Shoulder Pain in Old Monroe, MO. If you live with shoulder pain, you know how hard it can be to manage. It can make everything from pouring a cup of coffee to diving for a softball painful and, sometimes, not even an option. But pain and limited shoulder movement is usually manageable and beatable with safe and effective treatment. At Axes Physical Therapy in Old Monroe, MO, our professional physical therapists are experts at creating tailored treatment modalities, backed by proven research, 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. Schedule an appointment through our website or find our location nearest you.

The Anatomy of the Shoulder | Shoulder Pain in Old Monroe, MO

The shoulder is one of the the largest and most intricate joints we have. 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. Given the relatively shallow dish, it allows for more movement than any other joint.
2. The acromioclavicular (AC) joint connects the clavicle to the acromion, the bony tip on the outer edge of the scapula. A plane style synovial joint, it allows for additional rotation of the shoulder blade.
3. The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is a gliding joint formed by the clavicle the sternum at the base of the neck. This joint is where the arm and torso meet, it it ensures your arm and body act in coordination.
4. The scapulothoracic (ST) “joint” is more of a “floating” joint as it does not have ligaments connecting it to bone. 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 upper arm bone, which power movement and keep the head of the humerus firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder
• the shoulder capsule, a tough sheath or membrane that encloses the joints in the shoulder
• the four shoulder ligaments which attach bones together and provide stability for the capsule
• the tendons in the biceps and shoulder which allow muscles to power the bones
• the brachial plexus nerves that allow for the brain and muscles to communicate with each other
• the blood vessels that pump nutrient-rich blood to the shoulder

Proper shoulder strength, flexibility, and movement depends on every part of the system being healthy and working together. Sufficient blood must reach to the shoulder efficiently to maintain healthy soft tissue and stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. The muscles must have adequate strength and flexibility, the tendons connecting them to the bones must be intact and strong, the ligaments that attach our bones need to be similarly healthy, and the brain and shoulder need to have clear communication with each other. When any of these parts are not at optimal health, it often causes shoulder pain and movement problems. If if shoulder pain or poor shoulder movement is part of your daily life, reach out to Axes’ physical therapists for a free injury screening.

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

As the shoulder is complex, shoulder pain can have many root causes, from sports injuries to acute trauma, a work injury from overuse to old age. Below are common causes of shoulder pain that our team see in Old Monroe, MO:

• Bursitis — The bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles in and around your joints. Bursitis the result of the bursae becoming swollen after overuse, often occurs in association with irritation of the rotator cuff, and can make basic tasks like laying down to go to sleep exceedingly 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 trauma, repeated throwing, or other overhead activities needed in some competitive and activities and fields of employment, such as swimming or moving objects overhead.
  • Chronic: The result of wear and tear or general weakness as we get weaker.

  Symptoms include smarting pain, tenderness, and mild swelling.

• Rotator Cuff Tear — These can also be acute, such a blow to the shoulder, or more chronic in nature. They begin with fraying and ultimately tear. People often live with partial thickness tears unknowingly. Full-thickness tears, which pull the tendon off the bone, do not heal by themselves. Symptoms include pain with certain movements, pain when lying on the side of the affected shoulder, and a clicking feeling with certain movements.
• Shoulder Impingement — Impingement occurs when your acromion (outer edge of your shoulder blade) rubs against the rotator cuff and bursae. 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 happens when the ball of 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 supporting soft tissue of the shoulder. Long-term instability will result in shoulder pain and unsteadiness when performing certain motions.
• Arthritis — While there are at least six kinds 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 tissue weakening as we become older, persistent trauma, and wear and tear. Arthritis cannot be cured, but you can find effective pain management techniques with Old Monroe, MO physical and occupational therapists.
• Shoulder Fractures — The upper arm bone, collarbone, and scapula are the bones in the shoulder most prone to fracture. They usually happen as the result of falling a significant distance or onto a hard surface or high-impact collisions such as being tackles in a football game. The shoulder pain is usually severe, and the shoulder will experience considerable swelling and bruising.
• Axillary Nerve Injuries or Brachial Plexus Injuries — Nerve damage in the shoulder is the result of when nerves are stretched, when scar tissue interferes with signals between the brain and shoulder, or the nerves are torn into two pieces. Axillary nerve and brachial plexus injuries can cause shoulder pain along with a range of other sensations. They are commonly caused by sudden trauma but can also happen because of degenerative conditions.

Sometimes, injuries are intertwined, for example a dislocation that leads to damage to the nerves. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, one of our no-obligation, free injury screenings in Old Monroe, MO may help determine why you’re experiencing the pain. To diagnose shoulder pain a physician in Old Monroe, MO may use a physical examination, various imaging techniques, and/or arthroscopy. For most injuries or conditions that cause shoulder pain, a personalized treatment plan with experienced physical therapists that are experts in movement health in Old Monroe, MO can be an effective way to get you back to the activities you love.

How Do Old Monroe, MO Physical Therapists Treat Shoulder Pain?

Your tailored and proven physical therapy treatment plan 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 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 go back to 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 attack damaged muscles, ligaments, and tendons deeper in the body to stimulate blood flow
• Posture correction to ensure you are not inadvertently causing your shoulder pain or do not heal correctly
• Injury prevention so you do not lose your active lifestyle in the future
• Other safe, effective exercises to optimize your mobility

Missouri Law states that you need a prescription for physical therapy, so you need to reach out to your Old Monroe, MO doctor to see if physical therapy is safe and an effective treatment option for your shoulder pain. Our knowledgeable physical and occupational therapists are responsible and work closely with your primary care physician to make sure you are getting the care that is safe for your condition.

Other services we offer in Old Monroe, 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

Old Monroe, MO Shoulder Pain | Axes Physical Therapy

A healthy shoulder 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 Old Monroe, MO people of all ages by implementing evidence-backed treatment plans based on your injury, pain level, age, and the activities you want to get back to. 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.