Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement refers to irritation of the rotator cuff and surrounding tissues during shoulder movement, particularly overhead activity.

It is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain.

What causes impingement?

• Rotator cuff inflammation
• Bursitis
• Overhead activity
• Poor shoulder mechanics
• Bone spurs
• Muscle imbalance

Impingement often overlaps with early rotator cuff disease.

Common symptoms

• Pain reaching overhead
• Night pain
• Pain lifting objects
• Weakness
• Pain with sports or exercise

Treatment options

• Physical therapy
• Activity modification
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Corticosteroid injection
• Arthroscopic treatment in selected cases

Most patients improve with nonoperative treatment focused on restoring shoulder mechanics.

What this means for patients

Shoulder impingement is highly treatable. Early diagnosis and restoration of proper shoulder mechanics can often prevent progression to more advanced rotator cuff disease.