Are you experiencing shoulder pain, particularly when lifting or reaching overhead? You may be dealing with Shoulder Impingement Syndrome, a condition where the tendons and bursa in the shoulder become compressed, leading to pain, inflammation, and restricted movement.
This condition can interfere with your daily activities, but with the right care, you can regain mobility and relieve pain.
In this article, we’ll explain what Shoulder Impingement Syndrome is, the symptoms to watch for, and the treatment options available to help you manage the condition and restore shoulder function.
What is Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?
Shoulder impingement syndrome is a common cause of shoulder pain resulting from a narrowing of the space under the acromion (the bony top of the shoulder). This condition typically involves irritation and inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons and the subacromial bursa.
Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome occurs when the top of the shoulder blade presses against the rotator cuff tendons, causing pain, inflammation, and restricted movement
The most common symptoms include:
- Pain: Typically felt in the front or outer shoulder, especially when lifting the arm or reaching overhead.
- Limited Range of Motion: Stiffness in the shoulder, particularly when raising the arm.
- Weakness: The shoulder may feel weak or unstable, especially during abduction or external rotation.
- Difficulty with Overhead Movements: Trouble lifting the arm or reaching behind the back.
- Night Pain: Increased discomfort when lying on the affected shoulder.
- Swelling or Redness: Inflammation around the shoulder area.
- Tingling or Numbness: Sensations that may radiate down the arm or into the hand.
- Catching, Clicking, or Popping Sensation: Sounds or feelings during shoulder movement.
Causes of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder impingement syndrome often arises from repetitive strain, poor mechanics, or underlying conditions that affect shoulder function. Common causes include:
- Repetitive Overhead Movements: Activities such as swimming, tennis, or painting can put excessive strain on the shoulder.
- Sports Injuries: Trauma from impact during sports can contribute to the condition.
- Falling on an Outstretched Arm: This can directly damage the shoulder or lead to misalignment.
- Poor Posture: Slouching or improper alignment can place unnecessary strain on the shoulder.
- Muscle Imbalances: Weak or tight muscles can disrupt normal shoulder mechanics.
- Bone Spurs: These can develop in the shoulder and contribute to impingement by narrowing the space around the rotator cuff.
- Rotator Cuff Injuries: Tears or strains in the rotator cuff muscles can lead to impingement.
- Shoulder Arthritis: Degenerative changes in the joint can reduce space and lead to compression.
- Age-related Wear and Tear: As we age, the shoulder’s tissues naturally weaken and lose flexibility, increasing the risk of impingement.
- Anatomical Narrowing of the Subacromial Space: Abnormal acromion shapes (e.g., a hooked acromion) or inflammation in surrounding tissues can also lead to compression and impingement.
- Rotator Cuff Weakness: Weak rotator cuff muscles may cause the humeral head to shift upward, narrowing the space and leading to shoulder impingement.
Risk Factors
Several factors increase the likelihood of developing shoulder impingement:
- Age: It is more common in people over 40, with peak incidence in the sixth decade of life.
- Repetitive overhead movements: Engaging in activities or sports that require repetitive shoulder movements increases risk.
- Weak muscles around the shoulder: Insufficient strength in muscles like the rotator cuff can contribute to impingement.
- Injury history: Previous shoulder injuries can lead to structural changes that increase the risk of impingement.
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome Treatment Options
Shoulder impingement syndrome is commonly managed through a combination of traditional medical treatments, at-home therapies, and specialized health and wellness options.
Traditional Medical Treatments
- Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding movements that worsen symptoms, like overhead lifting, can prevent further strain.
- Anti-inflammatory Medications: NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, are used to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Ice Therapy: Applying ice packs several times daily helps alleviate discomfort.
- Corticosteroid Injections: For more persistent pain, these injections target inflammation directly at the shoulder.
- Manual Therapy: Joint mobilization by physiotherapists can complement other treatments and improve outcomes.
At-Home Treatment Strategies
- Ice/Heat Therapy: Alternating ice and heat can help reduce inflammation and relax tight muscles.
- Activity Modification: Avoid movements that strain the shoulder, including overhead motions and heavy lifting.
- Stretching Exercises: Stretching Exercises: Gentle stretches can maintain flexibility, improve range of motion, and prevent stiffness
Prestige Health and Wellness Treatments:
Prestige Health and Wellness provides innovative, non-surgical treatments to help recover from shoulder impingement syndrome:
- Chiropractic Care: Spinal adjustments, joint mobilization, and soft tissue therapy realign the shoulder and relieve pressure on affected areas
- Physical Therapy: Focused on strengthening muscles, increasing mobility, and correcting posture, our therapy sessions are designed to improve shoulder function.
- Cold Laser Therapy: Using light to reduce inflammation and promote tendon and muscle healing.
- Massage Therapy: This treatment helps reduce muscle tension, improves circulation, and supports recovery.
- Acupuncture: Targeted points in the shoulder area are used to reduce pain and boost healing.
- Graston Technique: This method uses specialized instruments to break up scar tissue and adhesions, improving mobility.
- Ultrasound Therapy: Ultrasound therapy helps accelerate healing by boosting circulation in the affected area.
- Electronic Stimulation (E-Stim): Provides muscle therapy pain relief and aids in rehabilitation.
Find Relief from Shoulder Impingement Syndrome Today
Don’t let shoulder pain hold you back. Whether it’s from overuse, injury, or poor posture, our team is ready to help you manage Shoulder Impingement Syndrome and get you back to pain-free movement. We offer chiropractic care, physical therapy, and other personalized treatments to relieve pain, improve mobility, and restore shoulder function.
Visit us at one of our convenient locations: Financial District, Hudson Yards, Chelsea, or Nomad. Call (917) 694-1565 or book your appointment online today to begin your journey toward shoulder relief and an improved quality of life!
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Shoulder impingement (rotator cuff tendinitis). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/shoulder-impingement-rotator-cuff-tendinitis
- Creech, J. A., & Silver, S. (2023, April 17). Shoulder impingement syndrome. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554518/