Conditions Cottleville, MO

Shoulder pain

A shoulder that pinches reaching overhead, aches at night, or slowly stops moving — sorting out the common causes.

The short answer

Most shoulder pain involves the rotator cuff tendons, the space they move through, or the joint capsule. Pain reaching overhead often points to the cuff or impingement; a shoulder that steadily loses movement may be a frozen shoulder. An assessment tests strength and range in each direction, and checks whether the neck or upper back is involved.

Common signs

A pinch or ache reaching overhead or behind your back
Pain lying on that side at night
Weakness lifting the arm out to the side
A shoulder that has been steadily losing movement

What it usually is

The rotator cuff. Strains and tendon irritation are common in lifters, throwers, swimmers and anyone who works overhead. Rotator cuff: torn, strained, or just tight? →
Impingement. When the space above the cuff narrows, reaching overhead pinches. The question is why the space closed. Shoulder impingement →
Frozen shoulder. The joint capsule tightens and movement steadily disappears — a slow condition with recognisable stages. Frozen shoulder →
The neck. Pain across the top of the shoulder, rather than deep in the joint, can be referred from the neck. Neck and shoulder pain →

Check yours

Tap the shoulder on the body map to see the common causes, and whether the neck might be part of it.

What you can try today

Keep the shoulder moving within a comfortable range rather than holding it still.
At night, hug a pillow so the top arm doesn't fall across your body; alternate sides.
Keep work and loads below shoulder height for now where you can.
Notice which movements pinch — overhead, behind the back, out to the side. That's useful at an assessment.

How it’s assessed and treated here

The 40-minute assessment tests the shoulder's strength and range in every direction, how the shoulder blade moves, and the neck and upper back that feed it.

Care pairs soft-tissue work (Pin & Stretch, Cupping & Scraping) and mobilisation with progressive strengthening for the cuff and shoulder blade. Shockwave therapy is an option for stubborn tendon pain, and acupuncture where it fits.

Often part of the plan: Pin & Stretch, Cupping & Scraping, Corrective Exercise Programming, Shockwave Therapy and Acupuncture.

The initial assessment is $149 and runs about 40 minutes. Follow-up visits are $60 and include the adjustment, soft-tissue work and corrective exercise your plan calls for that day. We don’t bill insurance; HSA and FSA cards are accepted. Compare it with your insurance →

This page explains what's common, not what's going on with you. Always talk it through with your doctor, or book an assessment with Dr. Hailey to find out what's going on.

Questions people ask

Is my rotator cuff torn?

Many painful shoulders have strained or irritated cuff tendons rather than full tears. Strength and range testing at the assessment points to which; imaging is discussed if it would change the plan.

Will a frozen shoulder get better on its own?

Frozen shoulder tends to move through stages over months. Care focuses on keeping as much movement as possible and easing pain along the way; our frozen shoulder article explains the stages.

Is shockwave therapy right for shoulder pain?

Shockwave can help some stubborn tendon problems. It's sold as a $375 three-session package, and we'll tell you at the assessment whether your shoulder is a good candidate.

What does a visit cost?

The initial assessment is $149 (40 minutes); follow-ups are $60. HSA and FSA accepted.

Before you book

40 minutes: History, a movement and posture screen, an exam, and hands-on treatment the same visit.
$149 flat: Cash-based with posted prices. HSA and FSA cards accepted; insurance isn't billed directly.
No referral: Book online or call 636.378.0969. Same-week appointments are usually available.

Shoulder pain — Cottleville, O'Fallon, St. Peters & Wentzville

Find out what’s behind yours.

Book an assessment with Dr. Hailey — $149