Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome happens when the tendons of your rotator cuff or the fluid-filled sac (bursa) in your shoulder get pinched. This pinching occurs in a narrow space between the top of your arm bone and the outer edge of your shoulder blade. When you lift your arm, that space gets smaller, rubbing against the soft tissues and causing inflammation and sharp pain.

Think of it like a door hinge that is misaligned; every time you open the door, it scrapes the frame. In your shoulder, this cycle of rubbing leads to more swelling, which creates even less room, making movements like reaching behind your back or putting on a coat feel nearly impossible. Without intervention, this constant irritation can lead to more serious issues like rotator cuff tears.

• Pain when reaching overhead
• Weakness in the shoulder
• Pain radiating from the front of the shoulder
• Difficulty with activities like brushing hair

• Repeated overhead reaching during work or sports
• Bony growths or spurs developing on the shoulder bones
• Inflammation of the subacromial bursa (bursitis)
• Poor posture that causes the shoulders to slump forward
• Muscle imbalances where some muscles are too tight and others too weak
• Natural age-related changes to the shoulder joint structure

• Athletes in sports like swimming, tennis, and baseball
• Construction workers, painters, and carpenters who work overhead
• Individuals with chronic 'hunched' posture at a desk
• Middle-aged adults as tendons become less flexible over time
• People with naturally narrower subacromial spaces
• Individuals with a history of prior minor shoulder injuries

Physical therapy is the gold standard for treating shoulder impingement because it addresses the root cause: the lack of space in the joint. At Physical Therapy Now, you will work 1-on-1 with a licensed PT to restore proper mechanics. Your therapist will use manual therapy, which involves hands-on techniques to mobilize the joint and stretch tight tissues. This helps create immediate space for the tendons to glide without being pinched. We also utilize modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation to calm inflammation and reduce localized pain.

As your pain decreases, your sessions will focus on 'scapular stabilization.' This means training the muscles around your shoulder blade to move correctly, acting as a solid anchor for your arm. You will perform specific strengthening exercises for the rotator cuff to keep the head of the arm bone centered in the socket. We also focus on postural retraining to ensure your chest is open and your shoulders aren't rolled forward, which naturally increases the space in the shoulder joint.

The goal is a steady progression from pain relief to full functional movement. We tailor every movement to your specific daily needs, whether that is returning to the gym or simply reaching into a high cupboard. If your pain persists, is not improving in 2nd to 3rd week, or is getting worse, call us today or schedule an appointment online.

Most patients start feeling relief within 2 to 4 weeks of consistent physical therapy. A full recovery typically takes 6 to 12 weeks depending on the severity of the inflammation. The first phase focuses on reducing pain and swelling. The second phase restores full range of motion. Finally, the third phase builds strength and endurance to prevent the impingement from returning. Consistency with your therapist and your home exercise program is the key to a faster recovery.

• Avoid activities that require your hand to be above shoulder height
• Apply ice to the shoulder for 15 minutes after activity
• Maintain an upright posture and avoid slumping forward
• Sleep on your back or the unaffected side with a pillow for support
• Take frequent breaks from overhead or repetitive tasks
• Perform gentle doorway chest stretches to improve shoulder position
• Use a lumbar support in your chair to keep your spine aligned
• Avoid carrying heavy bags or purses on the painful shoulder

These tips support recovery but don't replace a professional evaluation. If you're unsure or symptoms worsen, please reach out.