Shoulder Impingement
A condition where your shoulders bursa and or rotator cuff tendons are intermittently trapped and compressed during shoulder elevation movements.
Individuals with shoulder impingement may experience severe pain bot at rest and during activities, with weakness of the arm and difficulty in raising the hand overhead.
Shoulder Impingement
Over head activity of the shoulder, especially repeated activity, is a risk factor of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome. Examples include: painting, lifting, swimming, tennis, and other overhead sports. Other risk factors include bone and joint abnormalities. Over time, impingement syndrome can lead to inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons (tendinitis) and bursa (bursitis). If not treated appropriately, the rotator cuff tendons can start to thin and tear.
Individuals with shoulder impingement may experience severe pain at rest and during activities, weakness of the arm and difficulty in raising the hand overhead.
Diagnosis of impingement syndrome begins with an assessment, x-rays may be taken to rule out arthritis and may show changes in the bone that indicate injury of the muscle. Bone spurs or changes in the normal contour of the bone may be present, MRI scans may also be required.
Treatment
Shoulder impingement can be treated with rest, ice packs, anti-inflammatory drugs, and avoiding activities involving the shoulder.
Physiotherapy may be recommended to strengthen the muscles and steroid injections may be given if pain persists.
Arthroscopic surgery would only be recommended if there is a presence of bony spurs or a torn rotator cuff tendon.
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