Professional Shoulder Impingement Treatment
At Herlong Sports Physical Therapy, we specialize in the effective treatment of shoulder impingement. Our expert physical therapists work with you to create a personalized recovery plan based on your specific needs and goals. We focus on relieving pain, improving mobility, and preventing future injury using a combination of manual therapy, strengthening exercises and education. Whether you are recovering from a sports injury or dealing with everyday shoulder discomfort, we provide comprehensive care to help you regain full shoulder function.
Shoulder Impingement Causes
Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff are compressed or irritated by the bones of the shoulder. Common causes include:
- Repetitive overhead motions: Activities like swimming, tennis or lifting can lead to wear and tear on the rotator cuff tendons.
- Poor posture: Slouching or improper body mechanics can put extra strain on the shoulder muscles and lead to impingement.
- Aging and degenerative changes: As we age, the tendons and bursa in the shoulder may wear down, leading to impingement.
- Shoulder injury: Previous trauma or injury, such as a fall or direct impact, can alter the mechanics of the shoulder and contribute to impingement.
- Muscle imbalances: Weak or tight muscles around the shoulder and shoulder blade may limit range of motion and cause abnormal muscle contraction patterns during activities, causing the tendons to become pinched.
Shoulder Impingement Symptoms
The symptoms of shoulder impingement can vary, but the most common signs include:
- Pain in the shoulder or upper arm: Often felt when lifting the arm or reaching overhead.
- Pain at night: Particularly when sleeping on the affected side.
- Limited range of motion: Difficulty moving the arm or performing everyday tasks like reaching, lifting or combing your hair.
- Weakness: Reduced strength in the shoulder, making it harder to perform physical activities.
- Pain with specific movements: Pain may be triggered by activities like throwing, lifting or carrying heavy objects.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a physical therapist to determine the best course of treatment.
Shoulder Impingement Treatment
Shoulder impingement is typically treated through a combination of physical therapy techniques aimed at reducing pain and restoring mobility. Here’s how we approach shoulder impingement treatment at Herlong Sports Physical Therapy:
- Pain Management: Initially, we focus on reducing inflammation and alleviating pain through gentle manual therapy techniques, if necessary
- Restoring Mobility: Once the pain is under control, we work on restoring the normal range of motion in the shoulder joint. Gentle stretching and mobility exercises are used to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.
- Strengthening: As part of the recovery process, strengthening the rotator cuff and scapular muscles is essential to stabilize the shoulder and prevent future injuries. We guide you through specific exercises tailored to your needs.
- Postural Correction: Our therapists will assess your posture and provide strategies to improve alignment, reducing the risk of recurrence.
- Functional Rehabilitation: Once pain is under control and strength is improving, we transition to functional training to ensure you can return to your normal activities without limitations.
Does Shoulder Impingement Require Surgery?
In most cases, shoulder impingement does not require surgery. Non-surgical treatments like physical therapy are highly effective in addressing the condition and restoring function. Surgery is typically considered only when conservative measures, such as physical therapy, do not provide relief, or if there is significant tendon damage or a tear. Your physical therapist can help determine the best course of action for your recovery.
Are There Future Complications from Shoulder Impingement?
Without proper treatment, shoulder impingement can lead to chronic pain and potential damage to the rotator cuff tendons. Over time, the irritation can cause tendinitis, bursitis or even tendon tears. Additionally, if the condition is left untreated, it can lead to long-term weakness and a decreased range of motion, making everyday activities more difficult. Early intervention with physical therapy is crucial to prevent these complications and promote full recovery.
Shoulder Impingement Rehab Exercises
As part of your recovery, doing specific exercises can help speed up the healing process and prevent re-injury. Below are two exercises—one for the early stages of recovery and another for the later stages:
Early Stage: Scapular Retraction
This exercise focuses on engaging and strengthening the muscles around the shoulder blades, which helps reduce shoulder impingement by improving posture and stability.
- Sit or stand with a straight back. Keep your arms relaxed at your sides.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades together as if trying to pinch a pencil between them. Hold the squeeze for 5 seconds, then relax.
- Perform 10-15 repetitions, focusing on maintaining good posture and engaging the shoulder blades, not the arms or neck.
Late Stage: External Rotation with Resistance Band
Once your shoulder pain has subsided and your mobility has improved, strengthening exercises are key to restoring full function.
- Attach a resistance band to a door or stationary object. Hold the band with your elbow bent at 90 degrees and close to your side.
- Slowly rotate your forearm away from your body, keeping your elbow close to your side. Return to the starting position.
- Perform 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions, ensuring you are using controlled movements and maintaining good posture.
Always consult with your physical therapist before starting any exercise to ensure it is appropriate for your specific stage of recovery.