Shoulder Pain in Otto, MO. If you live with shoulder pain, you know how hard it can be to manage. It can make everything from watering the flowers to serving an ace on the tennis court frustrating and, in some cases, impossible. But pain and limited shoulder movement is usually manageable and beatable with safe and effective treatment. At Axes Physical Therapy in Otto, MO, our experienced physical therapists specialize in customized treatment plans, proven to work through research, to get you back to striking out opponents, or just combing your hair pain-free. Let us help you make your shoulder pain an ancient memory. Schedule an appointment through our website or find the location nearest you.

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

The shoulder is among human body’s largest and most intricate joints. In truth, it is a complex of four joints:

1. The glenohumeral (GH) joint is the joint responsible for connecting the upper extremity to the trunk. Given the relatively shallow dish, it is the most mobile joint in the body.
2. The acromioclavicular (AC) joint connects the clavicle to the acromion, the part of the shoulder blade that is the highest part of the shoulder. A plane joint, it allows your shoulder blade to follow the movements of the other shoulder joints.
3. The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is a gliding joint formed by the collarbone the breastbone at the bottom of the neck. As the only joint that connects the arm to the body, it links the movement of the upper limb with the core of your body.
4. The scapulothoracic (ST) “joint” is not a true anatomical 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 that surround the head of the upper arm bone, which are responsible for movement and stabilize and protect the glenohumeral 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 attach muscle to bone
• the brachial plexus nerves that allow for the brain and muscles to communicate with each other
• the blood vessels that supply nutritious blood to the shoulder

Optimal shoulder and movement health depends on every part of the system being healthy and working together. Sufficient blood must flow to the shoulder efficiently to keep oxygen levels and muscles strong and repair minor damage. The muscles strong enough to move and flexible enough to safely make those movements, the tendons attaching bone and muscle must be strong, flexible, and free of rips or tears, the ligaments connecting bones need to help support proper structure, 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 often causes shoulder pain and movement problems. If if shoulder pain or poor shoulder movement is part of your daily life, contact Axes’ physical therapists for a complimentary injury screening.

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain can be caused by numerous different circumstances, from sports injuries to a car accident, a work injury from overuse to old age. Below are common causes of shoulder pain that our physical and occupations therapists see in Otto, MO:

• Bursitis — The bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles in and around your joints. Bursitis occurs when the bursae because irritated after overuse, often occurs at the same time as shoulder impingement, and can make basic tasks like getting in and out of cars tremendously painful.
• Tendinitis — Tendinitis generally occurs because of a tendon becoming irritated. There are two causes of tendinitis:
  • Acute: This can happen because of a sudden blow, repeated overhead motions, or other overhead activities needed in some competitive and activities and occupations, such as swimming or lifting boxes overhead.
  • Chronic: The result of degenerative conditions or general weakness as we get weaker.

  The condition causes pain and tenderness just outside the joint.

• Rotator Cuff Tear — These can also be acute, such falling on an outstretched arm, or more chronic in nature. The tendon is initially frayed before becoming torn. A partial thickness tear often goes unnoticed. Complete tears, where the tendon is no longer attached whatsoever to the bone, often require surgery. Associated symptoms are having difficulty raising your arm or lifting things you normally can, pain when lying on the side of the affected shoulder, and a popping feeling with certain motions.
• Shoulder Impingement — Impingement occurs when your acromion (outer edge of your shoulder blade) pinches the rotator cuff and bursae. It is often the result of rotator cuff swellings because of an injury. Shoulder impingement is most common in people who play sports or are otherwise active.
• Shoulder Instability — This happens when the ball of the humerus is exits the shoulder socket, 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. Chronic instability will result in shoulder pain and unsteadiness when performing certain motions.
• Arthritis — While arthritis refers to a range of diagnoses, osteoarthritis is the form that typically affects the shoulder. It occurs when the cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between your bones weakens and wears away. It can be the result of tissue weakening as we become older, frequent trauma, and wear and tear. There is no cure for arthritis, but effective pain management can be found with Otto, MO physical therapists.
• Shoulder Fractures — The humerus, clavicle, and scapula are the most commonly broken bones in the shoulder. They are often the result of falling from a height or forceful collisions such as a car accident. 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 impinged on, when scar tissue interferes with communication between the brain and shoulder, or the nerves are torn into two pieces. These injuries can cause shoulder pain, stingers, tingling, and loss of sensation in your upper extremities. They are usually the result of high-impact trauma but can also happen because of overuse.

Sometimes, injuries are intertwined, for example instability that leads to impingement. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, one of our safe, free injury screenings in Otto, MO may help determine the underlying cause. If you’ve sustained a severe injury or have severe shoulder pain, a physician in Otto, 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 licensed physical therapists and movement health specialists in Otto, MO can be a successful way to return to a pain-free daily life and the active lifestyle you deserve.

Treating Your Shoulder Pain in Otto, MO

Your tailored and proven physical therapy may include any one or a variety of different treatment plans:

• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to detect and treat any problems with your muscles, ligaments, or tendons
• Pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation, coordinated together with your physician, 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 sports or work while your body heals
• Blood flow restriction training to strengthen muscles while reducing overall stress on the shoulder
• Trigger point dry needling to attack harder-to-reach damaged soft tissue to stimulate blood flow
• Posture correction to make sure 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 treatment methods to increase and maintain your mobility

Missouri Law dictates that you need a prescription for physical therapy, so it’s necessary to speak to your Otto, MO physician to see if physical therapy is safe and an effective treatment option for your shoulder pain. Our experienced 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 Otto, MO include:

• 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
• Beginner Running Program
• Chronic Pain Treatment

Otto, MO Shoulder Pain | Axes Physical Therapy

Optimal movement health is essential to not only carrying out daily tasks with ease, but to keeping up the active lifestyles we desire. At Axes, we focus on patient results for our Otto, MO clients by creating evidence-backed treatment plans catered to your injury, pain level, age, and how physically active you need to be. Do not wait to get back to the activities you love and a pain-free life. Make an appointment through our website or call our location nearest you.