What is shoulder impingement?
Shoulder impingement is a condition whereby the tendons of the rotator cuff are trapped and compressed during movements of the shoulder. It can often lead to pain and to inflammation of surrounding structures, such as the bursa. Conditions such as shoulder bursitis and tendonitis of the tendons in the rotator cuff, are common secondary results of shoulder impingement. In the picture below you can see the supraspinatus tendon and the bursa in the subacromial space which can become compressed with movement.
What are the causes of shoulder impingement?
1. Positional (posture and movement)
Poor control of the shoulder with dynamic movement due to a combination of factors – muscular weakness, ligamentous laxity, instability – can increase the likelihood of shoulder impingement occurring. People who have to undertake repeated overhead activities; ie throwing athletes, tennis players, and occupations that require overhead tasks are likely to complain of impingement related symptoms.
2. Structural (your anatomy):
An individual can be more susceptible to shoulder impingement due to their structure. Arthritis is a common condition that can result in a narrowing of the subacromial space.
What are the symptoms of shoulder impingement?
Symptoms can vary between different cases, however some of the common symptoms include:
- Pain that can extend from the top of the shoulder to as far as the elbow
- A painful abduction arc (pain when your arm is at certain angles out to the side)
- Pain at rest
- Pain when lying on the affected shoulder
- Pain when extending your arm behind your body or putting your hand behind your back
- Difficulty with overhead movements, reaching and lifting
What can a physio do to help?
- Assess the injury to ascertain the diagnosis
- Early Injury: Protection, Pain Relief & Anti-inflammatory Treatment
- Help to regain full shoulder range of motion through manual therapy (massage, dry needling, manipulations, mobilisations)
- Through exercise rehab; improve scapular control and scapulohumeral rhythm, restore rotator cuff strength
- Facilitate return to sport or work
- Provide preventative programs to address contributing factors for long term management
All of our physiotherapists at Back In Motion Rosny Park can treat shoulder conditions. If you have a shoulder injury and would like to begin the path to recovery, call us to book in for a Free Initial Assessment and a consultation on 6281 2499.
Written by Celeste Raack (B. Physiotherapy)