Shoulder Impingement Overview
Shoulder impingement, also referred to as swimmer’s shoulder, is a painful condition that occurs when the edge of your shoulder blade rubs – or impinges on – your rotator cuff. You use this muscle to help raise your arm over your head and turn your arm towards and away from your body.
Individuals with shoulder impingement often experience pain, tenderness and the inability to fully move the shoulder joint. Pain or weakness is particularly noticeable when your arm is raised above your head or away from the side of the body. Some will also experience catching or grating of the muscles and difficulty sleeping because of the pain.
If you or a loved one are suffering from pain or weakness caused by shoulder impingement, you can rely on our experts at Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) Orthopedic Surgery to help you find relief.
What are the symptoms of shoulder impingement?
Shoulder pain is the most common symptom of shoulder impingement. Other common symptoms include:
- Radiating pain that extends to the arms
- Inability to fall or stay asleep due to pain
- Stiffness in the upper body
- Swelling in the shoulders and arms
- Limited range of motion
- Clicking or popping sounds during movement
What causes shoulder impingement?
Shoulder impingement is usually the result of overuse. Repeated motions can put stress on the shoulder joint and rotator cuff, leading to inflammation and pain. Some common activities or events that can cause shoulder impingement include:
- Physically demanding occupations
- Sports training
- Falling
- Vehicular accidents
Who’s at risk for shoulder impingement?
Because shoulder impingement is typically caused by overuse of the shoulder joint and rotator cuff, very active people are at a higher risk for developing it. Playing sports or working a physical job are common reasons to develop shoulder impingement. It’s more commonly seen in swimmers or people who play basketball, baseball, tennis, pickleball, volleyball or golf. Those with careers in painting, carpentry, window washing or other physical professions may be more likely to have shoulder impingement.
Other factors such as advanced age and poor posture can also contribute to the chances of developing shoulder impingement.
How is shoulder impingement diagnosed?
To diagnose shoulder impingement, your provider will do a physical exam of your shoulder and test your range of motion. Once your level of impact and pain is understood, you will likely undergo imaging tests to confirm your diagnosis. Your provider may recommend one of the following tests:
- X-ray
- MRI
- Ultrasound
These tests will allow your provider to visualize the bone and tissue in your shoulder joint and determine what is causing your discomfort.
How is shoulder impingement treated?
Depending on your specific symptoms, your orthopedic provider may suggest a variety of treatment options. In most cases, shoulder impingement symptoms can be managed with at home treatments and rest, but if the issue doesn’t resolve, your provider may suggest surgery.
Initial Treatments
Initial treatment for shoulder impingement is focused on reducing pain and restoring function. As with other conditions that are caused by inflammation or swelling, first line treatments include:
- Icing the affected area
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines
- Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the joint
- Cortisone injections
- Activity modification or avoiding movements that cause pain
Shoulder Impingement Surgery
If initial treatment efforts are unsuccessful to alleviate pain caused by your impinged shoulder, surgery may be the best option for long-term relief. NGPG Orthopedic Surgery offers access to minimally invasive surgical options to treat impinged shoulder. Depending on the location and damage caused by your impingement, your surgeon may suggest different types of procedures that can help remedy your pain. The board-certified surgeons at NGPG Orthopedic Surgery perform several operations to repair shoulder damage including:
Choose NGPG for Shoulder Impingement Treatment
NGPG Orthopedic Surgery offers advanced expertise in shoulder and upper extremity care and surgery, along with surgical approaches and minimally invasive techniques that can improve recovery times and outcomes for patients. As the leading orthopedic practice in the region, we perform our surgeries in state-of-the-art surgical environments at Northeast Georgia Medical Center or our outpatient surgery centers.
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, book an appointment easily online with one of our physicians or walk right in to one of our Orthopedic Walk-In Clinics, open 5 days a week.