Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
In this month’s blog I’ll be diving into a very common condition that we see almost every day called Subacromial Impingement Syndrome aka Shoulder impingement syndrome.
What is shoulder impingement?
Shoulder impingement is a syndrome (group of symptoms) where the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles or the bursa (a fluid-filled pillow that reduces friction between tissues) in the shoulder become compressed or “impinged” as they pass through the small space underneath the top part of the shoulder blade during particular shoulder movements. This compression may lead to pain, inflammation, potential fraying of the tendon and limited mobility of the shoulder joint.
What causes a Shoulder Impingement:
The exact cause of shoulder impingement syndrome is dependent on several factors that can contribute to the development of the condition. Understanding the various causes and contributing factors may help in preventing and managing the condition.
The condition can be firstly broken down into 3 stages:
Stage 1 – consists of swelling and tissue damage, which usually occurs at ages <25 years old and is easily treated
Stage 2 – includes the formation of scar tissue formation and tendon breakdown, usually occurring between the ages of 25-40 years, displaying symptoms of recurrent pain with activities
Stage 3 – subsequent bone spurs and potential tears/rupture, that usually occurs in out 40+ years old, where pain and function loss may be progressive
Common causes include:
• Repetitive overhead movements and activities
• Muscle imbalances and subsequent poor posture
• Shoulder instability or weakness
• Structural abnormalities (born with a more hooked scapula or shoulder osteoarthritis)
• Previous shoulder injuries e.g. rotator cuff tears, dislocation, fracture etc.
Whereas signs and symptoms commonly experienced include:
• Dull achy shoulder pain that is worse when bringing your arm up past 90 degrees or reaching behind your back e.g. combing hair and/or clipping bra strap
• A gradual increase in pain with overhead activity or excessive use
• Pain may be worsened or aggravated by sleeping on the affected shoulder
• Referred pain can be experienced down the side or back of the shoulder
How can we help you?
There is a range of different ways our team here at My Sport Chiropractor can assist you in managing this annoying condition. Such as:
• Education, activity/exercise modification
• Postural retraining
• Soft tissue work e.g. Massage
• Dry needling
• Specific and tailored rehab to reduce muscular imbalances
• Mobilisations/manipulation to the surrounding joints to ensure proper function of the shoulder
• Shockwave Therapy (in more chronic cases)
• Taping
Depending on the cause and severity of your shoulder impingement it could take as little as 3 months to as long as 6 months for it to fully heal and regain optimal function of your shoulder and its surrounding joints.
So, if you would like to know more about how our amazing team here at My Sports Chiropractor can help you with your shoulder pain feel free give us a call or book online an appointment in with one of our chiropractors today!
Click here or call 0435 819 286 to make an appointment.
References:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5729225/pdf/Dtsch_Arztebl_Int-114-0765.pdf
2. Dr Nikita Vizniak – Orthopedic conditions (2015)
3. https://www.chiropractorcollegepark.com/causes-signs-and-treatment-for-shoulder-impingement-syndrome/
