Shoulder Pain in Kirkwood, MO. Those who experience shoulder pain know the limitations it can place on your life. It can make everything from watering the flowers to serving an ace on the tennis court frustrating and, sometimes, unfeasible. But pain and limited shoulder movement is usually manageable and beatable with safe and effective treatment. At Axes Physical Therapy in Kirkwood, MO, our experienced physical therapists specialize in personalized treatment plans, proven to work through research, to get you back to the activities you love most. Let us help you make your shoulder pain an ancient memory. Request an appointment online or reach out to the location most convenient for you.

The Human Shoulder | Shoulder Pain in Kirkwood, MO

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

1. The glenohumeral (GH) joint is the joint where the humerus (upper arm bone) fits into the socket of the glenoid. Given the relatively shallow dish, it allows for more movement than any other joint.
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 plane style synovial joint, it helps extend the upper extremity from the trunk.
3. The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is a plane-style synovial joint formed by the clavicle the breastbone at the base of the neck. As the only joint that connects the arm to the torso, it it ensures your arm and body move in tandem.
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 is made up of the scapula and its articulation with the ribcage.

In order to support those four joints, the shoulder consists of:

• the four muscles of the rotator cup that surround the head of the humerus, which are responsible for movement and stabilize and protect the GH joint
• 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 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 arteries that supply nutritious 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 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 connecting 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 often causes shoulder pain and movement problems. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain or any other symptoms of a shoulder injury, contact Axes’ physical therapists for a complimentary injury screening.

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of circumstances, from sports injuries to acute trauma, a work injury from repeated activities to old age. The following are the most common underlying conditions that lead to shoulder pain in Kirkwood, MO:

• Bursitis — The bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that act as shock absorbers and reduce friction in joints. Bursitis occurs when the bursae because inflamed after overuse, often occurs at the same time as shoulder impingement, and can make basic tasks like carrying groceries exceedingly difficult.
• Tendinitis — Tendinitis generally occurs because of a tendon becoming irritated. It typically falls into one of two categories:
  • Acute: This can happen because of a sudden blow, repeated throwing, or other overhead activities common in some sports and fields of employment, such as track and field throwing events or lifting and lowering objects.
  • Chronic: The result of degenerative conditions or general weakness as we age.

  Symptoms include aching, throbbing, and slight swelling.

• Rotator Cuff Tear — These can also be acute, like a blow to the shoulder, or repetitive movements or old age. They begin with fraying and ultimately tear. A partial tear often goes unnoticed. Full-thickness tears, where the tendon is completely detached from the bone, do not heal by themselves. Symptoms include pain when performing specific motions, pain when lying on the side of the affected shoulder, and a popping feeling when performing certain motions.
• Shoulder Impingement — Impingement is the result of the rotator cuff and bursae rubbing against your shoulder blade. It is often the result of rotator cuff swellings because of an injury. 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 ball of the humerus is allowed to move out of the socket when the capsule or ligaments become stretched, torn, or detached, 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 is accompanied by 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 form that typically affects the shoulder. Osteoarthritis is the degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bones. Common causes include tissue weakening as we become older, persistent injuries, and overuse. Arthritis cannot be cured, but you can find effective pain management techniques with Kirkwood, 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 are often the result of falling a significant distance or onto a hard surface or forceful collisions such as a car accident. The shoulder pain is usually intense, and the shoulder will experience substantial inflammation and bruising.
• Axillary Nerve Injuries or Brachial Plexus Injuries — Nerve damage in the shoulder can occur when nerves are impinged on, when scar tissue blocks signals 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 high-impact trauma but can also occur because of overuse.

Sometimes, injuries are connected, for example instability that leads to impingement. If you’re currently suffering from shoulder pain, one of our no-risk, free injury screenings in Kirkwood, MO may help you discover the underlying cause. To diagnose shoulder pain a physician in Kirkwood, 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 and movement health specialists in Kirkwood, MO can be an effective way to return to a pain-free daily life and the active lifestyle you deserve.

Treating Your Shoulder Pain in Kirkwood, MO

Your customized and proven physical therapy treatments may include:

• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to identify soft tissue restrictions, break down 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 physical activity 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 irritated soft tissue deeper in the body to stimulate blood flow
• Posture correction to make sure you are not inadvertently causing your shoulder pain or do not heal correctly
• Injury prevention so you can keep participating in the activities you love
• Other safe, effective exercises 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 Kirkwood, 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 make sure you are getting the care that fits into your overall treatment plan.

Other services we offer in Kirkwood, 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

Kirkwood, MO Shoulder Pain | Axes Physical Therapy

Optimal movement health 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 Kirkwood, MO clients by creating evidence-backed treatment plans catered to your injury, pain level, age, and desired activity level. Do not wait to get back to the things you love doing most and a pain-free life. Request an appointment through our website or reach out to our location most convenient for you.