Shoulder Pain in Wickes, MO. If you live with shoulder pain, you know how debilitating it can be. It makes any daily task from pouring a cup of coffee to making a breakaway layup 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 Physical Therapy in Wickes, MO, our experienced physical therapists create customized treatment modalities, based on evidence, to get you back to striking out opponents, or just combing your hair pain-free. Trust in us to turn your shoulder pain from a daily occurrence into a thing of the past. Schedule an appointment online or find the location most convenient for you.

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

The shoulder is among human body’s largest and most complex joints. In truth, 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 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 bottom 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 does not have union by fibrous, cartilaginous or synovial tissues. It is made up of the shoulder blade and its articulation with the ribcage.

The shoulder is supported and surrounded by:

• the four muscles of the rotator cup covering the head of the humerus, which are responsible for movement and stabilize the ball of the humerus within the shoulder socket
• the shoulder capsule, a a fluid-filled sac that surrounds and lubricates 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 connect muscle to bone
• the brachial plexus nerves that allow for the brain and muscles to communicate with each other
• the arteries that pump much-needed blood to the shoulder

In order for the shoulder to function properly the entire complex system must be able to work together. Sufficient blood must reach to the shoulder efficiently to keep oxygen levels and muscles strong and stimulate the body’s natural recovery 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 that attach our 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 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?

Shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of circumstances, from sports injuries to acute trauma, a work injury from overuse to old age. Below are common causes of shoulder pain that our physical and occupations therapists see in Wickes, 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 at the same time as shoulder impingement, and can make daily tasks like brushing your teeth immensely painful.
• Tendinitis — Tendinitis is typically caused by a tendon becoming irritated. There are two causes of tendinitis:
  • Acute: This can happen because of a sudden blow, repeated throwing, or other overhead activities needed in some sports and occupations, such as swimming or lifting boxes above your head.
  • Chronic: The result of degenerative conditions or the body becoming weaker as we get older.

  The condition causes pain and tenderness just outside the joint.

• Rotator Cuff Tear — These can also be acute, such lifting an incredibly heavy object, or repetitive movements or old age. They begin with fraying and ultimately tear. People often live with partial thickness tears unaware. 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 lying on the side of the affected shoulder, and a clicking sensation when performing certain motions.
• Shoulder Impingement — Impingement is the result of the rotator cuff and bursae rubbing against your shoulder blade. It often occurs in tandem with an injury that causes inflammation in the rotator cuff. Shoulder impingement occurs the most in people who are physically active.
• Shoulder Instability — This occurs when the humerus is allowed to move out of the socket when the capsule or ligaments become stretched, torn, or detached, 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 causes or is the result of 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, the shoulder most typically suffers from osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bones. Common causes include tissue weakening as we become older, persistent injuries, and overuse. There is no cure for arthritis, but effective pain management is possible with Wickes, MO physical and occupational therapists.
• Shoulder Fractures — The humerus, clavicle, and scapula 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 severe, and the shoulder will experience substantial inflammation and bruising.
• Axillary Nerve Injuries or Brachial Plexus Injuries — Nerve damage in the shoulder is the result of when nerves are impinged on, when scar tissue interferes with their electric signals, or the nerves are otherwise damaged. These injuries can cause shoulder pain, stingers, tingling, and loss of sensation in your shoulder, arm, or hand. They are usually the result of a sudden blow but can also occur because of wear and tear.

Sometimes, injuries are intertwined, for example a fracture causing damage to the nerves. If you’re currently suffering from shoulder pain, one of our no-risk, free injury screenings in Wickes, MO may help determine the root of it. If you’ve sustained a severe injury or have severe shoulder pain, a physician in Wickes, MO may use a physical examination, an X-Ray, an MRI, a CT scan, arthrogram, and/or arthroscopy to discover the cause. Most people who experience shoulder pain can find relief with a personalized treatment plan with certified physical therapists that are experts in movement health in Wickes, MO can be a great way to get you back to a pain-free daily life and the active lifestyle you deserve.

How Do Wickes, 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 detect and treat any soft tissue disorders
• Pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation, coordinated together with your doctor, 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 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 damaged muscles, ligaments, and tendons deeper in the body to encourage the body’s natural healing processes
• Posture correction to make sure you do not contribute to your injuries or heal improperly
• Injury prevention so you can keep participating in the activities you love
• Other safe, effective techniques to optimize your mobility

Missouri Revised Statute §334.506 requires a prescription to attend physical therapy appointments, so you need to reach out to your Wickes, 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 make sure you are getting the care that fits into your overall treatment plan.

Other services we offer in Wickes, 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

Wickes, MO Shoulder Pain | Axes Physical Therapy

A well-functioning shoulder is important to not only carrying out daily tasks with ease, but to keeping up the active lifestyles we desire. At Axes, we focus on patient results for Wickes, MO people of all ages by developing 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. Schedule an appointment through our website or find the location most convenient for you.