What is shoulder impingement?
Shoulder Impingement, also known as subacromial impingement syndrome, is a condition that occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff and the bursa (a fluid-filled sac that provides cushioning) become compressed or irritated as they pass through the narrow space between the top of the shoulder blade (acromion) and the upper arm bone (humerus).
The compression or impingement can lead to inflammation, pain, and limited range of motion in the shoulder. Shoulder impingement is often caused by repetitive overhead activities or repetitive use of the shoulder, such as in sports like swimming, tennis, or weightlifting, or from occupations that involve repetitive overhead motions.
What are symptoms of shoulder impingement?
Common symptoms of shoulder impingement include:
- Shoulder pain: The pain is usually felt on the front or side of the shoulder and may extend down the arm. It is often described as a dull ache or sharp pain.
- Pain with overhead activities: Activities such as reaching, lifting, or throwing can aggravate the pain.
- Weakness: You may experience weakness in the affected shoulder, making it difficult to perform certain movements or activities.
- Limited range of motion: Shoulder impingement can cause a decrease in the shoulder's range of motion, particularly when trying to raise the arm overhead or reach behind the back.
- Pain at rest or during sleep: The pain may worsen when lying on the affected shoulder or during periods of inactivity.
How is shoulder impingement diagnosed?
To diagnose shoulder impingement, a healthcare professional, such as an orthopedic specialist or a sports medicine physician, will conduct a physical examination, review your medical history, and may order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to assess the structures of the shoulder and rule out other potential causes of pain.
How is shoulder impingement treated?
Treatment for shoulder impingement typically involves a combination of conservative measures, including:
- Rest and activity modification: Avoiding or modifying activities that aggravate the symptoms to allow the shoulder to heal.
- Physical therapy: Specific exercises and stretches can help improve shoulder strength, flexibility, and mechanics. Physical therapy may also include modalities such as heat or ice therapy.
- Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications may help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Corticosteroid injections: In some cases, a healthcare professional may administer corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.
If conservative treatments do not provide sufficient relief or the condition persists, surgical intervention may be considered. Surgical options can involve removing any bone spurs or other structures that contribute to impingement or repairing any damaged tissues.
Following treatment, rehabilitation and physical therapy play a crucial role in restoring shoulder function, strength, and range of motion. It is important to work with a healthcare professional or physical therapist to develop an appropriate rehabilitation plan.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to an orthopaedic surgeon, or book an appointment online.