SHOULDER IMPINGEMENT

Sometimes impingement is caused by overuse. When an athlete puts regular demands on their biceps and rotator cuff without taking proper rest and care in between performances, the soft tissues can become irritated. This leads to swelling and inflammation, which takes up more room in the subacromial space.

Weakness, instability, and imbalance in the shoulder muscles can also lead to impingement. Without proper training and technique, athletes could potentially move in a way that causes friction and pinching in their shoulder.

Symptoms from impingement usually come on gradually. You might be able to feel a pinching sensation in the shoulder when you do certain overhead movements, like throwing or just reaching the arm up high. Pain could get worse when you lay on the side with impingement. Impingement also tends to affect range of motion and strength.

When we treat impingement, we start with the underlying issue. Whether or not your shoulder impingement is due to overuse, our first step will be limiting your overhead activity. We want to give the soft tissues a chance to recover. Then we can move forward with therapeutic exercises designed to correct your posture and technique, and to strengthen your shoulder muscles. Gradually we will restore the function of your shoulder, and teach you maintenance exercises that will help keep your muscles balanced and protect you from re-injury.