Shoulder Pain in Maplewood, MO. Those who suffer from shoulder pain know the limitations it can place on your life. It makes any daily task from pouring a cup of coffee to playing volleyball painful and, in some cases, unfeasible. But you do not have to accept pain and limited shoulder movement. At Axes Physical Therapy in Maplewood, MO, our experienced physical therapists create customized treatment modalities, proven to work through research, to get you back to striking out opponents, or just combing your hair pain-free. Trust in us to turn your shoulder pain from a daily occurrence into a thing of the past. Make an appointment through our website or find the location nearest you.

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

The shoulder is one of the human body’s largest and most intricate joints. In truth, what is referred to as 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. Because the top of the upper arm bone is several times larger than the 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 part of the scapula 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 gliding joint located where the clavicle meets the sternum at the foundation of the neck. This joint is where the arm and body meet, it it ensures your arm and body act 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 shoulder blade and its articulation with the ribcage.

The shoulder is supported and surrounded by:

• the four muscles of the rotator cup that surround the head of the upper arm bone, which allow for movement movement and keep the ball of the upper arm bone slipping out of the socket
• the shoulder capsule, a a fluid-filled sac that surrounds and lubricates the joints in the shoulder
• the four shoulder ligaments which help connect bone to bone and provide stability for 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 arteries that pump nutrient-rich blood to the shoulder

In order for the shoulder to function properly the entire complex system must function well. Sufficient blood must reach to the shoulder efficiently to maintain healthy soft tissue and repair minor damage. The muscles must have adequate strength and flexibility, the tendons attaching bone and muscle 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 functions are not being carried out in a healthy way, it can lead to a breakdown of the whole system, 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, contact Axes’ physical therapists for a no-risk, no-obligation injury screening.

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain can be caused by numerous different circumstances, from sports injuries to falls, 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 Maplewood, MO:

• Bursitis — The bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that work as a cushion and gliding surface between muscles, bones, tendons, and skin. Bursitis occurs when the bursae because swollen after repeated activities, often occurs in combination with rotator cuff tendinitis, and can make daily activities like brushing your teeth exceedingly painful.
• Tendinitis — Tendinitis is typically caused by inflammation or irritation of a tendon. There are two causes of tendinitis:
  • Acute: This can happen because of trauma, repeated throwing, or other overhead activities needed in some competitive and activities and occupations, such as throwing overhead or lifting and lowering boxes.
  • 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 sudden trauma, like a blow to the shoulder, or wear and tear. The tendon is initially frayed before becoming torn. People often live with partial tears unaware. Full-thickness tears, which go all the way through the tendon, do not heal by themselves. Symptoms include pain with certain motions, pain when lying on the side of the affected shoulder, and a popping sensation with certain movements.
• 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 occurs the most in people who are physically active.
• Shoulder Instability — This happens when the humerus is forced out of the shoulder socket, and also can happen suddenly or from 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 supporting soft tissue of the shoulder. Chronic instability will result in shoulder pain and a sense of the shoulder “giving way.”
• Arthritis — While arthritis refers to a range of diagnoses, the shoulder most typically experiences osteoarthritis. It is the result of the cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between your bones breaks down. It can be the result of old age, repeated injuries, and overuse. Arthritis cannot be cured, but effective pain management is possible with Maplewood, MO physical therapists.
• Shoulder Fractures — The humerus, collarbone, and shoulder blade are the bones in the shoulder most vulnerable to breaking. 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 considerable swelling and contusions.
• Axillary Nerve Injuries or Brachial Plexus Injuries — Nerve damage in the shoulder can occur when nerves are impinged on, when scar tissue interferes with their electric signals, or the nerves burst. These injuries can cause shoulder pain, stingers, weakness, and loss of sensation in your shoulder, arm, or hand. They are usually the result of high-impact trauma but can also happen 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 experiencing shoulder pain, one of our no-risk, free injury screenings in Maplewood, MO may help determine the underlying cause. If you’ve sustained a severe injury or have severe shoulder pain, a physician in Maplewood, MO may use a physical examination, various imaging techniques, and/or arthroscopy to discover the cause. For most injuries or conditions that cause shoulder pain, a personalized treatment plan with knowledgeable physical therapists that are experts in movement health in Maplewood, MO can be a successful way to get you back to optimal movement health.

Treating Your Shoulder Pain in Maplewood, MO

Your personalized and evidence-backed physical therapy treatment plan 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, based on a plan with come up with alongside your surgeon, if you need surgery to relieve your shoulder pain
• Kinesio Taping® to provide support for your shoulder and keep you safe as you participate in physical activity or go back to work while your body heals
• Blood flow restriction training to offer your shoulder a low-intensity exercise with high-intensity benefits
• Trigger point dry needling to target damaged soft tissue 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 do not lose your active lifestyle in the future
• Other safe, effective exercises to optimize your mobility

Missouri Revised Statute §334.506 dictates that you need a prescription to attend physical therapy appointments, so you need to reach out to your Maplewood, MO physician to see if physical therapy is safe and an effective treatment option for your shoulder pain. Our licensed physical and occupational therapists work alongside your primary care physician to make sure your treatment plan fits into your overall treatment plan.

Other services we offer in Maplewood, 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

Maplewood, MO Shoulder Pain | Axes Physical Therapy

Optimal movement health is important to not only carrying out daily tasks with ease, but to keeping up the active lifestyles we desire. At Axes, we focus on positive outcomes for our Maplewood, MO clients by implementing evidence-backed treatment plans catered to 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 our location nearest you.