Patient Information Sheet

Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder Impingement
What Is Shoulder Impingement? Impingement pain occurs because the rotator cuff tendon and bursa (see below) are compressed against bone (the acromion) as the arm is elevated. There are often accompanying changes in the biceps and/or Rotator Cuff tendons and often the adjacent Bursa (which is a lubricating pad). As one lifts the arm, the Bursa and the Rotator Cuff rub on the overlying acromion causing impingement Lubricating Pad The Acromion Assessment It is usually possible to diagnose shoulder impingement with clinical examination. Investigations such as X-Ray, ultrasound or MRI are sometimes required for more information. Treatment can include: Symptoms Initially the symptoms may be mild and just be felt as a dull ache. Common symptoms include:

Minor pain that is present both with activity and at rest Pain radiating from the front of the shoulder to the side of the arm Sudden pain with lifting and reaching movements Pain when lying on the shoulder at night Pain when throwing, swimming, bowling at cricket or serving a tennis ball

3D anatomy images copyright of Primal Pictures Ltd www.primalpictures.com

Risk Factors Impingement can occur in any age group but is rare in children. Athletes including adolescents who use their arms overhead for swimming, baseball, and tennis are vulnerable. Those who do repetitive lifting or overhead activities using the arm, such as paper hanging, construction, or painting are also susceptible. Pain may also develop as the result of minor trauma or spontaneously with no apparent cause.

A graded strengthening program aimed at increasing the strength in both shoulder blade muscles and rotator cuff muscles. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic medication. Avoiding aggravating activities. Including overhead, reaching and heavy lifting. Ultrasound guided cortisone injection if bursa is inflamed. This needs to be prescribed and administered by a Medical Doctor. Surgery is sometimes necessary if non-surgical treatment has failed.
Note: It can often take upwards of 3-6 months for symptoms to resolve and PHYSIOTHERAPY SHOULD ALWAYS BE ONE OF THE FIRST TREATMENT OPTIONS.

335 Hillsborough Rd, Warners Bay NSW 2282 T.(02) 4954 5330 | F.(02) 4954 5380 | E.info@advancedphysio.com.au | W.www.advancephysio.com.au