Shoulder Pain in Herculaneum, MO. If you live with shoulder pain, you know the effect it can have on your life. It makes any daily task from strapping on a seatbelt to making a breakaway layup frustrating and, in some cases, unfeasible. But pain and limited shoulder movement does not have to be a part of your everyday life. At Axes Physical Therapy in Herculaneum, MO, our experienced physical therapists specialize in customized treatment plans, based on evidence, to get you back to optimal movement health. Allow us to turn your shoulder pain from a daily occurrence into a thing of the past. Request an appointment online or find our location nearest you.

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

The shoulder is one of the the largest and most complex joints we have. In truth, it is made up of four independent smaller joints:

1. The glenohumeral (GH) joint is the joint responsible for connecting the upper extremity to the trunk. 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 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 base of the neck. This joint is where the arm and torso meet, it connects 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 scapula 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 upper arm bone, which are responsible for movement and stabilize the ball of the humerus within the shoulder socket
• the shoulder capsule, a soft tissue sac that surrounds and protects the joints in the shoulder
• the four shoulder ligaments which provide passive stability while still allowing for a wide range of movements
• the tendons in the biceps and shoulder which allow muscles to power the bones
• the brachial plexus nerves that allow for the brain and muscles to communicate with each other
• the blood vessels that supply much-needed blood to the shoulder

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 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 be similarly healthy, 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 whole 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 complimentary injury screening.

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain can be caused by numerous different circumstances, from sports injuries to acute trauma, a work injury from repeated activities to old age. Below are common causes of shoulder pain that our physical and occupations therapists see in Herculaneum, MO:

• Bursitis — The bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that act as shock absorbers and reduce friction in joints. Bursitis the result of the bursae becoming swollen after overuse, often occurs in combination with shoulder impingement, and can make basic tasks like getting dressed immensely difficult.
• Tendinitis — Tendinitis generally occurs because of inflammation or irritation of a tendon. 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 occupations, such as tennis or lifting boxes overhead.
  • Chronic: This can happen because of wear and tear or the body becoming weaker as we age.

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

• 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. A partial tear often goes unnoticed. Full-thickness tears, which pull the tendon off the bone, do not heal by themselves. Symptoms include having difficulty raising your arm or lifting things you normally can, pain when sleeping, and a grinding feeling with specific motions.
• Shoulder Impingement — Impingement describes when your acromion (the bony tip of your scapula) irritates the rotator cuff and bursae. It often occurs in combination 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 occurs when the humerus is exits the shoulder socket, 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 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 kinds of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the form that typically affects the shoulder. Osteoarthritis is the degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bones. It can be the result of old age, frequent injuries, and wear and tear. There is no cure for arthritis, but you can find effective pain management techniques with Herculaneum, MO physical and occupational therapists.
• Shoulder Fractures — The upper arm bone, 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-impact collisions such as a car accident. The shoulder pain is immediate and obvious, along with substantial swelling 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 communication between the brain and shoulder, or the nerves are torn into two pieces. Axillary nerve and brachial plexus injuries can cause shoulder pain along with a range of other sensations. They are commonly caused by a sudden blow but can also happen because of overuse.

At times, one injury leads to another, such as how an untreated rotator cuff tear can lead to arthritis. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, one of our no-obligation, free injury screenings in Herculaneum, MO may help determine why you’re experiencing the pain. If you’ve sustained a severe injury or have severe shoulder pain, a physician in Herculaneum, MO may use a physical examination, various imaging techniques, and/or arthroscopy to discover the cause. Most people who experience shoulder pain can experience recovery with a personalized treatment plan with experienced physical therapists that are experts in movement health in Herculaneum, MO can be a successful way to get you back to the activities you love.

Treating Your Shoulder Pain in Herculaneum, MO

Your customized and proven physical therapy treatment plan may include:

• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to identify degenerative tissue, smooth out scar tissue, and treat the affected area
• Pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation, coordinated together with your doctor, 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 you are still recovering
• Blood flow restriction training to strengthen muscles while reducing overall stress on the shoulder
• Trigger point dry needling to target harder-to-reach damaged muscles, ligaments, and tendons to stimulate blood flow
• 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 states that you need a prescription for physical therapy, so it’s important to speak to your Herculaneum, MO primary care physician to see if physical therapy is safe and an effective treatment option for your shoulder pain. Our professional physical and occupational therapists work alongside your primary care physician to ensure your treatment plan is safe for your condition.

Other services we offer in Herculaneum, 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

Herculaneum, MO Shoulder Pain | Axes Physical Therapy

A well-functioning shoulder is essential 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 Herculaneum, MO people of all ages by developing proven treatment plans based on 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 through our website or find the location most convenient for you.