Shoulder Pain in Scotsdale, 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 painful 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 Scotsdale, MO, our professional physical therapists are experts at developing customized treatment modalities, backed by proven research, to get you back to striking out opponents, or just combing your hair pain-free. Allow us to make your shoulder pain a long-forgotten memory. Schedule an appointment online or call the location nearest you.

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

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

1. The glenohumeral (GH) joint is the joint where the humerus (upper arm bone) fits into a relatively small dish called the glenoid. 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 part of the scapula that is the highest part of the shoulder. A plane joint, it allows you to outstretch your arm.
3. The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is a plane-style synovial joint formed by the clavicle the sternum at the base of the neck. This joint is where the arm and body 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 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 humerus, which allow for movement movement and keep the ball of the humerus stable
• the shoulder capsule, a tough sheath or membrane that surrounds and protects the shoulder
• the ligaments of the shoulder which provide passive stability while still allowing for a wide range of movements
• 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 supply much-needed 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 must have adequate strength and flexibility, 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 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 disruption of the whole complex, and anywhere from nagging to intense shoulder pain or loss of function. If if shoulder pain or poor shoulder movement is part of your daily life, reach out to Axes’ physical therapists for a no-risk, no-obligation injury screening.

What’s Behind My Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of circumstances, from sports injuries to falls, a work injury from overuse to our bodies just getting weaker as we get older. The following are the most common underlying conditions that lead to shoulder pain in Scotsdale, MO:

• Bursitis — The bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that work as a cushion and gliding surface between muscles, bones, tendons, and skin. Bursitis occurs when the bursae because inflamed after repeated activities, often occurs in combination with rotator cuff tendinitis, and can make basic tasks like carrying groceries incredibly difficult.
• Tendinitis — Tendinitis generally occurs because of a tendon becoming irritated. It typically falls into one of two categories:
  • Acute: The result of trauma, excessive overhead motions, or other overhead activities common in some competitive and activities and fields of employment, such as swimming or lifting boxes above your head.
  • Chronic: The result of wear and tear 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 a blow to the shoulder, or wear and tear. They usually start with fraying and then tear. A partial thickness tear often goes unnoticed. Complete tears, which pull the tendon off the bone, often require surgery. Symptoms include having difficulty raising your arm or lifting things you normally can, pain when sleeping, and a cracking feeling when performing specific motions.
• Shoulder Impingement — Impingement is the result of soft tissue rubbing against your shoulder blade. It often occurs alongside an injury that causes inflammation in the rotator cuff. Shoulder impingement is most common in people who play sports or are otherwise active.
• Shoulder Instability — This happens when the ball of the upper arm bone is exits the shoulder socket, and also can be the result of injury or 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 causes or is the result of injury to the supporting soft tissue of the shoulder. Long-term instability will result in shoulder pain and a sense of the shoulder “giving way.”
• Arthritis — While there are at least six kinds of arthritis, the shoulder most commonly experiences osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bones. It can be the result of old age, repeated injuries, and wear and tear. There is no cure for arthritis, but you can find effective pain management techniques with Scotsdale, MO physical therapists.
• Shoulder Fractures — The upper arm bone, clavicle, and scapula are the most commonly broken bones in the shoulder. They usually happen as the result of falling a significant distance or onto a hard surface or forceful collisions such as a car accident. The shoulder pain is usually significant, along with considerable swelling and bruising.
• Axillary Nerve Injuries or Brachial Plexus Injuries — Nerve damage in the shoulder can occur when nerves are impinged on, when scar tissue blocks their electric signals, or the nerves burst. These injuries can cause shoulder pain along with a range of other sensations. They are commonly caused by a sudden blow but can also happen because of degenerative conditions.

At times, one injury leads to another, such as 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 Scotsdale, MO may help you discover the underlying cause. To diagnose shoulder pain a physician in Scotsdale, MO may use a physical examination, an X-Ray, an MRI, a CT scan, arthrogram, and/or arthroscopy. Most people who experience shoulder pain can find recovery with a tailored treatment plan with experienced physical therapists and movement health specialists in Scotsdale, MO can be a successful way to return to the things you love to do the most.

How Do Scotsdale, MO Physical Therapists Treat Shoulder Pain?

Your customized and evidence-backed physical therapy treatment plan may include:

• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to identify soft tissue restrictions, smooth out scar tissue, and treat the affected area
• Pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation, based on a plan with come up with alongside your physician, if you need surgery to relieve your shoulder pain
• Kinesio Taping® to reduce pain and inflammation and keep you safe as you participate in sports or go back to work while your body heals
• Blood flow restriction training to strengthen muscles while reducing overall stress on the shoulder
• Trigger point dry needling to target 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 techniques to increase and maintain your mobility

Missouri Revised Statute §334.506 states that you need a prescription to attend physical therapy appointments, so it’s important to speak to your Scotsdale, MO doctor to see if physical therapy is rights for your shoulder pain. Our professional physical and occupational therapists are responsible and work closely with your primary care physician to ensure your treatment plan fits into your overall treatment plan.

Other services we offer in Scotsdale, MO include:

• Soft Tissue Mobilization
• Post Surgical Rehabilitation
• 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

Scotsdale, MO Shoulder Pain | Axes Physical Therapy

A well-functioning shoulder is important to not only carrying out daily tasks with ease, but to doing the things we love. At Axes, we focus on patient results for our Scotsdale, MO clients by developing evidence-backed treatment plans catered to your injury, pain level, age, and how physically active you need to be. 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 call our location nearest you.