What Causes Shoulder Impingement and How to Find Relief
Shoulder pain can profoundly affect daily life. Simple activities you might not think twice about, like brushing your hair or grabbing something off a shelf, feel nearly impossible. While there are several reasons for developing shoulder pain, we want to look at a specific one today: shoulder impingement. Shoulder impingement causes a range of uncomfortable symptoms, but the team at Elite Physical Therapy and Sports Performance is here to help you find relief.
What Is Shoulder Impingement? Understand the Basics
Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff are pinched or compressed as they pass through a narrow space in the shoulder joint called the subacromial space. This compression leads to inflammation, irritation, and pain, especially when you lift your arm.
Common Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement
- Pain when lifting your arm overhead or behind your back
- Weakness in the shoulder or upper arm
- Aching that worsens at night
- Limited range of motion
- Swelling or tenderness around the shoulder
What Causes Shoulder Impingement?
Understanding shoulder impingement causes can help prevent the condition from worsening or recurring. Several factors contribute to this painful condition, including the following:
Structural Causes
- Bone spurs, or extra bony growths in the shoulder structure, can reduce the space in the shoulder joint.
- A naturally curved shoulder blade bone can increase the risk of impingement.
Functional Causes
- Poor posture, including forward head positions or rounded shoulders, shifts joint alignment and increases impingement risk.
- Weak or tight shoulder muscles can affect shoulder mechanics.
- Repetitive overhead motions, such as those in swimming, tennis, or construction work, can cause microdamage that eventually leads to shoulder impingement.
Risk Factors For Shoulder Impingement
- Age (it’s more common in individuals over 40)
- Previous shoulder injuries
- Lack of shoulder mobility
- Sedentary lifestyle with poor posture
How Physical Therapy Offers Lasting Relief from Shoulder Impingement
Once you’ve identified your specific shoulder impingement causes, the next step is effective treatment, such as physical therapy.
Why Physical Therapy Works
Our PTs are trained to improve shoulder mobility, strength, and posture without the need for surgery or injections. We provide a comprehensive and individualized approach to treating shoulder impingement.
What to Expect from a Physical Therapy Plan
While every plan is built for your needs, we typically incorporate the following techniques:
- Hands-on manual therapy techniques to reduce stiffness and improve movement
- Targeted exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff and scapular muscles
- Postural training to reduce mechanical compression.
- Mobility drills to improve range of motion in the shoulder joint.
- Personalized ergonomic strategies to help you modify movements at home or work to avoid aggravating your shoulder.
Take Action: Don’t Let Shoulder Impingement Limit Your Life
Shoulder pain doesn’t have to become a part of your daily routine. Understanding the underlying reasons for your shoulder impingement and working with the team at Elite Physical Therapy and Sports Performance can help you alleviate your discomfort and get back to doing what you love.
If you’re ready to move without pain, schedule an evaluation at our Traverse City, MI clinic. We’ll find a treatment plan that works for you!