What is shoulder impingement syndrome? Pain in the shoulder is commonly caused by shoulder impingement syndrome. Shoulder impingement occurs when the shoulder bones impinge on the bursae or tendons of the shoulder. Extensive overhead shoulder activity, particularly repeated activity, is associated with shoulder impingement syndrome.  Impingement syndrome is characterized by persistent pain that interferes with everyday activities. Putting on a coat or blouse, for example, can cause pain when reaching up behind the back or lifting overhead from the ground. Inflammation of the rotator cuffs’ tendons and bursa (tendinitis) can result from impingement syndrome over time. Rotator cuff tendons can be affected by a lack of treatment if they begin to thin and tear. The damage does not have to go that far with the help of a physical therapist.

How does it impact daily life?

Shoulder impingements can be painful and restrictive, and they can inhibit movements that are fundamental to everyday life. The following are some of the limitations sufferers may experience:

• Difficulty moving objects around the house.
• Inability to sleep without pain.
• Trouble carrying grocery bags.
• An inability to participate in sports and exercising.
• Difficulty getting dressed or undressed.

How might shoulder impingement feel in daily life?

Sufferers may feel pain during fast overhead movements such as throwing motions. Whenever their affected arm is raised overhead, out to the side, or beside the body, there may be a feeling of pain in the shoulders. They may also have an inability to extend the arms overhead, around the body, or to the side, and sleeping on the affected side can cause pain and discomfort.

What is at least one way physical therapy can help me?

Shoulder impingement syndrome may be successfully treated with physical therapy. Your physical therapist will develop a treatment plan targeted to your particular circumstances. Such a plan may include many techniques; manual therapy is one of the most commonly used of these techniques. During hands-on treatment (manual therapy), your physical therapist will gently move your muscles and joints to reduce the pain of your condition. Manual therapy may result in improved mobility. These techniques can also ease pain in your shoulder.

Find physical therapy that can help ease the pain caused by shoulder impingement syndrome

What is shoulder impingement syndrome? A condition that your physical therapist at Continuum Wellness is ready to treat. If you suffer from shoulder pain, we can do a free screening to identify the cause. Furthermore, our therapists can formulate a physical therapy treatment plan customized to your needs that’s intended to decrease your pain and prevent it from occurring again.  Get in touch with our team and schedule an appointment if you suffer from shoulder pain.