Shoulder Pain in O’Fallon, MO. If you live with shoulder pain, you know how hard it can be to manage. It can make any daily task from brushing your teeth to making a breakaway layup frustrating and, sometimes, not even an option. But pain and limited shoulder movement does not have to be a part of your everyday life. At Axes Physical Therapy in O’Fallon, MO, our licensed physical therapists specialize in tailored treatment plans, based on evidence, to get you back to the activities you love most. Trust in us to make your shoulder pain a long-forgotten memory. Make an appointment through our website or reach out to our location most convenient for you.

The Human Shoulder | Shoulder Pain in O’Fallon, MO

The shoulder is among 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 where the humerus (upper arm bone) fits into a relatively small dish called the glenoid. Given the relatively shallow socket, it allows for more movement than any other joint.
2. The acromioclavicular (AC) joint connects the collarbone to the acromion, the bony tip on the outer edge of the scapula. A plane joint, it helps extend the upper extremity from the trunk.
3. The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is a gliding joint located where the collarbone meets the breastbone at the foundation of the neck. This joint is where the arm and torso meet, it it ensures your arm and body act in tandem.
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.

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

• the four muscles of the rotator cup covering the head of the upper arm bone, which are responsible for movement and keep the ball of the humerus stable
• the shoulder capsule, a a fluid-filled sac that surrounds and lubricates the joints in the shoulder
• the ligaments of the shoulder which provide passive stability while still allowing for movements in different planes
• the tendons in the biceps and shoulder which allow muscles to power the bones
• the brachial plexus nerves that send motor messages from the brain to muscles and sensory information (like pain) from the joints back to the brain
• the blood vessels that pump nutrient-rich blood to the shoulder

In order for the shoulder to function properly every joint, ligament, tendon, muscle, artery, capsule, and nerve must function well. Blood must be allowed to reach the shoulder maintain healthy soft tissue 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 help maintain structure, and the brain and shoulder need to have clear communication with each other. When any one of the parts of the shoulder is damaged, inflamed, or otherwise irritated, it can lead to a breakdown of the whole complex, and anywhere from nagging to debilitating 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’s Behind My Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain can be caused by numerous different circumstances, from sports injuries to acute trauma, a work injury from repeated activities to our bodies just getting weaker as we get older. Below are common causes of shoulder pain that our physical and occupations therapists see in O’Fallon, 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 in combination with irritation of the rotator cuff, and can make basic tasks like getting dressed tremendously 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 trauma, repeated throwing, or other overhead activities needed in some competitive and activities and occupations, such as swimming or lifting boxes above your head.
  • Chronic: The result of wear and tear or general weakness as we age.

  The condition causes pain and tenderness just outside the joint.

• Rotator Cuff Tear — These can also be caused by acute injuries, such lifting an incredibly heavy object, or more chronic in nature. They usually start with fraying and then tear. People often live with partial thickness tears unknowingly. Full-thickness tears, which go all the way through the tendon, do not heal by themselves. Common symptoms are pain with specific motions, pain when lying on the side of the affected shoulder, and a grinding feeling when performing certain movements.
• Shoulder Impingement — Impingement describes when your acromion (the bony tip of your shoulder blade) pinches the soft tissue in your shoulder. It often occurs alongside 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 humerus 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 is accompanied by injury to the surrounding areas of the shoulder. Chronic instability will result in shoulder pain and unsteadiness when performing certain motions.
• Arthritis — While there are at least six types 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 old age, persistent injuries, and wear and tear. Arthritis cannot be cured, but you can find effective pain management techniques with O’Fallon, MO physical therapists.
• Shoulder Fractures — The upper arm bone, collarbone, 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 intense, and the shoulder will experience considerable 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 otherwise damaged. Axillary nerve and brachial plexus injuries can cause shoulder pain, stingers, tingling, and loss of sensation in your upper extremities. They are usually the result of sudden trauma but can also occur because of overuse.

At times, one injury leads to another, for example a dislocation that leads to damage to the nerves. If you’re currently suffering from shoulder pain, one of our no-obligation, free injury screenings in O’Fallon, MO may help determine the root of it. To diagnose shoulder pain a physician in O’Fallon, MO may use a physical examination, various imaging techniques, and/or arthroscopy. Most people who experience shoulder pain can experience relief with a customized treatment plan with professional physical therapists and movement health specialists in O’Fallon, MO can be a great way to return to a pain-free daily life and the active lifestyle you deserve.

How Do O’Fallon, MO Physical Therapists Treat Shoulder Pain?

Your customized and evidence-backed physical therapy may include any one or a variety of different treatment plans:

• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to identify degenerative tissue, smooth out 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 reduce pain and inflammation and allow you to participate in sports 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 attack damaged muscles, ligaments, and tendons deeper in the body to encourage the body’s natural healing processes
• 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 increase and maintain your mobility

Missouri Law dictates that you need a prescription for physical therapy, so you need to reach out to your O’Fallon, MO doctor to see if physical therapy is safe and an effective treatment option for your shoulder pain. Our experienced physical and occupational therapists form a team with your primary care physician to make sure your treatment plan fits into your overall treatment plan.

Other services we offer in O’Fallon, MO include:

• Back Pain Treatment
• 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

O’Fallon, 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 patient results for O’Fallon, MO people of all ages by developing 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. Schedule an appointment online or find the location nearest you.