Shoulder Impingement Syndrome Patient Education
Impingement Syndrome
The shoulder is made up of many joints, muscles, and tendons that make it the most mobile joint in the body. Because of its complexity, range of motion, and constant use, the shoulder is susceptible to injury and pain from a number of different problems.
Subacromial impingement syndrome, often called “swimmer’s shoulder,” is a common shoulder problem that occurs when the rotator cuff tendons and the bursa are pinched by or rub against the acromion.
The pinching is worsened when the arm is raised to shoulder height and the space between the rotator cuff and acromion narrows. This causes further inflammation of the tendons and bursa, amplifying the pain.
What causes Impingement Syndrome?
As with any shoulder injury, shoulder impingement syndrome can be caused by overuse, repetitive movements, or heavy lifting.
Most subacromial impingement syndrome cases occur in active individuals and manual workers that are under 25 years of age.
Age, arthritis, and years of use (whether through sports, work, or recreational activities) may lead to the development of bone spurs on the acromion, further narrowing the space between the rotator cuff and acromion.
In some cases, the natural shape of a patient’s acromion may make them more susceptible to impingement problems
Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder impingement syndrome symptoms often start out mild and respond to conservative treatment, but can become severe if left untreated. Common symptoms of impingement syndrome in the shoulder include:
Early-stage symptoms:
- Minor pain during activity or rest
- Pain radiating from the front of your shoulder to the side of your arm
- Noticeable discomfort during lifting and reaching motions
Late-stage symptoms:
- Sudden pain while performing reaching or overhead lifting movements
- Pain while reaching behind your back
- Loss of shoulder strength
- Limited range of motion
Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatments for Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Most shoulder impingement syndrome conditions are treatable using conservative, nonsurgical treatments. If symptoms continue or worsen following a period of conservative treatment, or if diagnostic imaging reveals a more severe problem, surgical treatment may be recommended.
Surgical Treatments for Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
- Anterior Acromioplasty (subacromial decompression) – shaving off or removing some of the acromion using open or arthroscopic techniques.
- Arthroscopic Surgery – involving making two to three small shoulder incisions and inserting thin instruments to trim or smooth tendons with partial tears or to reattach tendons with full tears with the help of a guiding camera. This is a same-day or outpatient procedure.
- Open Surgery – involving making a small incision in the front of your shoulder to see the rotator cuff directly to trim or smooth tendons for partial tears or to reattach tendons for full tears with the help of a guiding camera. This surgery requires an overnight hospital stay.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
- Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen
- Cortisone steroid injection
- Rest and modifying your activities
- Physical therapy such as stretching exercises