Rotator Cuff Muscle Injuries ↓

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Shoulder Impingement Syndrome ↓

Sometimes referred to as subacromial impingement, it occurs when a tendon of one of the rotator cuff muscles becomes pinched or compressed under the acromion, in this case there may be microtrauma to the tendon resulting in pain and discomfort around the tip of the shoulder. The bursa (fluid-filled sac) that also lies underneath the acromion may also become pinched or compressed, in both situations you can have pain and difficulty lifting or using your arm overhead. Causes for impingement can be bony abnormalities (bones are a shape which narrows the space for the tendon); poor motor control at the scapula/shoulder; repetitive overhead activities such as swimming, golfing, throwing, racquet sports; injury/trauma such as a fall, or thickening of the soft tissue (joint capsule, bursa, tendon). >

A physical therapist will do a full evaluation of your movement patterns as well as take a thorough history in order to address your specific concerns. Sessions will likely include pain relief strategies, stretches, exercises including strengthening and motor control activities and eventually return to sport training. Specifically you could receive education about what activities to avoid, mobilization techniques/manual therapy, strengthening exercises for the back, shoulder, and even core.

Do I need surgery?↓

Depends, the large majority of cases do not require surgery despite positive findings on MRI or imaging. Most will resolve with conservative treatment a.k.a physical therapy. During your initial evaluation and even during follow up visits, your physical therapist will educate you on how physical therapy can help with you specific symptoms and whether or not you’ll require a consultation with a surgeon.

How can physical therapy help? ↓

Because the symptoms and pain are individual, each patient will have a different presentation at therapy. A physical therapist will do a thorough medical history review including gathering all the information about your current pain levels, current functional deficits and how this impacts your daily activities. A movement assessment will be performed including observation of activities such as walking or getting in/out of a chair as well as movements specific to your pain location and symptoms. With this information your physical therapist can develop a personalized treatment plan to help relieve your back pain and get you back to your normal routine. Your physical therapist will likely prescribe a combination of exercises, stretches and activities to avoid while you’re recovering as well as advise you on how to resume activities once you find relief.