SHOULDER IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME
Do you have difficulty raising your arm above shoulder height? Do you hear or feel a clicking noise or sensation when you do so? You may suffer from shoulder impingement syndrome.
Shoulder impingement syndrome is one of the most common types of shoulder pain. Located within the rotator cuff, this injury is caused by the acromion rubbing against the tendon, causing irritation, inflammation, and pain. You may feel the most pain when raising your arm to shoulder height.
WHAT IS SHOULDER IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME?
Shoulder impingement syndrome is a result of repetitive movements by those who engage in physical activities that require repeated overhead arm movements, such as golf, baseball, swimming, tennis, weightlifting. Occupations that work at or above shoulder height are also at risk of impingement
Shoulder impingement takes place between the head of your humerus (the ball-shaped bone of your shoulder) and the top of your shoulder blade (acromion).
When shoulder muscles are weak or have excessive strain placed on them, you may begin to compensate, altering your movement pattern, causing impingement. Shoulder impingement may feel worse at night after continued use of the muscle and joints.
Common shoulder impingement symptoms include:
Pain or clicking when raising your arm at or above shoulder height.
Pain reaching across your chest.
Pain when lying on the shoulder.
Muscle weakness or pain when attempting to reach or lift.
If left untreated, impingement can and lead to rotator cuff tendinopathy, and in severe cases, a rotator cuff tear.
SHOULDER IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME AND PHYSICAL THERAPY
The physicians at 360 Physical Therapy & Wellness can easily correct shoulder impingement, helping to reduce pain, allowing you to regain full range of motion to keep doing the things you love to do.
Following an initial assessment, conservative treatment methods will be performed by our highly trained, board certified physical therapists.
Techniques to treat shoulder impingement syndrome at 360 Physical Therapy & Wellness include:
Therapeutic exercise. Working with Dr. Kumar, you will learn techniques such as postural strengthening, and periscapular and rotator cuff stretching and strengthening to improve mobility, increase joint strength and stability, and heal damaged tissues.
Electrical stimulation. This conservative treatment helps to reduce swelling and speed up the healing process.
Joint mobilization. We will gently move your shoulder to improve range of motion as we work through the built-up resistance from stiffness and impingement.
The doctors at 360 Physical Therapy & Wellness in Fulton (Maple Lawn), Maryland specializes in individualized patient care. If you want to improve your shoulder mobility and reduce pain due to swimmer’s shoulder, repetitive stress disorders from occupation-related activities, or weightlifting, call or email us today.