Shoulder Impingement Syndrome:

Shoulder impingement syndrome is a common condition that develops when the tendons or bursa in the shoulder joint are compressed or pinched between the bones of the shoulder, resulting in pain and inflammation.

Many factors, such as repetitive overhead motions, bad posture, or a shoulder injury, might cause this. Impingement syndrome typically causes pain in the front or side of the shoulder that worsens with overhead activities, such as reaching or lifting. Treatment for shoulder impingement syndrome may involve rest, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medication, or in certain circumstances, surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the condition from worsening and improve shoulder function.

Causes of Shoulder impingement syndrome:

There are several possible causes of shoulder impingement syndrome, including:

1. Overuse or Repeated Strain: Sports like throwing a ball, swimming, painting, or weightlifting that require repetitive overhead movements can place too much strain on the shoulder joint and result in impingement.
2. Bad Posture: Poor posture, especially when sitting or standing for extended periods of time, can lead to an imbalance of the shoulder’s muscles and tendons, which can result in impingement.
3. Bone Spurs or Other Abnormalities: Impingement can result from a narrowing of the space between the bones of the shoulder joint caused by bone spurs or other abnormalities.
4. Rotator cuff tear: A tear in one of the rotator cuff tendons can impinge and weaken the shoulder joint.
5. Shoulder instability: Shoulder instability can result in the bones shifting and compressing the tendons or bursa. Shoulder instability includes a dislocation or subluxation.
6. Aging: As we grow older, the tissues in our shoulder joint may weaken or suffer damage, increasing the likelihood of impingement.

Symptoms of Shoulder impingement syndrome:

The symptoms of impingement syndrome of the shoulder may vary from person to person, but they typically include:

1. Pain: The most typical sign of impingement syndrome is pain in the front or side of the shoulder. When doing overhead movements or laying on the affected shoulder, the pain, which could be either severe or dull, might get worse.
2. Weakness: The discomfort and inflammation brought on by impingement syndrome may cause weakness in the shoulder or arm.
3. Stiffness: Impingement syndrome may cause stiffness in the shoulder joint, especially in the morning or after extended periods of rest.
4. Clicking or popping: When moving the affected shoulder, you might hear a clicking or popping sound.
5. Mobility Loss: Impingement syndrome occasionally causes the affected shoulder to lose its range of motion.

It’s crucial to see a physiotherapist if you are exhibiting any of these symptoms in order to receive a precise diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment. Early intervention can lessen the severity of the problem and enhance your shoulder’s general functionality.

 

 

Physiotherapy Treatment for Shoulder impingement syndrome:

Shoulder impingement condition is frequently treated with physiotherapy. Reducing pain and inflammation while regaining normal shoulder function are the major objectives of physiotherapy. The following are some typical physiotherapy treatments for shoulder impingement syndrome:

1. Range of motion Exercises: To maintain or regain normal shoulder joint mobility, the physiotherapist will recommend several range of motion exercises.
   1. Pendulum exercises: Stand with your unaffected arm supported by a table, chair, or counter. Let your affected arm to gently swing back and forth in a circle while you slowly move it. 15 to 20 repetitions later, switch sides.
   2. Codman’s exercises: Swing your affected arm slowly forth and backward while maintaining its relaxed position. 15 to 20 repetitions.
   3. Wall crawl: Standing facing a wall, place your fingertips at shoulder height on the wall. As high as you can without experiencing pain, slowly walk your fingertips up the wall. Hold for a short while before lowering your fingers. Repeat ten to fifteen times.
   4. Internal rotation stretch: Place your forearm against a door frame while standing with the affected arm bent at a 90-degree angle. Till your shoulder stretches, slowly shift your body away from your arm. Hold for a short while, then let go. Repeat ten to fifteen times.
   5. External rotation stretches: Stand with your affected arm by your side and your elbow bent at a 90-degree angle to perform an external rotation stretch. With your elbow at your side, hold a towel or a resistance band in your palm and pull away from your body. Hold for a short while, then let go. Repeat ten to fifteen times.
2. Strengthening exercises: Exercises for strengthening the muscles around the shoulder blade and the rotator cuff can help to increase shoulder stability and prevent impingement.
   1. External rotation exercise: While sitting, bend your forearm at a 90-degree angle with your elbow at your side. By keeping your elbow at your side, twist your arm away from your body while holding a resistance band in your hand. Return to the starting position gradually. Repeat ten to fifteen times.
   2. Internal rotation exercise: Lie down with your elbow at your side and your forearm bent 90 degrees. By keeping your elbow at your side, rotate your arm towards your body while holding a resistance band in your hand. Return to the starting position gradually. Repeat ten to fifteen times.
   3. Scapular retraction exercise: Relaxed shoulders while sitting or standing with your arms at your sides. Your shoulder blades should be squeezed together, then released. Repeat ten to fifteen times.
   4. Shoulder press exercise: Hold a resistance band or light dumbbells in your hands while standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Press the weights above after raising them to shoulder height. Return to the starting position gradually. Repeat ten to fifteen times.
   5. Rowing exercise: Sit upright with your back straight and your feet flat on the floor. Pull your arms back while pushing your shoulder blades together. You may also use a resistance band or small dumbbells for this exercise. Return to the starting position gradually. Repeat ten to fifteen times.
3. Soft tissue massage: Manual treatment, such as soft tissue massage, can assist ease tense muscles and increase blood flow to the injured area, which can lessen discomfort and swelling.
4. Cold or Heat therapy: Cold or heat therapy might assist to lessen discomfort and inflammation in the affected area.
5. Ultrasound therapy: Ultrasonic therapy has the ability to lower inflammation and enhance tissue healing.
6. Posture correction: The physiotherapist might advise you on how to improve your posture to stop further impingement.
7. Taping or bracing: These techniques may be used to support the shoulder joint and lessen pain while going about your normal business.
8. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy.
9. Tecar therapy.
10. SIS.