Shoulder impingement

What is shoulder impingement?

Shoulder impingement occurs when mechanical compression of the rotator cuff tendons and bursa in the shoulder joint. Certain movements such as over head motion or hand behind back are more likely to compress the tendon.

What causes shoulder impingement?

• Poor posture
• Repetitive overhead movements
• May develop after contact injury
• Poor Lifting technique may compress tendon

Signs and symptoms

• Pain or clicking when putting your hand behind your back or head.
• Pain reaching for the seat-belt or across your chest.
• An arc of shoulder pain approximately when your arm is at shoulder height and/or when your arm is overhead.
• Pain felt side of arm
• Pain when lying on the sore shoulder.
• Shoulder pain at rest as your condition deteriorates.
• Muscle weakness or pain when attempting to reach or lift

Treatment

• Restore Scapular Control and Scapulohumeral Rhythm
• Manual physiotherapy:
  • Joint Mobilisations
  • Soft tissue massage
• Therapeutic exercise:
  • Range of motion exercises
  • Scapula exercises
  • Rotator cuff strengthening
  • Stretching
• Taping
• Address contributing factors:
  • Correct posture
  • Ergonomic advice (i.e. workplace set-up, e.g. lumbar roll, computer height etc)
• Encourage normal activity and work