Shoulder Pain in Hoene Spring, MO. Those who suffer from shoulder pain know how debilitating it can be. It makes everything from brushing your teeth to diving for a softball frustrating and, sometimes, unfeasible. But you do not need to live the rest of your life with pain and limited shoulder movement. At Axes Physical Therapy in Hoene Spring, MO, our professional physical therapists create customized treatment modalities, backed by proven research, to get you back to the activities you love most. Allow us to turn your shoulder pain from a daily occurrence into a thing of the past. Request an appointment through our website or find our location most convenient for you.

How Does the Shoulder Work? | Shoulder Pain in Hoene Spring, MO

The shoulder is one of the human body’s largest and most complex joints. In reality, 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. As 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 plane joint, it allows you to outstretch your arm.
3. The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is a plane-style synovial joint formed by the clavicle the breastbone at the foundation of the neck. As the only joint that connects the arm to the body, it coordinates the movement of the upper limb with the core of your body.
4. The scapulothoracic (ST) “joint” is more of a “floating” joint as it does not have does not have union by fibrous, cartilaginous or synovial tissues. It attaches and allows movement between the shoulder blade and the thoracic cage.

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

• the four muscles of the rotator cup covering the head of the humerus, 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 shoulder
• the ligaments of the shoulder which help connect bone to bone and help reinforce the capsule
• the biceps tendon and rotator cuff tendons which attach muscle to bone
• the brachial plexus nerves that allow for the brain and muscles to communicate with each other
• the blood vessels that pump nutrient-rich 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. Blood must flow freely to the shoulder keep oxygen levels and muscles strong and repair minor damage. The muscles must have adequate strength and flexibility, 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 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 disruption of the whole network, and anywhere from nagging to intense shoulder pain or loss of function. If if shoulder pain or poor shoulder movement is part of your daily life, contact 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 repeated activities to our bodies just getting weaker as we get older. The following are the most common underlying conditions that lead to shoulder pain in Hoene Spring, 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 swollen after overuse, often occurs in association with shoulder impingement, and can make basic activities like carrying groceries incredibly difficult.
• Tendinitis — Tendinitis is typically caused by a tendon becoming irritated. There are two causes of tendinitis:
  • Acute: The result of trauma, repeated throwing, or other overhead activities needed 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, throbbing, and mild swelling.

• Rotator Cuff Tear — These can also be caused by acute injuries, such falling on an outstretched arm, or more chronic in nature. They begin with fraying and ultimately tear. A partial thickness tear often goes unnoticed. Complete tears, which pull the tendon off the bone, often require surgery. Associated symptoms are pain when performing specific movements, pain when lying on the side of the affected shoulder, and a clicking sensation when performing certain motions.
• Shoulder Impingement — Impingement is the result of the rotator cuff and bursae rubbing against your shoulder blade. It often occurs in combination with an injury that causes inflammation in the rotator cuff. Shoulder impingement is rarely caused by overuse, and is most common in athletes or others who engage in physical activity.
• Shoulder Instability — This occurs when the head of the upper arm bone is exits 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 causes or is the result of injury to the surrounding areas of the shoulder. Long-term instability will result in shoulder pain and unsteadiness when performing certain motions.
• Arthritis — While there are many 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 tissue weakening as we become older, repeated injuries, and overuse. There is no cure for arthritis, but you can find effective pain management techniques with Hoene Spring, MO physical and occupational therapists.
• Shoulder Fractures — The upper arm bone, collarbone, and shoulder blade are the bones in the shoulder most susceptible to breaking. 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 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 communication between the brain and shoulder, or the nerves rupture. These 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 degenerative conditions.

At times, one injury leads to another, for example instability that leads to impingement. If you’re currently suffering from shoulder pain, one of our no-risk, free injury screenings in Hoene Spring, MO may help determine the root of it. To diagnose shoulder pain a physician in Hoene Spring, MO may use a physical examination, various imaging techniques, and/or arthroscopy. For most injuries or conditions that cause shoulder pain, a tailored treatment plan with licensed physical therapists and movement health specialists in Hoene Spring, MO can be a successful way to get you back to the things you love to do the most.

Treating Your Shoulder Pain in Hoene Spring, MO

Your tailored and proven physical therapy treatments may include:

• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to detect and treat any soft tissue disorders
• Pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation, based on a plan with come up with alongside your physician, if your shoulder pain was caused by an injury that needed surgery to correct
• Kinesio Taping® to provide support for your shoulder and allow you to participate in physical activity or work while you are still recovering
• Blood flow restriction training to improve strength while reducing overall stress on the shoulder
• Trigger point dry needling to target damaged muscles, ligaments, and tendons deeper in the body to stimulate blood flow
• Posture correction to ensure you do not contribute to your injuries or do not heal correctly
• Injury prevention so you can keep participating in the activities you love
• Other safe, effective exercises to increase and maintain your mobility

Missouri Revised Statute §334.506 requires a prescription for physical therapy, so it’s important to speak to your Hoene Spring, MO doctor to see if physical therapy is rights for your shoulder pain. Our knowledgeable physical and occupational therapists form a team with your primary care physician to make sure you are getting the care that is safe for your condition.

Other services we offer in Hoene Spring, MO include:

• Neck Pain Treatment
• 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

Hoene Spring, MO Shoulder Pain | Axes Physical Therapy

A healthy 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 our Hoene Spring, MO clients by creating proven 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 online or reach out to our location most convenient for you.