Shoulder Impingement: Why Your Shoulder Hurts and How to Treat It

Shoulder impingement is a common condition where tendons inside the shoulder get pinched, causing pain—especially during overhead movements.

What Is Shoulder Impingement?

Shoulder impingement syndrome (also called rotator cuff tendinitis) happens when the rotator cuff tendons or surrounding soft tissues get compressed between the shoulder bones during movement.

This pinching most often occurs when you lift your arm overhead, reach out, or perform repetitive shoulder activities.

Why Does Shoulder Impingement Occur?

Inside the shoulder, the rotator cuff passes through a narrow space. If this space becomes smaller due to inflammation, poor movement, or structural issues, the tendons get irritated or inflamed—leading to pain.

Types of Shoulder Impingement

1. Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

Inflammation or irritation of the rotator cuff tendons due to overuse or repetitive activity.

2. Shoulder Bursitis

Inflammation of the bursa (a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction in the joint), causing pain and swelling.

3. Acromion Shape Abnormality

Certain bone shapes can reduce space in the shoulder, increasing the chance of tendon pinching.

Causes of Shoulder Impingement

• Repetitive overhead activities

• Overuse or poor training technique

• Sudden jerky shoulder movements

• Sports (cricket, swimming, tennis, throwing sports)

• Trauma or injury

• Poor posture

• Scapular dyskinesis (abnormal movement of the shoulder blade)

This condition is common in athletes, swimmers, throwers, and even people practicing yoga with improper technique.

Common Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement

• Shoulder pain that may radiate to the arm

• Pain during overhead activities or reaching out

• Pain while lifting even light to moderate weight

• Feeling of stiffness or “stuck” shoulder

• Difficulty moving the neck on the affected side

• Swelling, tenderness, or stiffness

• Clicking, popping, or cracking sounds during movement

  
  

  Symptoms may vary depending on the type and severity of impingement.

Neck Pain and Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement can sometimes cause neck pain due to altered shoulder mechanics, muscle tightness, and poor posture. This is why neck and upper back assessment is important during treatment.

Shoulder Impingement vs Rotator Cuff Tear: How to Differentiate

1. Pain Location

• Rotator Cuff Tear: Deep shoulder pain, may radiate down the arm; sometimes sharp

• Shoulder Impingement: Dull aching pain on the front or side of the shoulder, worse with overhead movement

2. Weakness

• Rotator Cuff Tear: True muscle weakness is common

• Shoulder Impingement: Weakness is usually due to pain, not muscle damage

3. Onset of Symptoms

• Rotator Cuff Tear: Can be sudden (injury) or gradual

• Shoulder Impingement: Usually gradual and activity-related

Both conditions need proper medical evaluation. Physiotherapists use special clinical tests to differentiate between them.

Mechanism of Injury

• Excessive movement of the arm bone, causing joint instability

• Poor shoulder blade movement reducing space for tendons

Treatment for Shoulder Impingement

Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatment

• Rest and activity modification

• Avoid overhead activities and heavy lifting

• Ice therapy for acute pain

• Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs, as advised by the Doctor)

• Physiotherapy:

  • Strengthening exercises

  • Stretching

  • Posture correction

  • Shoulder blade stability training

Most cases improve significantly with proper physiotherapy.

Preventive Measures

• Always warm up before workouts or sports

• Maintain correct posture, especially with desk jobs

• Take regular breaks and stretch

• Strengthen shoulder and upper back muscles

• Never ignore shoulder pain or train through discomfort

Key Takeaway

Shoulder pain should never be ignored, especially if it affects your daily activities or workouts. Early and accurate assessment is the key to faster recovery and preventing long-term damage. At our clinic, we focus on identifying the exact cause of your shoulder pain and creating a personalised treatment plan to help you move pain-free again. If you’re experiencing shoulder discomfort, book a proper consultation with us and take the first step towards safe, effective, and long-lasting recovery.

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