Shoulder Impingement

What is shoulder impingement, and how is it treated?

Shoulder impingement is a common cause of shoulder pain, affecting many individuals’ daily activities and overall quality of life. Understanding its nature, causes, and treatment options is crucial for effective management and recovery.

At OrthoNeuro, our team of specialists is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for shoulder conditions, including shoulder impingement syndrome. With multiple locations in Columbus, OH, we are here to help you achieve a pain-free life and optimal shoulder function.

What is Shoulder Impingement?

Shoulder impingement occurs when the space between the acromion and the rotator cuff tendon narrows. The tendon, along with the bursa in this space, are then pinched or compressed during shoulder movements.

This condition causes pain will cause pain when lifting your arm overhead. Shoulder impingement often leads to tendonitis and bursitis, resulting in inflammation of the shoulder joint.

The rotator cuff muscles and tendons stabilize the shoulder and allow for a wide range of motion.

Shoulder impingement occurs when the shoulder bursa (fluid-filled sacs in the shoulder) or rotator cuff tendons are intermittently trapped and compressed when the shoulder is raised overhead.

How Does Shoulder Impingement Differ from Tendonitis and Bursitis?

While shoulder impingement involves the compression of the rotator cuff tendons, tendonitis and bursitis refer to inflammation of specific structures within the shoulder. The conditions are as follows:

Tendonitis

Inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons, often due to overuse or repetitive movements.

Bursitis

Inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between the rotator cuff tendons and the shoulder blade.

Although these conditions can coexist and share similar symptoms, their underlying causes and treatments may differ.

What Causes Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?

Shoulder impingement can result from various factors, including:

Repetitive overhead activities (e.g., swimming, tennis)
Structural abnormalities (e.g., bone spurs or irregularly shaped acromion)
Age-related wear and tear

The Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement

Common symptoms of shoulder impingement include:

Persistent shoulder pain, especially when lifting the arm
Pain that radiates from the front of the shoulder to the side of the arm
Difficulty reaching or lifting objects
Weakness in the shoulder and arm
Reduced range of motion
Sudden pain during certain movements

When to Get Medical Help

It’s essential to seek medical attention if you experience:

Severe shoulder pain that doesn’t improve with rest
Pain that interferes with daily activities
Weakness or numbness in the shoulder or arm
Symptoms that persist for more than a few weeks

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further damage and promote quicker recovery.

Examination and Tests

To diagnose shoulder impingement, a healthcare provider will perform a thorough physical examination and review your medical history. They may also recommend imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions:

X-rays: To check for bone spurs or structural abnormalities
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): To assess soft tissue damage, such as rotator cuff tears
Ultrasound: To visualize the rotator cuff tendons and bursa

These tests help in determining the extent of the injury and planning the appropriate treatment.

Treatments Available

Treatment for shoulder impingement aims to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and restore normal shoulder function. Shoulder impingement rarely requires surgery, unless the impingement has caused damage to the ligaments or tendons of the shoulder.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Our board-certified orthopedic and sports medicine specialists normally use a conservative treatment plan to treat shoulder impingement.

Anti-inflammatory medications
Physical therapy
Injection therapy

Surgical Treatments

If non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief, surgical options may be considered. Your surgeon may remove part of the acromion in a procedure called subacromial decompression. The surgeon may also remove the inflamed portion of the bursa to create more space for the rotator cuff tendons.

Additionally, if the rotator cuff tendons are torn, the surgeon can use the same arthroscopic technique to repair them. Post-surgery, a rehabilitation program is essential to restore shoulder strength and function.

Rehabilitation

Following surgery, you will likely use a sling during the initial phase of recovery. A sling will support your arm, allowing the shoulder to heal. As you start to feel less pain, the sling will be removed and you can begin light exercise.

A physical therapist will provide a tailored rehabilitation program according to your needs. The exercises provided will help restore the range of motion in your shoulder joint and restore strength in both the shoulder and arm.

Rehabilitation generally takes 2-4 months before you experience complete relief from pain. In some cases, however, it may take up to a year.

Make an Appointment with an OrthoNeuro Shoulder Specialist Today!

Shoulder impingement can significantly impact your daily life, but you can achieve complete relief with proper diagnosis and treatment. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, don’t hesitate to seek medical help.

Schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified orthopedic shoulder specialists at one of our locations throughout Greater Columbus. We will evaluate your unique lifestyle and goals to determine which type of treatment is best for you.

Medically reviewed by B. Rodney Comisar, MD, FAAOS

Sources

Shoulder Specialists

IF YOU HAVE SEVERE SHOULDER PAIN AND STIFFNESS THAT PREVENTS YOU FROM MOVING YOUR SHOULDER CORRECTLY, CALL ORTHONEURO IN COLUMBUS, OHIO, OR REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE FOR EXPERT ORTHOPEDIC SHOULDER TREATMENTS.