Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement is a common cause of pain in the mid-aged adult shoulder. The cause is from pinching of the rotator cuff under the roof of the shoulder joint (acromion) when the arm is raised overhead. Individuals who are involved with repetitive overhead activities, such as painters, carpenters, and hairdressers are susceptible. Impingement causes pain and limits overhead movement. The pain may be due to a "bursitis" or inflammation of the bursa overlying the rotator cuff or a "tendonitis" of the rotator cuff itself. Symptoms characteristic of shoulder impingement include aching pain that radiates down the outside of the shoulder worsened with overhead activities. The diagnosis of Shoulder impingement can be made with physical examination by a physician and usually confirmed with an MRI and/or XR

Recommendations:
  • Consult a physician if you think you have Shoulder impingement
  • Acute treatment starts with reduction of inflammation - RICE regimen (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation).
  • Rest and avoidance of overhead activities is fundamental in the treatment of shoulder impingement
  • A rotator cuff strengthening program can reduce the chances of developing shoulder impingement
  • Immobilization of the shoulder may initially take place in an Arm Sling and/or Shoulder Immobilizer followed by stretching exercises to improve range of motion in a stiff shoulder.