Shoulder Pain in Ferguson, MO. If you live with shoulder pain, you know how debilitating it can be. It makes any daily task from watering the flowers to playing volleyball frustrating and, for certain people, unfeasible. But pain and limited shoulder movement is usually manageable and beatable with safe and effective treatment. At Axes PT in Ferguson, MO, our licensed physical therapists specialize in customized treatment modalities, based on evidence, to get you back to striking out opponents, or just combing your hair pain-free. Allow us to safely and effectively treat your shoulder pain. Schedule an appointment online or call the location most convenient for you.

The Human Shoulder | Shoulder Pain in Ferguson, MO

The shoulder is among 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 where the humerus (upper arm bone) fits into the socket of the glenoid. Given the relatively shallow socket, it is the most mobile joint in the body.
2. The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is formed by the junction of the collarbone 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 breastbone at the foundation 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 not a true anatomical 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.

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 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 tough sheath or membrane that surrounds and protects 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 attach 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 arteries that pump nutritious blood to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons

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 keep oxygen levels and muscles strong and stimulate the body’s natural recovery processes. The muscles strong enough to move and flexible enough to safely make those movements, the tendons attaching bone and muscle must be strong, flexible, and free of rips or tears, the ligaments connecting bones need to be similarly healthy, and the nerves need to have a strong and secure connection to the brain. 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, reach out to Axes’ physical therapists for a free injury screening.

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

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

• Bursitis — The bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles in and around your joints. Bursitis the result of the bursae becoming inflamed after overuse, often occurs at the same time as shoulder impingement, and can make daily tasks like brushing your teeth exceedingly painful.
• Tendinitis — Tendinitis generally occurs because of a tendon becoming irritated. It typically falls into one of two categories:
  • Acute: The result of trauma, excessive throwing, or other overhead activities common 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 general weakness as we age.

  Symptoms include aching, tenderness, and mild swelling.

• Rotator Cuff Tear — These can also be caused by sudden trauma, like a blow to the shoulder, or more chronic in nature. They usually start with fraying and then tear. People often live with partial thickness tears unaware. Full-thickness tears, which go all the way through the tendon, often require surgery. Symptoms include having difficulty raising your arm or lifting things you normally can, pain when sleeping, and a clicking feeling when performing specific movements.
• Shoulder Impingement — Impingement is the result of the rotator cuff and bursae rubbing against your shoulder blade. It often occurs in tandem with an injury that causes inflammation in the rotator cuff. Shoulder impingement is rarely caused by overuse, but rather by physical activity.
• Shoulder Instability — This happens when the humerus is forced out of the shoulder socket, and also can be the result of injury or wear and tear. 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 surrounding areas of the shoulder. Chronic instability will result in shoulder pain and a sense of the shoulder “giving way.”
• Arthritis — While there are many types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the condition that typically affects the shoulder. It occurs when the cartilage cushioning the ends of your bones weakens and wears away. Common causes include old age, persistent injuries, and wear and tear. There is no cure for arthritis, but you can find effective pain management techniques with Ferguson, MO physical and occupational therapists.
• Shoulder Fractures — The upper arm bone, collarbone, and scapula are the bones in the shoulder most susceptible to breaking. They are often 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 inflammation and contusions.
• 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 rupture. Axillary nerve and brachial plexus injuries can cause shoulder pain, stingers, weakness, and loss of sensation in your shoulder, arm, or hand. They are usually the result of sudden trauma but can also occur because of degenerative conditions.

Sometimes, injuries are intertwined, such as how an untreated rotator cuff tear can lead to arthritis. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, one of our no-risk, free injury screenings in Ferguson, MO may help you discover the root of it. To diagnose shoulder pain a physician in Ferguson, MO may use a physical examination, various imaging techniques, and/or arthroscopy. Most people who experience shoulder pain can experience relief with a personalized treatment plan with licensed physical therapists that are experts in movement health in Ferguson, MO can be an effective way to get you back to optimal movement health.

How Do Ferguson, MO Physical Therapists Treat Shoulder Pain?

Your customized and evidence-backed physical therapy may include any one or a variety of different treatment plans:

• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to identify soft tissue restrictions, break down scar tissue, and treat the affected area
• Pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation, based on a plan with come up with alongside your doctor, if you need surgery to relieve your shoulder pain
• Kinesio Taping® to provide support for your shoulder and keep you safe as you participate in sports or work while your body heals
• Blood flow restriction training to strengthen muscles while reducing overall stress on the shoulder
• Trigger point dry needling to attack irritated soft tissue deeper in the body to encourage the body’s natural healing processes
• 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 requires a prescription to attend physical therapy appointments, so you need to reach out to your Ferguson, MO primary care physician to see if physical therapy is safe and an effective treatment option for your shoulder pain. Our knowledgeable physical and occupational therapists are responsible and work closely with your primary care physician to make sure you are getting the care that fits into your overall treatment plan.

Other services we offer in Ferguson, 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

Ferguson, MO Shoulder Pain | Axes Physical Therapy

A well-functioning shoulder is essential to not only living our every day life, but to doing the things we love. At Axes, we focus on positive outcomes for our Ferguson, MO clients by developing evidence-backed treatment plans based on 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 through our website or reach out to the location most convenient for you.