Shoulder Impingement

What is a Shoulder Impingement?

Shoulder Impingement is typically the result of abnormal pressure building up from the shoulder blade on the tendon linking four muscles around the shoulder joint known as the Rotator Cuff. Upon lifting the arm the pressure and the pain would be more noticeable. If left untreated this condition often goes on to cause impaired joint mobility, a torn rotator cuff, frozen shoulder, bursitis and loss of shoulder strength.

What causes it?

Shoulder Impingement usually occurs when the Rotator Cuff supporting the shoulder joint muscles becomes trapped and inflamed by the front edge of the shoulder blade (the Acromion). This condition is most common in athletes and workers who are required to repeatedly throw their arms over their head.

How can we help?

The preferred treatment for a Shoulder Impingement is a combination of anti-inflammatory medication and physiotherapy. Physiotherapy works to relieve your pain and to maintain or recover normal mobility of the shoulder joint. The physiotherapy consists of a number of sessions which includes mobility exercises to prevent or combat stiffness.