Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
What is Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?
Shoulder impingement syndrome is a common cause of shoulder pain that occurs when the rotator cuff tendons are compressed as they pass through a narrow space at the top of the shoulder. The result is pain and pinching when lifting the arm, especially overhead, which can make everyday tasks like dressing, reaching or sleeping on the affected side uncomfortable. It tends to develop gradually rather than from a single injury.
Causes
- Repetitive overhead activity, common in painters, swimmers and racket sports
- Weakness or imbalance in the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles
- Posture that narrows the space the tendons move through
- Age-related thickening or wear of the tendons and bursa
- A previous shoulder injury that has not fully resolved
Symptoms
- Pain when lifting the arm, particularly overhead or out to the side
- A painful arc of movement partway through raising the arm
- Aching at night, especially when lying on the affected shoulder
- Weakness or reluctance to use the arm
- Pain that eases at rest but returns with activity
Our Treatment for Shoulder Impingement
Most cases of shoulder impingement improve without surgery. Following a detailed assessment, our physiotherapy team will use manual therapy to ease pain and restore movement, then build a progressive strengthening programme for the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles. Correcting posture and movement patterns is central to lasting recovery, so we will also look at how you sit, lift and train. Where symptoms are stubborn, this may sit alongside treatment for related shoulder pain or a rotator cuff injury.
Improvement is often noticeable within a few weeks, with fuller recovery typically taking three to six months depending on how long symptoms have been present.
Why Choose True Physio?
Expert Physiotherapy Team
All of our Physiotherapists are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which means that they fulfil the highest standards of practice required by law. They are also a part of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), demonstrating our commitment to delivering outstanding expertise.
Initial Assessment
At your initial assessment at True Physio, we will find out where your pain comes from and what your goal is before forming a plan to help you achieve that. Our clinicians will take the time to understand your condition, do a detailed assessment, and explain to you the nature of the problem you have. Treatment plans are created with your lifestyle in mind.
If you are experiencing shoulder impingement, our experienced physiotherapists are here to help.
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