Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder impingement is the most prevalent cause of shoulder pain and is commonly known as a swimmer’s shoulder since it’s common in swimmers.
Other athletes, such as baseball or softball players who use their shoulders, often experience shoulder impingement.
The shoulder consists of a rotator cuff which sits under the top of the shoulder. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that attach the upper arm bone to the shoulder. These muscles and tendons help you lift and rotate your arm.
In shoulder impingement, the rotator cuff catches or rubs against the acromion (the top of the shoulder). While lifting the arm, the space between the rotator cuff and acromion narrows, which increases pressure, thus irritating the rotator cuff, leading to impingement.
Shoulder impingement symptoms:
- If you experience sudden pain when you lift your arm overhead or backwards
- Other symptoms to watch out for during shoulder impingement include:
- Minor but constant pain in your arm
- Pain that goes from the front of your shoulder to the side of your arm
- Pain that gets worse at night
- Shoulder or arm weakness
What causes shoulder impingement?
Overuse is the primary cause of shoulder impingement. When the shoulder is repeatedly used, the tendons in your shoulder swell, leading them to “catch” on your upper shoulder bone.
Sports or professions where the shoulders are used over the head often, and that too with force, are the biggest risk factors for developing shoulder impingement. Common activities that could cause this include:
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Baseball
- Construction Work
- Moving Boxes
- Painting
- Old age
- Repeated minor shoulder injuries
- Earlier shoulder dislocation.
- Anatomical abnormalities of the shoulder, such as unusually shaped acromion.
- Shoulder impingement treatment options
Diagnosis of shoulder impingement:
The treatment for shoulder impingement starts with a basic routine health check-up by your Physiotherapist. On the first visit, your physiotherapist will inquire about your medical history, previous injuries, and daily routine. They will ask you to do a series of motions with your shoulder, and they will observe your movements for any abnormality. Physiotherapist will also figure out if there is a pinched nerve.
If a serious rotator cuff injury is detected, they might use an MRI scan to get a better look at your shoulder.
Many types of treatment are available for shoulder impingement, depending on how severe your case is.
Treatment options for shoulder impingement
1. Self-care at home:
One can start self-care by resting and avoiding strenuous exercise or any movements that worsen the pain.
Do not use a sling to immobilize your arm completely. Arresting the movement with a sling leads to more weakness and stiffness in your shoulder.
Apply ice to your shoulder for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, a few times a day, to reduce pain and swelling.
2. Physical therapy:
Physical therapy is a go-to choose of treatment to cure shoulder impingement. Physical therapy helps to rebuild shoulder strength and range of motion.
- Manual Therapy:
Manual therapy, including joint mobilizations and soft tissue manipulation, helps improve shoulder mobility and reduce tension in surrounding muscles.
- Strengthening exercises:
Strengthening exercises for the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers are essential to address muscle imbalances and enhance shoulder stability.
- Correcting Posture:
Physiotherapists also focus on correcting faulty movement patterns and posture to reduce stress on the shoulder.
- Range of motion exercises and stretches:
Range of motion exercises and stretches help restore flexibility and prevent stiffness. Additionally, patients are educated on home exercises and lifestyle modifications to promote long-term recovery.
A gradual return to functional activities and sports is guided by the physiotherapist, emphasizing proper mechanics to prevent recurrence.
Overall, a comprehensive physiotherapy approach is integral to managing shoulder impingement syndrome effectively and promoting a full and functional recovery.
Top of Form
Do’s and don’ts during recovery from shoulder impingement Syndrome:
- Avoid activities that involve throwing, especially with your arms over the head, such as tennis, baseball, and softball.
- In the gym, avoid overhead presses or pull-downs.
- For those with swimming as a regular exercise or a profession, take some time off from training to allow the recovery process to progress.Balance between rest and exercising to strengthen your rotator cuff and stretch your arm, shoulder, and chest muscles.
Conclusion:
Shoulder impingement syndrome can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, but with proper physiotherapy management, positive outcomes are achievable.
The multifaceted approach of physiotherapy, addressing pain, range of motion, strength, and posture, is essential for a comprehensive recovery.
Early intervention and a commitment to rehabilitation exercises can make a substantial difference, allowing individuals to regain functionality and resume their normal activities with minimal discomfort.
If you suspect shoulder impingement, seeking professional guidance from a physiotherapist is the first step towards a healthier and pain-free shoulder.
Shivraj Baldaniya
Physiotherapist
YOS sports health specialist
