What is Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome is caused by pinching of the rotator cuff tendons and the bursa between the bones in the shoulder when reaching overhead.
It can sometimes be associated with other rotator cuff injuries.
Causes of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Overhead sports
Individuals who engage in overhead sports or perform overhead activities regularly as part of their job may be predisposed to shoulder impingement syndrome.
E.g. Tennis, Badminton, Basketball, etc
Bone spurs and poor posture
Bone spurs as well as poor back and shoulder posture may sometimes increase your risk of shoulder impingement syndrome.
How is it diagnosed?
Shoulder impingement syndrome is commonly diagnosed based on your symptoms and clinical examination.
Your doctor may sometimes order X-rays or scans to look for underlying issues that may predispose you to getting this problem, as well as to look for other possible causes of shoulder pain such as tendon tears.
Upon the results of your exam/tests, the specialist will then discuss with you the possible treatment options that will suit your condition.
How is it diagnosed?
Shoulder impingement syndrome is commonly diagnosed based on your symptoms and clinical examination.
Your doctor may sometimes order X-rays or scans to look for underlying issues that may predispose you to getting this problem, as well as to look for other possible causes of shoulder pain such as tendon tears.
Upon the results of your exam/tests, the specialist will then discuss with you the possible treatment options that will suit your condition.
Treatment Options
There are various treatment options for shoulder impingement syndrome such as medication and physiotherapy. However, if your condition has worsened, surgery may be recommended.
Keep in mind that if your condition requires surgery, your Orthopaedic Surgeon should always educate you on:
- Risks of the surgery
- How to prepare for a surgery
- What will be required for post-op care
Non Surgical Options
Rest
Most of the time, if the pain is manageable and/minor, most patients can recover by resting the injured area and avoiding overhead activities (sports, etc) as well as carrying heavy loads at arm’s length.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy may help in re-training the rotator cuff, as well as the muscles that control your shoulder blade, In doing so, it helps reduce the impingement by creating more space for the tendons and bursa.
Painkillers and Injections
On occasion, painkillers may be required. In selected cases, steroid injections to the bursa may help relieve the symptoms. Steroid injections do carry some risk and this should be discussed with your doctor before proceeding.
Surgical Options
Arthroscopy/ Key-hole Surgery
A small incision will be made in your shoulder to shave down the underside of the acromion bone to relieve the symptoms by reducing pressure on the rotator cuff and bursa.
Disclaimer
Shoulder | Elbow Orthopaedic Group does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or physicians that are referenced in this article. This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific orthopaedic advice or assistance should consult his or her Orthopaedic Surgeon.
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