Shoulder Pain in Lake Tekawitha, MO. Those who experience shoulder pain know how hard it can be to manage. It can make everything from pouring a cup of coffee to serving an ace on the tennis court frustrating and, sometimes, impossible. But pain and limited shoulder movement is usually manageable and beatable with safe and effective treatment. At Axes Physical Therapy in Lake Tekawitha, MO, our experienced physical therapists specialize in tailored treatment plans, based on evidence, to get you back to optimal movement health. Trust in 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.

The Human Shoulder | Shoulder Pain in Lake Tekawitha, 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. Given the relatively shallow socket, it has the widest range of motion as any other human joint.
2. The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is formed by the junction of the collarbone the acromion, the bony tip on the outer edge of the scapula. A gliding joint, it helps extend the upper extremity from the trunk.
3. The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is a gliding joint formed by the collarbone the sternum at the bottom of the neck. As the only joint that connects the arm to the body, it connects 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 typical joint characteristics. It is made up of the shoulder blade 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 power movement and stabilize and protect the GH joint
• the shoulder capsule, a a fluid-filled sac that surrounds and lubricates the shoulder
• the four shoulder ligaments which help connect bone to bone and provide stability for the capsule
• the tendons in the biceps and shoulder which attach muscle to bone
• 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 nutritious blood to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons

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 keep oxygen levels and muscles strong and repair minor damage. The muscles must have adequate strength and flexibility, the tendons attaching bone and muscle must be intact and strong, the ligaments connecting bones need to be similarly healthy, and the nerves need to have a strong and secure connection to the brain. When any of these functions are not being carried out in a healthy way, it can lead to a disruption of the whole system, and anywhere from nagging to intense 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?

As the shoulder has so many moving parts, shoulder pain can have many 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 Lake Tekawitha, 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 irritated after repeated activities, often occurs at the same time as shoulder impingement, and can make daily tasks like brushing your teeth tremendously difficult.
• Tendinitis — Tendinitis is typically caused by inflammation or irritation of a tendon. It typically falls into one of two categories:
  • Acute: The result of a sudden blow, excessive throwing, or other overhead activities needed in some sports and occupations, such as track and field throwing events or moving objects overhead.
  • Chronic: The result of degenerative conditions or the body becoming weaker as we age.

  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 wear and tear. They usually start with fraying and then tear. A partial tear often goes unnoticed. Complete tears, where the tendon is completely detached from the bone, often require surgery. Symptoms include pain with certain motions, pain when sleeping, and a popping sensation when performing certain movements.
• Shoulder Impingement — Impingement describes when your acromion (outer edge of your shoulder blade) pinches the soft tissue in your shoulder. It is often the result of rotator cuff swellings after an injury. Shoulder impingement is rarely caused by overuse, but rather by physical activity.
• Shoulder Instability — This occurs when the head of the humerus is allowed to move out of the socket when the capsule or ligaments become stretched, torn, or detached, and also can happen suddenly or from 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 is accompanied by injury to the supporting soft tissue 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 typically experiences osteoarthritis. It is the result of the cartilage cushioning the ends of your bones weakens and wears away. Common causes include tissue weakening as we become older, frequent injuries, and wear and tear. There is no cure for arthritis, but effective pain management is possible with Lake Tekawitha, MO physical and occupational therapists.
• Shoulder Fractures — The humerus, clavicle, and shoulder blade 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 usually significant, along with substantial swelling and contusions.
• Axillary Nerve Injuries or Brachial Plexus Injuries — Nerve damage in the shoulder can occur when nerves are compressed, when scar tissue interferes with their electric signals, or the nerves are torn into two pieces. Axillary nerve and brachial plexus injuries can cause shoulder pain, stingers, numbness, and loss of sensation in your shoulder, arm, or hand. They are usually the result of a sudden blow but can also happen because of wear and tear.

At times, one injury leads to another, such as an impingement causing damage to the nerves. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, one of our no-obligation, free injury screenings in Lake Tekawitha, MO may help determine the root of it. To diagnose shoulder pain a physician in Lake Tekawitha, MO may use a physical examination, various imaging techniques, and/or arthroscopy. Most people who experience shoulder pain can find recovery with a customized treatment plan with certified physical therapists and movement health specialists in Lake Tekawitha, MO can be a great way to return to the things you love to do the most.

How Do Lake Tekawitha, MO Physical Therapists Treat Shoulder Pain?

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, coordinated together with your physician, if your shoulder pain was caused by an injury that needed surgery to correct
• Kinesio Taping® to reduce pain and inflammation and keep you safe as you participate in sports or work while your body heals
• Blood flow restriction training to improve strength while reducing overall stress on the shoulder
• Trigger point dry needling to attack damaged soft tissue deeper in the body to stimulate blood flow
• Posture correction to ensure you are not inadvertently causing your shoulder pain or heal improperly
• Injury prevention so you and your shoulder and stay healthy and active
• Other safe, effective exercises to increase and maintain your mobility

Missouri Revised Statute §334.506 dictates that you need a prescription for physical therapy, so you need to reach out to your Lake Tekawitha, MO physician 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 ensure you are getting the care that is safe for your condition.

Other services we offer in Lake Tekawitha, MO include:

• Soft Tissue Mobilization
• Post Surgical Rehabilitation
• Shin Splint Treatment
• Direct Access Physical Therapy
• Gait Analysis
• Pelvic Floor Therapy
• Dry Needling Near Me
• Tendonitis Treatment
• Manual Physical Therapy
• Orthopedic Rehab Near Me

Lake Tekawitha, MO Shoulder Pain | Axes Physical Therapy

A healthy shoulder is essential to not only carrying out daily tasks with ease, but to doing the things we love. At Axes, we focus on positive outcomes for Lake Tekawitha, MO residents by creating proven treatment plans catered to 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. Schedule an appointment through our website or reach out to the location most convenient for you.