Shoulder Pain in Wildwood, MO. If you live with shoulder pain, you know the limitations it can place on your life. It makes any basic task from pouring a cup of coffee to playing volleyball frustrating and, in some cases, unfeasible. But you do not have to accept pain and limited shoulder movement. At Axes Physical Therapy in Wildwood, MO, our licensed physical therapists are experts at creating personalized treatment modalities, based on evidence, to get you back to striking out opponents, or just combing your hair pain-free. Trust in us to make your shoulder pain an ancient memory. Schedule an appointment online or call the location nearest you.

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

The shoulder is one of the the largest and most complex joints we have. In truth, what is referred to as the shoulder joint is made up of four different joints:

1. The glenohumeral (GH) joint is a ball and socket joint where the humerus (upper arm bone) fits into the socket of the glenoid. Because the ball is several times larger than the socket, it allows for more movement than any other joint.
2. The acromioclavicular (AC) joint connects the clavicle to the acromion, the bony tip on the outer edge of the shoulder blade. A plane joint, it allows your shoulder blade to follow the movements of the other shoulder joints.
3. The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is a plane-style synovial joint formed by the clavicle the sternum at the bottom of the neck. As the only joint that connects the arm to the torso, 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 is made up of the scapula and its articulation with the ribcage.

The shoulder is supported and surrounded by:

• the four muscles of the rotator cup that surround 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 joints in the shoulder
• the four shoulder ligaments which provide passive stability while still allowing for movements in different planes
• 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 blood vessels that pump nutritious blood to the shoulder

In order for the shoulder to function properly the entire complex system must function well. Blood must be allowed to reach the shoulder keep oxygen levels and muscles strong and stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. The muscles must have adequate strength and flexibility, the tendons connecting them to the bones 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 of these functions are not being carried out in a healthy way, it often causes shoulder pain and movement problems. If if shoulder pain or poor shoulder movement is part of your daily life, contact Axes’ physical therapists for a free injury screening.

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain can be caused by numerous different circumstances, from sports injuries to falls, a work injury from repeated activities to old age. Below are the most common underlying conditions that lead to shoulder pain in Wildwood, MO:

• Bursitis — The bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that work as a cushion and gliding surface between tissues. Bursitis occurs when the bursae because inflamed after repeated activities, often occurs at the same time as rotator cuff tendinitis, and can make daily tasks like brushing your teeth incredibly painful.
• Tendinitis — Tendinitis generally occurs because of a tendon becoming irritated. There are two causes of tendinitis:
  • Acute: The result of trauma, excessive throwing, or other overhead activities common in some sports and occupations, such as swimming or lifting boxes overhead.
  • Chronic: The result of wear and tear or the body becoming weaker as we age.

  The condition causes pain and tenderness just outside the joint.

• Rotator Cuff Tear — These can also be acute, such falling on an outstretched arm, or wear and tear. They usually start with fraying and then tear. People often live with partial thickness tears unaware. Full-thickness tears, where the tendon is no longer attached whatsoever to the bone, do not heal by themselves. Associated symptoms are pain when performing certain motions, pain when sleeping, and a cracking feeling when performing specific movements.
• Shoulder Impingement — Impingement describes when your acromion (the bony tip of your shoulder blade) irritates the soft tissue in your shoulder. It is often the result of rotator cuff swellings after an injury. Shoulder impingement is most common in people who play sports or are otherwise 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 be the result of injury or 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 surrounding areas of the shoulder. Long-term instability will cause shoulder pain and unsteadiness when performing certain motions.
• Arthritis — While there are many types of arthritis, the shoulder most typically experiences osteoarthritis. It occurs when the cartilage cushioning the ends of your bones weakens and wears away. It can be the result of old age, frequent injuries, and wear and tear. There is no cure for arthritis, but effective pain management can be found with Wildwood, MO physical and occupational therapists.
• Shoulder Fractures — The humerus, collarbone, and scapula are the most commonly broken bones in the shoulder. They usually happen as the result of falling from a height or forceful collisions such as a car accident. The shoulder pain is immediate and obvious, 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 their electric signals, or the nerves burst. These injuries can cause shoulder pain, stingers, numbness, and loss of sensation in your upper extremities. They are usually the result of sudden trauma but can also occur because of overuse.

Sometimes, injuries are intertwined, such as how an untreated rotator cuff tear can lead to arthritis. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, one of our no-risk, free injury screenings in Wildwood, MO may help determine why you’re experiencing the pain. To diagnose shoulder pain a physician in Wildwood, 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 experience recovery with a personalized treatment plan with certified physical therapists that specialize in movement health in Wildwood, MO can be a successful way to return to optimal movement health.

How Do Wildwood, MO Physical Therapists Treat Shoulder Pain?

Your tailored and proven physical therapy treatments may include:

• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to detect and treat any problems with your muscles, ligaments, or tendons
• Pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation, coordinated together with your surgeon, if you need surgery to relieve your shoulder pain
• Kinesio Taping® to reduce pain and inflammation and allow you to participate in sports or 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 target harder-to-reach irritated muscles, ligaments, and tendons 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 requires a prescription for physical therapy, so it’s important to speak to your Wildwood, MO physician to see if physical therapy is safe and an effective treatment option for your shoulder pain. Our knowledgeable physical and occupational therapists work alongside your primary care physician to ensure you are getting the care that is safe for your condition.

Other services we offer in Wildwood, MO include:

• Dry Needling Near Me
• Tendonitis Treatment
• Manual Physical Therapy
• Orthopedic Rehab Near Me
• Beginner Running Program
• Chronic Pain Treatment
• Spine Specialist Near Me
• MCL Injury
• Injury Prevention

Wildwood, MO Shoulder Pain | Axes Physical Therapy

Optimal movement health is important to not only living our every day life, but to doing the things we love. At Axes, we focus on patient results for Wildwood, MO people of all ages by implementing proven treatment plans based on your injury, pain level, age, and how physically active you need to be. You do not have to delay in getting back to the things you love doing most and a pain-free life. Make an appointment online or reach out to the location most convenient for you.