Shoulder Pain in Pinckney, MO. Those who suffer from shoulder pain know the effect it can have on your life. It can make everything from brushing your teeth to making a breakaway layup frustrating and, for some of us, not even an option. But pain and limited shoulder movement is usually manageable and beatable with safe and effective treatment. At Axes PT in Pinckney, MO, our experienced physical therapists specialize in customized treatment modalities, based on evidence, to get you back to optimal movement health. Trust in us to safely and effectively treat your shoulder pain. Schedule an appointment through our website or reach out to the location nearest you.

The Human Shoulder | Shoulder Pain in Pinckney, MO

The shoulder is among human body’s largest and most intricate joints. In reality, what we call 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 the socket of the glenoid. Because the the top of the humerus is 3-4 times larger than the socket, it is the most mobile joint in the body.
2. The acromioclavicular (AC) joint connects the collarbone to the acromion, the bony tip on the outer edge of the shoulder blade. A plane style synovial joint, it allows your shoulder blade to follow the movements of the other shoulder joints.
3. The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is a gliding joint located where the clavicle meets the sternum at the base of the neck. This joint is where the arm and torso meet, it it ensures your arm and body move 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 attaches and allows movement between the shoulder blade and the part of rib cage at the back of our bodies.

The shoulder is supported and surrounded by:

• the four muscles of the rotator cup that surround the head of the humerus, which are responsible for movement and stabilize and protect the GH joint
• the shoulder capsule, a soft tissue sac that surrounds and protects 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 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 pump 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 reach to the shoulder efficiently to keep oxygen levels and muscles strong and stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. 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 be similarly healthy, and the brain and shoulder need to have clear communication with each other. 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 free injury screening.

What’s Behind My Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of circumstances, from sports injuries to acute trauma, a work injury from overuse to our bodies just getting weaker as we get older. Below are common causes of shoulder pain that our team see in Pinckney, 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 irritated after repeated activities, often occurs at the same time as rotator cuff tendinitis, and can make basic tasks like brushing your teeth incredibly difficult.
• Tendinitis — Tendinitis is typically caused by a tendon becoming irritated. It typically falls into one of two categories:
  • Acute: This can happen because of a sudden blow, repeated overhead motions, or other overhead activities common in some competitive and activities and fields of employment, such as volleyball or lifting and lowering boxes.
  • Chronic: This can happen because 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 caused by acute injuries, like a blow to the shoulder, or repetitive movements or old age. The tendon is initially frayed before becoming torn. A partial thickness tear often goes unnoticed. Full-thickness tears, which go all the way through the tendon, often require surgery. Symptoms include having difficulty raising your arm or lifting things you normally can, pain when sleeping, and a popping sensation with certain movements.
• Shoulder Impingement — Impingement occurs when your acromion (the bony tip 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 most common in people who are physically active.
• Shoulder Instability — This occurs when the head of the upper arm bone is allowed to move out of the socket when the capsule or ligaments become damaged, 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, the shoulder most commonly suffers from osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bones. 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 you can find effective pain management methods with Pinckney, MO physical and occupational therapists.
• Shoulder Fractures — The upper arm bone, collarbone, and shoulder blade are the most commonly broken bones in the shoulder. They usually happen as the result of falling from a height or high-impact collisions such as a car accident. The shoulder pain is usually intense, along with considerable inflammation and contusions.
• Axillary Nerve Injuries or Brachial Plexus Injuries — Nerve damage in the shoulder can occur when nerves are stretched, when scar tissue blocks communication between the brain and shoulder, 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 happen because of degenerative conditions.

Sometimes, injuries are connected, such as a fracture causing damage to the nerves. If you’re currently suffering from shoulder pain, one of our no-obligation, free injury screenings in Pinckney, MO may help determine the root of it. If you’ve sustained a severe injury or have severe shoulder pain, a physician in Pinckney, 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 customized treatment plan with experienced physical therapists and movement health specialists in Pinckney, MO can be an effective way to return to the things you love to do the most.

How Do Pinckney, MO Physical Therapists Treat Shoulder Pain?

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

• 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 your shoulder pain was caused by an injury that needed surgery to correct
• Kinesio Taping® to provide support for your shoulder and allow you to participate in physical activity or work while you are still recovering
• 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 ensure you do not contribute to your injuries or do not heal correctly
• Injury prevention so you can keep participating in the activities you love
• Other safe, effective exercises to increase and maintain your mobility

Missouri Law requires a prescription for physical therapy, so you need to reach out to your Pinckney, MO physician to see if physical therapy is safe and an effective treatment option for your shoulder pain. Our professional 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 Pinckney, 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

Pinckney, 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 Pinckney, MO residents by creating proven treatment plans based on your injury, pain level, age, and the activities you want to get back to. Do not wait to get back to the things you love doing most and a pain-free life. Request an appointment online or call the location nearest you.