Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder pain is a frustration many athletes and weekend warriors experience. One of the many causes of shoulder pain is a condition called shoulder impingement, or impingement syndrome. It develops from rotator cuff tendinitis or bursitis.

Shoulder impingement symptoms include:

• Pain at the top of your shoulder, especially when moving or lying on the affected side
• Shoulder weakness
• Difficulty raising the arm overhead, reaching out to the side or behind your back

While shoulder impingement pain may be mild at first, it can gradually get worse and interfere with your daily activities, not just sports. Goshen Orthopedics providers offer the personalized care you need. Our sports medicine specialists are passionate about helping athletes in our community heal from sports injuries and enjoy their activities without pain.

What causes shoulder impingement?

Repetitive overhead motions can sometimes lead to tendinitis or bursitis in the shoulder. This overhead motion is commonly used in volleyball, tennis and throwing sports. Tendinitis and other injuries cause the rotator cuff to swell. Bones surround the rotator cuff, so the swelling causes impingement, or compression, of the rotator cuff, as well as the blood vessels and nerves supplying it.

Other causes of shoulder impingement include osteoarthritis, traumatic shoulder injury, weak rotator cuff muscles, as well as problems with bones, ligaments and other soft tissues.

Trusted shoulder impingement treatment at Goshen Orthopedics

When you come to our providers looking for shoulder impingement treatment, you will experience collaborative care that address your unique needs. Our primary treatment strategy is physical therapy to reduce the swelling, strengthen rotator cuff muscles and regain full movement. This also helps prevent future issues.

Goshen Rehabilitation is attached to our Orthopedics & Sports Medicine practice in Goshen. Our staff will try to schedule your appointments on the same day to reduce your travel time.

If your symptoms persist after three or more months of physical therapy, our experts may recommend arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Our Orthopedic surgeons are board certified and fellowship trained.

To learn more about your options to treat shoulder pain from shoulder impingement, call (574) 534-2548.