes, we focus on positive outcomes for our Earth City, MO clients by implementing proven 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. Make an appointment online or find our location nearest you.