Shoulder Pain in Howell, MO. Those who experience shoulder pain know the effect it can have on your life. It can make any basic task from driving to playing volleyball frustrating and, in some cases, impossible. But pain and limited shoulder movement is usually manageable and beatable with safe and effective treatment. At Axes PT in Howell, MO, our licensed physical therapists specialize in customized treatment modalities, proven to work through research, to get you back to optimal movement health. Allow us to make your shoulder pain an ancient memory. Schedule an appointment through our website or find the location nearest you.

How Does the Shoulder Work? | Shoulder Pain in Howell, MO

The shoulder is one of the the largest and most complex joints we have. In reality, what we call the shoulder joint is made up of four different joints:

1. The glenohumeral (GH) joint is a ball and socket 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 clavicle the acromion, the part of the shoulder blade that is the highest part of the shoulder. A plane joint, it allows your shoulder blade to follow the movements of the other shoulder joints.
3. The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is a gliding joint formed by the collarbone the breastbone at the base of the neck. As the only joint that connects the arm to the body, it links 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 typical joint characteristics. It attaches and allows movement between the shoulder blade and the thoracic cage.

The shoulder is supported and surrounded by:

• the four muscles of the rotator cup covering the head of the humerus, which are responsible for movement and keep the ball of the upper arm bone slipping out of the socket
• the shoulder capsule, a soft tissue sac that surrounds and protects the joints in the shoulder
• the ligaments of the shoulder which attach bones together and help reinforce the capsule
• the biceps tendon and rotator cuff tendons which allow muscles to power the bones
• the brachial plexus nerves that allow the brain to tell the shoulder and arm to move and the shoulder to tell the brain when it feels pain or other sensory information
• the blood vessels that supply nutrient-rich blood to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons

In order for the shoulder to function properly the entire complex system must function well. Blood must be allowed to reach the shoulder keep oxygen levels and muscles strong and stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. The muscles strong enough to move and flexible enough to safely make those movements, the tendons attaching bone and muscle must be intact and strong, the ligaments that attach our bones need to be similarly healthy, and messages most be able to be sent and received between the brain and shoulder. When any of these parts are not at optimal health, it can lead to a disruption of the entire network, and anywhere from nagging to severe 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 free injury screening.

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

As the shoulder has so many moving parts, shoulder pain can have any of a number of root causes, from sports injuries to being struck by an object, a work injury from overuse to old age. Below are the most common underlying conditions that lead to shoulder pain in Howell, 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 repeated activities, often occurs at the same time as inflammation of the rotator cuff, and can make basic activities like laying down for bed immensely painful.
• Tendinitis — Tendinitis generally occurs because of inflammation or irritation of a tendon. It typically falls into one of two categories:
  • Acute: This can happen because of a sudden blow, repeated overhead motions, or other overhead activities needed in some competitive and activities and occupations, such as volleyball or lifting and lowering objects.
  • Chronic: The result of degenerative conditions or general weakness as we get weaker.

  Symptoms include smarting pain, tenderness, and mild swelling.

• Rotator Cuff Tear — These can also be caused by acute injuries, such a blow to the shoulder, or more chronic in nature. They begin with fraying and ultimately tear. A partial tear often goes unnoticed. Complete tears, which go all the way through the tendon, do not heal by themselves. Common symptoms are having difficulty raising your arm or lifting things you normally can, pain when lying on the side of the affected shoulder, and a cracking sensation when performing specific movements.
• Shoulder Impingement — Impingement describes when your acromion (outer edge of your shoulder blade) rubs against 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, 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 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. Long-term instability will cause shoulder pain and unsteadiness when performing certain motions.
• Arthritis — While there are at least six kinds of arthritis, the shoulder most commonly experiences osteoarthritis. It occurs when the cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between your bones degenerates. It can be the result of tissue weakening as we become older, frequent injuries, and wear and tear. There is no cure for arthritis, but you can find effective pain management methods with Howell, MO physical therapists.
• Shoulder Fractures — The humerus, clavicle, 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 usually severe, along with substantial inflammation and bruising.
• Axillary Nerve Injuries or Brachial Plexus Injuries — Nerve damage in the shoulder is the result of when nerves are compressed, when scar tissue blocks signals between the brain and shoulder, or the nerves rupture. Axillary nerve and brachial plexus injuries can cause shoulder pain along with a range of other sensations. They are usually the result of a sudden blow but can also occur because of degenerative conditions.

At times, one injury leads to another, for example how an untreated rotator cuff tear can lead to arthritis. If you’re currently suffering from shoulder pain, one of our safe, free injury screenings in Howell, MO may help you discover the root of it. To diagnose shoulder pain a physician in Howell, 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 personalized treatment plan with experienced physical therapists that specialize in movement health in Howell, MO can be an effective way to return to optimal movement health.

How Do Howell, MO Physical Therapists Treat Shoulder Pain?

Your personalized and proven physical therapy treatments may include:

• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to detect and treat any problems with your muscles, ligaments, or tendons
• Pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation, based on a plan with come up with alongside your surgeon, if you need surgery to relieve your shoulder pain
• Kinesio Taping® to reduce pain and inflammation and allow you to participate in sports or work while you are still recovering
• Blood flow restriction training to offer your shoulder a low-intensity exercise with high-intensity results
• Trigger point dry needling to target irritated muscles, ligaments, and tendons deeper in the body to stimulate blood flow
• Posture correction to make sure you do not contribute to your injuries or heal improperly
• Injury prevention so you and your shoulder and stay healthy and active
• Other safe, effective techniques to optimize your mobility

Missouri Law dictates that you need a prescription to attend physical therapy appointments, so you need to reach out to your Howell, MO doctor to see if physical therapy is rights for your shoulder pain. Our experienced physical and occupational therapists are responsible and work closely with your primary care physician to make sure your treatment plan fits into your overall treatment plan.

Other services we offer in Howell, 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

Howell, MO Shoulder Pain | Axes Physical Therapy

A well-functioning shoulder is important to not only living our every day life, but to keeping up the active lifestyles we desire. At Axes, we focus on positive outcomes for our Howell, MO clients by implementing evidence-backed treatment plans based on your injury, pain level, age, and desired activity level. You do not have to delay in getting back to the activities you love and a pain-free life. Make an appointment through our website or find the location most convenient for you.