Shoulder Impingement - All You Need to Know

Shoulder impingement can be a painful and difficult condition to deal with. However, with proper management, it’s possible to find relief and start recovery.?

Among the more common shoulder injuries, shoulder impingement can restrict movement and leave you in distress. Also known as Subacromial Impingment, the condition can affect a wide range of people throughout their lives.?

Though the ailment may seem debilitating in the moment, it is possible to recover with the right treatment plan.?

Let’s learn a little more about the condition.?

What Is Shoulder Impingement?

Subacromial impingement occurs as a result of inflammation and compression of the tendons or bursa of the shoulder joint. Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that help with movement in the joint.?

When these areas become inflamed, usually as a result of overworking the joint, it can cause pain and discomfort in the upper arm.

Signs and Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement

So, what determines whether you have shoulder impingement and how do you differentiate it from other types of shoulder injury? Below are some common occurrences of the ailment.?

Pain

Pain is most commonly felt in the front and sometimes the outside part of the shoulder especially when raising your arm overhead.

You might also struggle with a full range of motion and find it difficult to reach behind your back.?

Weakness?

You’ll likely feel some weakness in the arm, especially when lifting objects or raising the arm above your head.?

Limited Range of Motion

Shoulder impingement usually restricts the movement of your arm. You might find it difficult to put your arm out straight in front of you or raise it to the side.?

Tenderness

You may experience tenderness around the shoulder, particularly when lying on the affected side or pressing on the top of the shoulder (an area called the acromion).?

Potential causes of Shoulder Impingement

The potential causes of Shoulder Impingement can be wide-ranging but more commonly affect people who fit the following criteria.

• Age: Though the condition can affect people of all ages, it is more common in those over the age of 40.
• Repetitive Overhead Activities: Certain sporting activities and work activities may predispose you to potential injury. Ball sports, like volleyball, basketball, and football can all increase the risk of shoulder damage.?
• Poor Posture: Rounded shoulders or forward head posture can increase the risk of impingement
• Weak Rotator Cuff Muscles: Lack of strength and endurance of the rotator cuff may place additional stress on the shoulder tendons, potentially causing impingement.?

How is Shoulder Impingement diagnosed?

An experienced physical therapist or orthopedic surgeon can help you diagnose Shoulder Impingement. Some of the techniques they may use during your appointment include:

• Physical examination: Shoulder impingement can be diagnosed via a thorough physical examination by a trained specialist.?
• X-rays: X-rays may help to rule out other conditions like arthritis or bone spurs in the shoulder that may cause impingement, predispose to impingement, or cause similar symptoms.
• Ultrasound: A diagnostic ultrasound performed by a trained specialist can visualize shoulder impingement and help identify potential bursae and tendon injuries.
• MRI: An MRI can provide a more detailed and accurate picture of a shoulder injury and help a specialist determine the cause of the pain.?

How is Shoulder Impingement treated?

Most impingement injuries can be solved without the need for surgical treatment. Your therapist will suggest a course of action tailored to your particular needs. These may include:

Rest

Rest the joint and avoid using your shoulder as much as possible to assist with recovery.

Physical therapy

Targeted exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff and other muscles that move the shoulder can improve mobility and lessen the potential for impingement in the future.?

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs

NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or other prescription NSAIDs may be used to reduce pain and inflammation.

Corticosteroid Injections

In cases of severe inflammation, corticosteroid injections might be required to provide stronger pain relief.?

PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Injections?

In cases where shoulder impingement results in tearing of the rotator cuff, PRP injections in the rotator cuff and the subacromial space in conjunction with physical therapy may be used to heal rotator cuff tears and decrease pain.

How to prevent Shoulder Impingement injury at home

Follow these easy steps to help reduce the possibility of impingement injuries in the future.?

• Strengthening Exercises: Regular rotator cuff and strengthening exercises can prevent muscle imbalances and ensure tendons can bear any strain.
• Proper Technique: Maintaining proper technique with lifting, throwing, and swimming can reduce the burden placed on shoulder tendons.?
• Posture Awareness: Maintaining proper posture, especially during desk work can reduce the development of shoulder impingement.
• Stretching: Regular stretching of the shoulder and upper back muscles can improve shoulder mobility and prevent impingement.

If you are experiencing persistent pain in the front of the shoulder that you think may be the result of shoulder impingement, you should see a Sports Medicine Specialist, Orthopedic Specialist, or Shoulder Specialist for proper evaluation and treatment.?

Please come see me Dr. Christopher Martin at New York Bone and Joint Specialists for evaluation of your shoulder if you are experiencing persistent shoulder pain.