Shoulder Impingement Causes and Treatment

Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons rub against (or impinge) on the shoulder blade, which causes pain and irritation. It results when the musculature of the rotator cuff is relatively weak compared to the strong, powerful deltoid muscle. Because the shoulder is so reliant on the balance between these muscle groups, often times people can’t identify an activity that causes shoulder impingement. Occasionally activities that involve repetitive use, such as shoveling snow, can fatigue the rotator cuff and result in inflammation and arm pain.

Conservative treatment options include rest, anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, and stretching. If there has been more long term damage to the shoulder structure, such as a rotator cuff tear, surgery may be needed. Commonly shoulder impingement is repaired with arthroscopic surgery, but can be performed with an open surgical technique as well.

To minimize the risk of shoulder impingement syndrome, you can strengthen the rotator cuff with exercises as part of a daily routine.

The Center is a leader in the diagnosis and treatment of all musculoskeletal conditions, with ten locations throughout Central Oregon. Founded in 1958 as Bend Orthopedic and Fracture, the practice continues to be driven by leading best practice and innovation. With a staff of 24 physicians and 22 mid-level providers, our expertly trained specialists in orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, sports medicine, and occupational medicine, The Center is here to keep our community healthy, active, and strong.

[aubo]

I was training my deltoids every day and i started to develop shoulder impingement

[blackstorm]

Thank You So Much.
This Is Very Helpful Information.

[SlavaEremenko]

Thank you. Greatest video on this topic on YouTube.

[elainenilsson]

Thank you. I will increase strength of rotator cuff. My Pilates instructor used to encourage me to do this as well. Thank you for the reminder.

[Khiarika]

Finally someone explains it well. 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[gdemelo]

Thanks for the good explanation. Do you happen to know of any videos with the recovery exercises that you recommend?

[cherylradabaugh]

I suffered for 9 months with mine, till I was prescribed PT for my right shoulder .then my pain management Dr gave me a shot in the acr bursa .big difference, wish he'd done this 9 months ago .shoulder is still sore, some weakness yet .but now I can use it .

[ErinM-]

I have major pain in the bicep. I had a Ct arthrogram. It shows labral tear. The first surgeon said yes, I have a labral tear and that’s why my bicep hurts, maybe even something wrong with the bicep. The 2nd surgeon said he wasn’t sure how to read a Ct arthrogram. So, he guessed at it and said he doesn’t see a labral tear but thinks I have impingement. My pain is in my bicep and I have popping, cracking and snapping in my bicep

[johnmoran]

This is freaky. Describes my impingement exactly

[MiniWhale]

No where is bad posture or forward head mentioned as the main cause of shoulder impingement. Also, doctors are quick to inject steroids but not quick to talk about side effects and that they can impair natural healing.

[Nod]

Im in so much pain right now. Should i stretch it or just wait the pain go away before i stretch? 😢😢😢

[rigso]

Having some of these symptoms a few months after a distal clavicle break, could that be a cause? Maybe the time in sling weakened that muscle

[garla]

Upright Rows weight lifting will definitely cause shoulder impingement!!

[vicmedico]

Hello sir please I have Lipoma on my shoulder and now am having shoulder impeachment pain.

[joseville]

So is the solution to strengthen the rotator cuff? 1:50 Yes!