Shoulder Pain in Schluersburg, MO. If you live with shoulder pain, you know how debilitating it can be. It can make any basic task from watering the flowers to serving an ace on the tennis court frustrating and, for some of us, unfeasible. But pain and limited shoulder movement is usually manageable and beatable with safe and effective treatment. At Axes PT in Schluersburg, MO, our licensed physical therapists specialize in customized treatment modalities, proven to work through research, to get you back to optimal movement health. Let us help you turn your shoulder pain from a daily occurrence into a thing of the past. Request an appointment through our website or find the location most convenient for you.

How Does the Shoulder Work? | Shoulder Pain in Schluersburg, MO

The shoulder is among human body’s largest and most intricate joints. In actuality, it is made up of four independent smaller 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 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 clavicle the acromion, the bony tip on the outer edge of the scapula. A plane joint, it allows you to outstretch your arm.
3. The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is a gliding joint located where the clavicle meets the sternum at the bottom of the neck. As the only joint that connects the arm to the body, 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 is made up of the scapula and its articulation with the ribcage.

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

• the four muscles of the rotator cup covering the head of the humerus, which power movement and stabilize the ball of the humerus within the shoulder socket
• the shoulder capsule, a tough sheath or membrane that encloses the joints in the shoulder
• the four shoulder ligaments which provide passive stability while still allowing for a wide range of movements
• the tendons in the biceps and shoulder 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 nutritious blood to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons

In order for the shoulder to function properly the entire complex system must function well. Sufficient blood must flow 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 connecting them to the bones must be intact and strong, the ligaments connecting bones need to help support proper structure, 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 often causes shoulder pain and movement problems. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain or any other symptoms of a shoulder injury, contact Axes’ physical therapists for a complimentary injury screening.

What’s Behind My Shoulder Pain?

As the shoulder has so many moving parts, shoulder pain can have many root causes, from sports injuries to acute trauma, a work injury from overuse to old age. Below are the most common underlying conditions that lead to shoulder pain in Schluersburg, 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 at the same time as shoulder impingement, and can make daily tasks like laying down for bed incredibly difficult.
• Tendinitis — Tendinitis is typically caused by a tendon becoming irritated. It typically falls into one of two categories:
  • Acute: The result of trauma, excessive throwing, or other overhead activities needed in some competitive and activities and fields of employment, such as track and field throwing events or lifting and lowering boxes.
  • Chronic: This can happen because of degenerative conditions or the body becoming weaker as we age.

  Symptoms include a dull ache, tenderness, and slight swelling.

• Rotator Cuff Tear — These can also be acute, such falling on an outstretched arm, or repetitive movements or old age. They usually start with fraying and then tear. A partial tear often goes unnoticed. Complete tears, where the tendon is no longer attached whatsoever to the bone, do not heal by themselves. Associated symptoms are having difficulty raising your arm or lifting things you normally can, pain when sleeping, and a grinding feeling when performing specific movements.
• Shoulder Impingement — Impingement is the result of the rotator cuff and bursae rubbing against your shoulder blade. It is often the result of rotator cuff swellings because of an injury. Shoulder impingement is most common 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 happens in combination with injury to the supporting soft tissue of the shoulder. Chronic instability will cause 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. Common causes include old age, frequent trauma, and wear and tear. Arthritis cannot be cured, but effective pain management can be found with Schluersburg, MO physical therapists.
• Shoulder Fractures — The humerus, clavicle, and scapula are the bones in the shoulder most vulnerable to breaking. They usually happen as the result of falling from a height or high-energy collisions such as a car accident. The shoulder pain is usually significant, and the shoulder will experience substantial inflammation and bruising.
• Axillary Nerve Injuries or Brachial Plexus Injuries — Nerve damage in the shoulder can occur when nerves are stretched, when scar tissue blocks their electric signals, or the nerves rupture. Axillary nerve and brachial plexus injuries can cause shoulder pain along with a range of other sensations. They are usually the result of high-impact trauma but can also happen because of degenerative conditions.

Sometimes, injuries are connected, such as an impingement causing damage to the nerves. If you’re currently suffering from shoulder pain, one of our no-risk, free injury screenings in Schluersburg, MO may help determine the root of it. If you’ve sustained a severe injury or have severe shoulder pain, a physician in Schluersburg, MO may use a physical examination, an X-Ray, an MRI, a CT scan, arthrogram, and/or arthroscopy to discover the cause. For most injuries or conditions that cause shoulder pain, a personalized treatment plan with licensed physical therapists that specialize in movement health in Schluersburg, MO can be an effective way to get you back to optimal movement health.

Treating Your Shoulder Pain in Schluersburg, MO

Your tailored and proven 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 surgeon, if your shoulder pain was caused by an injury that needed surgery to correct
• Kinesio Taping® to reduce pain and inflammation and allow you to participate in sports or go back to 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 harder-to-reach irritated muscles, ligaments, and tendons to stimulate blood flow
• Posture correction to ensure you do not contribute to your injuries 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 requires a prescription for physical therapy, so it’s important to speak to your Schluersburg, MO primary care physician to see if physical therapy is rights for your shoulder pain. Our licensed physical and occupational therapists work alongside your primary care physician to make sure you are getting the care that is safe for your condition.

Other services we offer in Schluersburg, 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

Schluersburg, MO Shoulder Pain | Axes Physical Therapy

Optimal movement health 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 Schluersburg, MO people of all ages by implementing proven treatment plans catered to 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. Request an appointment through our website or reach out to the location most convenient for you.