Shoulder Pain in Scotsdale, MO. Those who suffer from shoulder pain know how debilitating it can be. It can make any basic task from brushing your teeth to making a breakaway layup frustrating and, sometimes, impossible. But pain and limited shoulder movement does not have to be a part of your everyday life. At Axes Physical Therapy in Scotsdale, MO, our licensed physical therapists are experts at creating personalized treatment modalities, backed by proven research, to get you back to striking out opponents, or just combing your hair pain-free. Allow us to turn your shoulder pain from a daily occurrence into a thing of the past. Make an appointment online or reach out to our location most convenient for you.

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

The shoulder is among human body’s largest and most complex joints. In reality, what we call the shoulder joint is made up of four different joints:

1. The glenohumeral (GH) joint is the 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 scapula. A plane style synovial joint, it allows you to outstretch your arm.
3. The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is a gliding joint located where the collarbone meets the breastbone at the base of the neck. This joint is where the arm and body meet, it connects the movement of the upper limb with the core of your body.
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 allow for movement movement and stabilize and protect the GH joint
• the shoulder capsule, a tough sheath or membrane that encloses the shoulder
• the ligaments of the shoulder which help connect bone to bone and help reinforce the capsule
• 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 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 reach to the shoulder efficiently to maintain healthy soft tissue and repair minor damage. The muscles must have adequate strength and flexibility, the tendons attaching bone and muscle must be intact and strong, the ligaments connecting bones need to help maintain structure, and the brain and shoulder need to have clear communication with each other. When any of these parts are not at optimal health, it can lead to a disruption of the whole system, and anywhere from nagging to debilitating shoulder pain or loss of function. 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 is complex, shoulder pain can have any of a number of root causes, from sports injuries to being struck by an object, a work injury from repeated activities to old age. Below are common causes of shoulder pain that our team see in Scotsdale, MO:

• Bursitis — The bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles in and around your shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and other joints. Bursitis the result of the bursae becoming swollen after repeated activities, often occurs in association with shoulder impingement, and can make basic activities like getting dressed tremendously 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 trauma, excessive throwing, or other overhead activities needed in some sports 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, throbbing, and slight swelling.

• Rotator Cuff Tear — These can also be caused by acute injuries, such a blow to the shoulder, or repetitive movements or old age. They usually start with fraying and then tear. People often live with partial thickness tears obliviously. Complete tears, which go all the way through the tendon, do not heal by themselves. Associated symptoms are pain with specific movements, pain when lying on the side of the affected shoulder, and a popping sensation with specific motions.
• Shoulder Impingement — Impingement is the result of soft tissue rubbing against your shoulder blade. It is often the result of rotator cuff swellings because of an injury. Shoulder impingement occurs the most 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 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. Long-term 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 experiences osteoarthritis. It is the result of the cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between your bones breaks down. Common causes include old age, repeated trauma, and overuse. Arthritis cannot be cured, but you can find effective pain management methods with Scotsdale, MO physical therapists.
• Shoulder Fractures — The humerus, collarbone, and scapula are the bones in the shoulder most prone to fracture. They are often the result of falling a significant distance or onto a hard surface or forceful collisions such as being tackles in a football game. The shoulder pain is usually significant, along with substantial inflammation and contusions.
• Axillary Nerve Injuries or Brachial Plexus Injuries — Nerve damage in the shoulder can occur when nerves are impinged on, when scar tissue interferes with 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 feeling in your upper extremities. They are usually the result of sudden trauma but can also happen because of wear and tear.

Sometimes, injuries are connected, such as a fracture causing damage to the nerves. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, one of our safe, free injury screenings in Scotsdale, MO may help determine the root of it. 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 personalized treatment plan with licensed physical therapists that are experts in movement health in Scotsdale, MO can be an effective way to return to the things you love to do the most.

How Do Scotsdale, MO Physical Therapists Treat Shoulder Pain?

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

• 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 physician, if your shoulder pain was caused by an injury that needed surgery to correct
• Kinesio Taping® to provide support for your shoulder and keep you safe as you participate in sports or work while you are still recovering
• Blood flow restriction training to strengthen muscles while reducing overall stress on the shoulder
• Trigger point dry needling to target harder-to-reach irritated soft tissue to encourage the body’s natural healing processes
• 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 Law requires a prescription for physical therapy, so you need to reach out to your Scotsdale, MO primary care physician to see if physical therapy is rights for your shoulder pain. Our professional physical and occupational therapists work alongside your primary care physician to make sure you are getting the care that fits into your overall treatment plan.

Other services we offer in Scotsdale, 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

Scotsdale, 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 Scotsdale, MO residents by developing evidence-backed 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 activities you love and a pain-free life. Schedule an appointment through our website or find the location nearest you.