What is shoulder impingement syndrome pain and discomfort?
Shoulder impingement syndrome is an issue with the tendons or bursa of your shoulder. It is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain, and it is generally caused by activities or sports that cause you to reach overhead. When you have shoulder impingement syndrome, pain may flare when you reach overhead, but your pain levels otherwise remain constant as a persistent, dull ache.
What causes shoulder impingement syndrome pain and discomfort?
This condition is generally caused by impingement of tendons or bursae from the bones in your shoulder. For instance, painting your house or playing tennis are common causes of shoulder impingement syndrome, from repeated overhead activity. Swimming or lifting weights can also cause this condition. Osteoarthritis in the shoulder or bone spurs can cause the tendon to get trapped, causing a shearing affect, which eventually tears the tendon. The pain associated with shoulder impingement syndrome originates from the tendons in your shoulder, which have been stretched beyond their limit. If you leave shoulder impingement syndrome untreated for an extended period, your shoulder tendons could actually tear.
What are the symptoms of shoulder impingement syndrome pain and discomfort?
Symptoms of shoulder impingement are very clear, pain in the shoulder with reaching up and behind the back motion with associated weakness of the shoulder muscles. People tend to have difficulty with dressing and washing themselves, reaching, lifting, swimming and playing tennis.
How is shoulder impingement syndrome pain and discomfort diagnosed?
Since pain in your shoulder can also be caused by other conditions, your doctor or physical therapist will examine you carefully before they diagnose you with shoulder impingement syndrome. This examination usually involves an X-ray scan, ordered by the physician, which is performed to ensure that your shoulder pain isn’t actually caused by arthritis.
How is shoulder impingement syndrome pain and discomfort treated?
In most cases, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications are used to treat shoulder impingement syndrome. Immobilization of the shoulder may also be recommended, and observing an anti-inflammatory diet may help your body heal properly. If your shoulder pain persists, however, it might make sense to seek a physical therapists assistance. Many physical therapist are trained to perform physical therapy for conditions such as shoulder impingement syndrome, and they may be able to speed up the healing process. At Advance Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation, our physical therapists will perform a thorough evaluation of your shoulder. Treatment options include ultrasound, electrical stimulation manual therapy, joint mobilizations, massage, stretching, strengthening exercises, neuromuscular re-education, home exercise program and activity modification.