Shoulder Pain in Gilmore, MO. Those who experience shoulder pain know the limitations it can place on your life. It can make any daily task from watering the flowers to diving for a softball frustrating and, sometimes, not even an option. But you do not have to accept pain and limited shoulder movement. At Axes Physical Therapy in Gilmore, MO, our professional physical therapists specialize in tailored treatment plans, proven to work through 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. Make an appointment online or reach out to our location nearest you.

The Anatomy of the Shoulder | Shoulder Pain in Gilmore, MO

The shoulder is one of the the largest and most intricate joints we have. 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 dish, 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 scapula that is the highest part of the shoulder. A plane style synovial joint, it allows your shoulder blade to follow the movements of the other shoulder joints.
3. The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is a gliding joint located where the clavicle meets the sternum at the foundation of the neck. As the only joint that connects the arm to the body, 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 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 consists of:

• the four muscles of the rotator cup covering the head of the upper arm bone, which power movement and stabilize the ball of the humerus within the shoulder socket
• the shoulder capsule, a a fluid-filled sac that surrounds and lubricates the joints in the shoulder
• the four shoulder ligaments which provide passive stability while still allowing for movements in different planes
• 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 pump much-needed blood to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons

Optimal shoulder and movement health depends on every part of the system functioning well. Blood must flow freely to the shoulder 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 brain and shoulder need to have clear communication with each other. When any of these functions are not being carried out in a healthy way, it can lead to a breakdown of the entire system, and anywhere from nagging to debilitating shoulder pain or loss of function. 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?

Shoulder pain can be caused by numerous different circumstances, from sports injuries to being struck by an object, a work injury from repeated activities to old age. Below are the most common underlying conditions that lead to shoulder pain in Gilmore, MO:

• Bursitis — The bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that work as a cushion and gliding surface between tissues. Bursitis occurs when the bursae because swollen after repeated activities, often occurs at the same time as rotator cuff tendinitis, and can make daily tasks like getting in and out of cars tremendously difficult.
• Tendinitis — Tendinitis is typically caused by inflammation or irritation of a tendon. It typically falls into one of two categories:
  • Acute: This can happen because of trauma, repeated throwing, or other overhead activities common in some sports and fields of employment, such as tennis or lifting and lowering objects.
  • Chronic: This can happen because of degenerative conditions or general weakness as we age.

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

• Rotator Cuff Tear — These can also be caused by sudden trauma, like lifting an incredibly heavy object, or repetitive movements or old age. They usually start with fraying and then tear. People often live with partial tears unknowingly. 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 lying on the side of the affected shoulder, and a popping feeling when performing specific movements.
• Shoulder Impingement — Impingement describes when your acromion (outer edge of your shoulder blade) irritates the soft tissue in your shoulder. It often occurs in tandem with an injury that causes inflammation in the rotator cuff. Shoulder impingement is most common in people who play sports or are otherwise active.
• Shoulder Instability — This occurs when the head of the upper arm bone is allowed to move out of the socket when the capsule or ligaments become damaged, and also can happen suddenly or from 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 causes or is the result of injury to the surrounding areas of the shoulder. Long-term instability will cause shoulder pain and a sense of the shoulder “giving way.”
• Arthritis — While there are many kinds of arthritis, the shoulder most typically suffers from osteoarthritis. It is the result of the cartilage cushioning the ends of your bones weakens and wears away. It can be the result of old age, frequent trauma, and wear and tear. Arthritis cannot be cured, but effective pain management can be found with Gilmore, MO physical and occupational therapists.
• Shoulder Fractures — The humerus, collarbone, and scapula are the most commonly broken bones in the shoulder. They are often the result of falling from a height or high-impact collisions such as being tackles in a football game. The shoulder pain is immediate and obvious, and the shoulder will experience substantial 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 their electric signals, or the nerves are torn into two pieces. These injuries can cause shoulder pain, stingers, numbness, and loss of feeling in your shoulder, arm, or hand. They are usually the result of sudden trauma but can also happen because of degenerative conditions.

At times, one injury leads to another, such as a fracture that leads to damage to the nerves. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, one of our no-risk, free injury screenings in Gilmore, MO may help you discover why you’re experiencing the pain. To diagnose shoulder pain a physician in Gilmore, MO may use a physical examination, an X-Ray, an MRI, a CT scan, arthrogram, and/or arthroscopy. For most injuries or conditions that cause shoulder pain, a customized treatment plan with licensed physical therapists that specialize in movement health in Gilmore, MO can be a successful way to get you back to optimal movement health.

How Do Gilmore, MO Physical Therapists Treat Shoulder Pain?

Your customized and proven physical therapy treatments may include:

• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to identify soft tissue restrictions, smooth out scar tissue, and treat the affected area
• Pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation, coordinated together with your surgeon, if you need surgery to relieve your shoulder pain
• Kinesio Taping® to provide support for your shoulder 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 results
• 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 techniques to optimize your mobility

Missouri Revised Statute §334.506 stipulates that you need a prescription for physical therapy, so it’s important to speak to your Gilmore, MO physician to see if physical therapy is safe and an effective treatment option for your shoulder pain. Our knowledgeable physical and occupational therapists work alongside your primary care physician to ensure you are getting the care that fits into your overall treatment plan.

Other services we offer in Gilmore, MO include:

• Dry Needling Near Me
• Tendonitis Treatment
• Manual Physical Therapy
• Orthopedic Rehab Near Me
• Beginner Running Program
• Chronic Pain Treatment
• Spine Specialist Near Me
• MCL Injury
• Injury Prevention

Gilmore, MO Shoulder Pain | Axes Physical Therapy

A well-functioning 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 Gilmore, MO people of all ages by developing proven treatment plans based on your injury, pain level, age, and desired activity level. Do not wait to get back to the activities you love and a pain-free life. Make an appointment online or find our location most convenient for you.