Understanding Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons get compressed between the humerus (upper arm bone) and acromion (shoulder blade).

This painful condition affects people who frequently raise their arms overhead, including:

• Office workers reaching for high shelves
• Athletes (swimmers, tennis players, baseball pitchers)
• Manual laborers (painters, electricians, construction workers)
• Active adults performing gym exercises incorrectly

Without proper treatment, what begins as occasional discomfort can progress to chronic pain and tendon damage.

Causes and Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement

Primary Causes

1. Structural Factors

   • Bone spurs developing on the acromion
   • Naturally curved or hooked acromion shape
   • Thickened bursa or rotator cuff tendons

2. Muscle Imbalances

   • Weak rotator cuff muscles failing to center the humerus
   • Overdeveloped chest muscles pulling shoulders forward
   • Poor scapular stability during arm movements

3. Repetitive Stress

   • Frequent overhead work or activities
   • Incorrect exercise techniques (especially shoulder presses)
   • Poor throwing mechanics in sports

4. Postural Issues

   • Rounded shoulders from prolonged sitting
   • Forward head posture increasing shoulder strain
   • Tight pectoral muscles limiting mobility

Common Symptoms

• Sharp pain when raising your arm between 60-120 degrees
• Dull ache after prolonged activity
• Weakness when lifting objects overhead
• Night pain when lying on the affected side
• Clicking/popping sensations during movement
• Difficulty with daily tasks like:
  • Washing hair
  • Putting on jackets
  • Reaching for seatbelts

Professional Shoulder Impingement Treatment

Our evidence-based approach focuses on relieving compression while restoring proper shoulder mechanics:

1. Comprehensive Assessment

• Detailed movement analysis to identify impingement positions
• Strength testing of rotator cuff and scapular muscles
• Ultrasound imaging to assess tendon health

2. Personalized Treatment Plan

Firstly: Pain Reduction

• Manual therapy to improve joint mobility
• Modalities to decrease inflammation
• Activity modification guidance

Secondly: Corrective Exercise

• Rotator cuff strengthening
• Scapular stabilization training
• Postural correction exercises

Lastly: Functional Training

• Sport/work-specific movement retraining
• Gradual return to overhead activities
• Injury prevention education

3. Advanced Treatment Options

• Therapeutic ultrasound to promote healing
• Shockwave therapy for chronic cases
• Dry needling for muscle tightness

"After just 6 weeks of targeted rehab, I regained full pain-free overhead movement and returned to competitive swimming." - Sarah L., National Swimmer

Why Our Approach Works

✔ Specialized Expertise: 15+ years treating complex shoulder conditions
✔ Whole-Body Approach: Addressing root causes, not just symptoms
✔ Progressive Protocols: Scientifically-backed rehabilitation stages
✔ Cutting-Edge Modalities: Advanced technologies to enhance recovery

Take Action for Your Shoulder Health

Early intervention prevents chronic damage. Limited consultation slots available – book your comprehensive shoulder assessment today.