Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder Impingement syndrome is a very common shoulder complaint. Impingement happens when the tendon of the stabilising muscles of the shoulder (the rotator cuff) get temporarily trapped in the shoulder joint, during particular movements, causing pain, weakness and loss of function.
What causes shoulder impingement?
Shoulder impingement may be caused by one or more of the following:
- Overuse may cause irritation and inflammation of the structures in the shoulder joint, commonly in people who repeatedly lift their arm above shoulder height
- A trauma such as an accident or fall, particularly on to an outstretched arm.
- Shoulder instability including rotator cuff weakness
- Poor Posture
The degenerative process, which may include:
bone spurs caused by wear and tear of the joint; calcification of the rotator cuff tendon; degenerative cuff tear
What are the effects/symptoms of shoulder impingement?
Symptoms of shoulder impingement syndrome may include:
- Pain in the shoulder when the arm is lifted above shoulder height or reaching up behind the back to put on a coat for example
- Shoulder weakness
- Swelling in the shoulder area
- Discomfort laying on the affected shoulder
Physiotherapy treatment for shoulder impingement
Shoulder impingement can have a detrimental affect on your everyday life due to pain and lack of function. Our specialised physiotherapists at Cleethorpes Physio Clinic will therefore ensure that your treatment programme is tailored to meet your specific goals so that you can resume normal activities with ease and confidence. We will teach you techniques that will reduce the chance of this problem recurring.
Physiotherapy treatment may include:
- Rotator cuff strengthening to increase shoulder stability and decrease impingement
- Sport and Function based Rehabilitation
- Ultrasound treatment
- Kinesiology taping to stabilise the shoulder joint and reduce impingement
