Shoulder impingement is the most common cause of shoulder pain, and it is commonly known as a swimmer’s shoulder since it’s common in swimmers. Other athletes who can get shoulder impingement are baseball or softball players. The rotator cuff is not a single organ but a combination of muscles and tendons which attach the upper arm bone to the shoulder. This group of muscles and tendons are responsible for arm lift and rotation. The rotator cuff is located on top of the shoulder, known as the acromion. In shoulder impingement, the rotator cuff rubs against the acromion, so during an arm lift, the space between the rotator cuff and the acromion narrows, increasing pressure. The rotator cuff gets irritated as the pressure increases, leading to impingement.

What are the symptoms of shoulder impingement?

The most prominent symptom of shoulder impingement is the sudden pain in your shoulder when you lift your arm in any direction. Patients also complain of:

• Constant minor pain in the arm
• A travelling pain from the front of your shoulder to the side of your arm
• Increased pain during the night
• Weakness in the shoulder or arms

Who’s at risk of having shoulder impingement?

• Any sports that require using your shoulders for overhead or forceful motion are the top-tier people who might face shoulder impingement. Common activities that could cause this include:
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Baseball
• Heavy lifting occupations include:
  • Construction Work
  • Moving Boxes
  • Painting
• Old age and a history of shoulder injuries are also risk factors for shoulder impingement.
• The abnormal shape of the acromion also increases the risk.

Diagnosis to determine Shoulder Impingement Treatment

The doctors will first know your injury history, daily activities and exercise habits. This is followed by a physical examination where they will ask you to do a series of physical exercises. An X-ray is also done to detect any arthritis or bone spurs. In cases of a more serious rotator cuff injury, they might use an MRI scan to get a better look at your shoulder.

What is Shoulder Impingement Treatment? 

Shoulder Impingement Treatment depends on the severity of your case.

Home care for Shoulder Impingement Treatment

• Rest is critical, and avoid strenuous exercise or any movements that worsen the pain. Athletes should pay special attention to this.
• For best Shoulder Impingement Treatment, limit the shoulder movement; use a sling occasionally as the sling can lead to more weakness and stiffness in your shoulder.
• Apply an ice pack on your shoulder for 10 to 15 minutes a few times daily to reduce pain and swelling.

Physical therapy for Shoulder Impingement Treatment

Physical therapy is a critical component in shoulder impingement treatment. Gentle exercises will help in rebuilding strength and increasing the range of motion. A physical therapist will likely focus on the muscles in your shoulder, arm, and chest, which can help improve your rotator cuff’s function. For a sports professional, the physical therapist can teach proper techniques to reduce the chances of recurrence.

They may also give you some exercises you can do at home, which may help you recover faster. Just make sure you don’t overdo it.

Medication for Shoulder Impingement Treatment

Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce swelling and shoulder pain. 

Despite all the above Shoulder Impingement Treatments, if the pain does not reduce, your doctor might prescribe steroid injections to reduce swelling and pain.

Surgery for Shoulder Impingement Treatment

Surgery widens the space around your rotator cuff, so it moves freely without catching or rubbing on your bone. Minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery is sufficient in most cases. For more severe cases, traditional open surgery is. 

Recovery time from Shoulder impingement treatment surgery

In both cases of arthroscopic or open surgery, you may need to briefly wear an arm sling. 

Recovery from shoulder impingement treatment surgery takes about three to six months for complete healing. Depending on the severity of the injury, one might have to wait for a year to fully recover. 

One can return to normal activities within two to four weeks, but be careful not to overdo it.

Exercises for Shoulder Impingement Treatment

Repeat all the below practises a few times

• Place your arms at your sides with palms facing forward. Squeeze and hold both shoulder blades for five to ten seconds.
• Stretch one arm before you and push it forward with only the shoulder’s help. Then push back the shoulder as back as you can, keeping the neck and the back stable.
• Lie on the healthy side and bring the top arm to a 90-degree angle. Place the elbow on the hip and start rotating the lower arm upwards.
• Hold the side of the door frame. Turn your upper body in the opposite direction of the arm till you feel a slight stretch. Stay in this position for a few seconds and release.

However, if you experience any pain, stop doing them or reduce the number of repetitions.

Shoulder impingement can be painful and affect your daily activities; full recovery is possible within a few months. Some people recover with rest and physical therapy. You may need surgery if the conservative Shoulder Impingement Treatments do not provide relief. We at Hyderabad Shoulder Clinic have years of experience dealing with shoulder impeachment treatment. We provide both surgical and non-surgical shoulder impeachment treatment. Before deciding on a particular shoulder Impingement treatment, we thoroughly examine and diagnose. Please visit our website https://hyderabadshoulderclinic.com/ or contact us at +91 9959588389, shoulderandsportsclinic@gmail.com.