Shoulder Pain in Weldon Spring, MO. Those who experience shoulder pain know the effect it can have on your life. It can make everything from watering the flowers to diving for a softball frustrating and, in some cases, impossible. But pain and limited shoulder movement is usually manageable and beatable with safe and effective treatment. At Axes PT in Weldon Spring, MO, our experienced physical therapists are experts at creating tailored treatment plans, backed by proven research, to get you back to optimal movement health. Trust in us to turn your shoulder pain from a daily occurrence into a thing of the past. Schedule an appointment through our website or call the location nearest you.

The Anatomy of the Shoulder | Shoulder Pain in Weldon Spring, MO

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

1. The glenohumeral (GH) joint is the joint where the humerus (upper arm bone) fits into the socket of the glenoid. 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 bony tip on the outer edge of the scapula. A plane joint, it allows for additional rotation of the shoulder blade.
3. The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is a plane-style synovial joint formed by the clavicle the breastbone at the base of the neck. This joint is where the arm and torso meet, it it ensures your arm and body act 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.

The shoulder is supported and surrounded by:

• the four muscles of the rotator cup that surround the head of the humerus, which allow for movement movement and keep the ball of the upper arm bone stable
• the shoulder capsule, a soft tissue sac that encloses the joints in 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 send motor messages from the brain to muscles and sensory information (like pain) from the joints back to the brain
• the arteries that supply nutritious blood to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons

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 stimulate the body’s natural recovery 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 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 can lead to a disruption of the entire system, and anywhere from nagging to debilitating 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 free injury screening.

What’s Behind My Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain can be caused by numerous different circumstances, from sports injuries to acute trauma, a work injury from repeated activities to old age. The following are common causes of shoulder pain that our team see in Weldon Spring, MO:

• Bursitis — The bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles in and around your joints. Bursitis the result of the bursae becoming swollen after repeated activities, often occurs in combination with rotator cuff tendinitis, and can make daily tasks like brushing your teeth exceedingly difficult.
• Tendinitis — Tendinitis is typically caused by inflammation or irritation of a tendon. There are two causes of tendinitis:
  • Acute: The result of a sudden blow, repeated overhead motions, or other overhead activities common in some sports and fields of employment, such as swimming or lifting and lowering objects.
  • 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 caused by acute injuries, like a blow to the shoulder, or more chronic in nature. The tendon is initially frayed before becoming torn. A partial tear often goes unnoticed. Complete tears, which pull the tendon off the bone, do not heal by themselves. Symptoms include pain with specific movements, pain when lying on the side of the affected shoulder, and a popping sensation when performing specific movements.
• Shoulder Impingement — Impingement occurs when your acromion (outer edge of your scapula) irritates the soft tissue in your shoulder. It is often the result of rotator cuff swellings after an injury. Shoulder impingement is rarely caused by overuse, but rather by physical activity.
• Shoulder Instability — This occurs when the humerus is exits the shoulder socket, and also can happen suddenly or from overuse. Dislocations can be repeated and partial or the entire bone coming out of the socket. It often causes or is the result of 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 experiences osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bones. It can be the result of tissue weakening as we become older, repeated trauma, and overuse. There is no cure for arthritis, but effective pain management is possible with Weldon Spring, MO physical and occupational therapists.
• Shoulder Fractures — The upper arm bone, collarbone, and shoulder blade are the bones in the shoulder most vulnerable to fracture. They usually happen as 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, and the shoulder will experience considerable inflammation 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 are otherwise damaged. These 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.

At times, one injury leads to another, such as a fracture that leads to damage to the nerves. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, one of our safe, free injury screenings in Weldon Spring, MO may help determine the root of it. If you’ve sustained a severe injury or have severe shoulder pain, a physician in Weldon Spring, MO may use a physical examination, various imaging techniques, and/or arthroscopy to discover the cause. Most people who experience shoulder pain can experience recovery with a customized treatment plan with knowledgeable physical therapists and movement health specialists in Weldon Spring, MO can be a great way to get you back to the activities you love.

Treating Your Shoulder Pain in Weldon Spring, MO

Your tailored and proven physical therapy treatment plan may include:

• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to detect and treat any soft tissue disorders
• 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 allow you to participate in sports or go back to work while your body heals
• Blood flow restriction training to offer your shoulder a low-intensity exercise with high-intensity benefits
• Trigger point dry needling to attack harder-to-reach irritated soft tissue to stimulate blood flow
• Posture correction to ensure you are not inadvertently causing your shoulder pain or heal improperly
• Injury prevention so you do not lose your active lifestyle in the future
• Other safe, effective treatment methods to optimize your mobility

Missouri Revised Statute §334.506 states that you need a prescription to attend physical therapy appointments, so you need to reach out to your Weldon Spring, MO primary care physician to see if physical therapy is rights for your shoulder pain. Our knowledgeable physical and occupational therapists are responsible and work closely with your primary care physician to ensure you are getting the care that fits into your overall treatment plan.

Other services we offer in Weldon Spring, 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

Weldon Spring, 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 our Weldon Spring, MO clients by developing proven 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 online or find the location most convenient for you.