When you raise your arm to shoulder height, the space between the acromion and rotator cuff narrows. The acromion can rub against (or impinge on) the tendon and the bursa, causing irritation and pain.

Shoulder Impingement is common in both young athletes (e.g. swimmers, baseball, and tennis players), and middle-aged people who use their arms overhead (e.g. teachers, wallpaper hangers, construction, or painting). 

Pain may also develop as a result of a minor injury. Sometimes, it occurs with no apparent cause.

Local swelling and tenderness in the front of the shoulder and pain and stiffness especially when you lift your arm are the clearest signs of should impingement. Pain may also be when the arm is lowered from an elevated position.

Beginning symptoms may be mild. Patients frequently do not seek treatment at an early stage. These symptoms may include:

• Minor pain that is present both with activity and at rest
• Pain radiating from the front of the shoulder to the side of the arm
• Sudden pain with lifting and reaching movements
• Athletes in overhead sports may have pain when throwing or serving a tennis ball

As the problem progresses, the symptoms increase:

• Moderate to severe pain while resting or sleeping
• Loss of strength and motion
• Difficulty doing activities that place the arm behind the back, (e.g. buttoning or zipping clothing)
• Loss of motion and weakness in your shoulder, especially when driving for long periods of time

If the pain comes on suddenly, the shoulder may be severely tender. All movement may be limited and painful.

Symptoms vary from mild, with little difference to daily activities, to severe, where moving your shoulder at all may not be possible.

Physical therapy is vital for reducing pain and restoring motion when you have a shoulder impingement. Our physical therapist will help you safely return to your previous activity levels as you regain strength and movement. The goal is to restore your ability to do household activities, job duties, and recreational hobbies.

Typically, the program will include the following: 

• Pain reduction methods such as Dry needling
• Stabilizing the joint with Kinseo taping during Range-of-Motion physical therapy exercises
• Job and/or Sports Movement Training

Talk to one of the physical therapy specialists at Vita today about treatment options for your shoulder pain.