Understanding Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: Causes & Treatment

Introduction:

Shoulder impingement syndrome is a common condition that can cause pain and discomfort in the shoulder joint, affecting daily activities and quality of life. At Bayside Orthopaedics, with locations in Sunnybank and Cleveland, we specialize in diagnosing and treating shoulder impingement to help patients regain pain-free movement and function. In this guide, we'll explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for shoulder impingement syndrome.

What is Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?

Shoulder impingement syndrome occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff and the subacromial bursa become pinched or compressed between the bones of the shoulder joint, particularly the acromion and the humeral head. This can lead to inflammation, swelling, and pain, especially with overhead activities or reaching behind the back.

Causes of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome:

Several factors can contribute to the development of shoulder impingement syndrome, including:

• Overuse or Repetitive Movements: Activities that involve repetitive overhead movements, such as throwing, swimming, or painting, can increase the risk of shoulder impingement.
• Poor Posture: Slouching or hunching the shoulders forward can narrow the space within the shoulder joint, leading to impingement of the tendons and bursa.
• Shoulder Anatomy: Some individuals may have anatomical variations, such as a hooked or curved acromion, which can predispose them to shoulder impingement.
• Muscle Imbalances: Weakness or imbalance in the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint, particularly the rotator cuff muscles, can contribute to impingement.
• Traumatic Injury: Acute injuries, such as falls or direct blows to the shoulder, can damage the structures within the shoulder joint and lead to impingement symptoms.

Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome:

Common symptoms of shoulder impingement syndrome include:

• Pain or discomfort in the front or side of the shoulder, especially with overhead movements or reaching behind the back.
• Weakness or loss of strength in the affected shoulder.
• Difficulty lifting objects or performing daily tasks that require shoulder movement.
• Pain that worsens at night, especially when lying on the affected side.

Treatment Options for Shoulder Impingement Syndrome:

At Bayside Orthopaedics, we offer comprehensive treatment options for shoulder impingement syndrome, including:

1. Conservative Management:

• Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms and modifying daily activities to reduce strain on the shoulder.
• Physical Therapy: Strengthening exercises to improve shoulder stability and flexibility, as well as manual therapy techniques to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Anti-inflammatory Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
• Corticosteroid Injections: Injections of corticosteroids into the subacromial space to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

2. Surgical Intervention:

• Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery: For patients who do not respond to conservative treatments, arthroscopic surgery may be recommended to remove bone spurs, release tight structures, and create more space within the shoulder joint.

Conclusion:

Shoulder impingement syndrome can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, patients can experience relief from pain and regain shoulder function. If you're experiencing shoulder pain or discomfort, schedule a consultation with Bayside Orthopaedics for Shoulder Surgery in Sunnybank or Cleveland. Our experienced team of orthopaedic specialists will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to address your shoulder impingement symptoms and help you get back to doing the things you love.