Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

What is Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?

The shoulder may be the body’s most complicated joint. Three bones-the Scapula, Humerus (upper arm bone), and Clavicle (collar bone) combine to make it. Due to its highly flexible ball and socket joint, it is less stable than other joints.

The shoulder complex is connected to, and more significantly, controlled by, numerous muscles. The Rotator Cuff, a group of four muscles, is the most significant of these muscles. The muscles that connect the top of the arm to the scapula make up the Rotator Cuff itself. The muscles cooperate to keep the shoulder stable when you move your arm. Impingement can occur if the rotator cuff is not functioning properly, which can impact how you manage your shoulder joint.

The term “shoulder impingement” is used to describe shoulder pain that is typically brought on by overhead or outstretched arm motions. People frequently report having trouble doing things like shampooing their hair, putting on coats, or playing sports like tennis and badminton.

Rotator Cuff Pain

“Subacromial Pain Syndrome” or “Rotator Cuff Pain” are other names for the illness. Up to 80% of people will suffer this kind of shoulder pain at some point during their lifetime.

Thus, the question “what is the cause of your pain?” is raised. Usually, this form of pain is brought on by poor joint control, weakened muscles, or improper use of the joint.  It could unintentionally happen if you overdo it, for instance, in the gym or at home. It can also begin gradually and sluggishly, frequently as a result of persistent weakness or poor posture.

The Rotator Cuff tendons, among other shoulder tissues, may experience pain as a result of this overload. On rare occasions, this discomfort may travel up the neck and down the arm.

What treatments are available?

Physiotherapy is a critical aspect of recovering from this issue. If this issue is left untreated, it may remain for an extended period and possibly worsen over time. The purpose of physical therapy is to aid with and direct your recovery from the issue.

The first steps in the acutely painful stages are to rest the shoulder to let the pain intensity settle- this includes Kinesio taping done by the physiotherapist. Rehabilitation, which will involve individually planned movements and graduated strengthening, can start soon.

You can eventually rebuild a strong, resilient, pain-free shoulder that can perform all the tasks you need of it and more with efficient physiotherapy. Treatment includes-

• Manual therapy.
• Soft tissue mobilization.
• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy.
• Cupping Therapy.
• Combo therapy.
• SIS.
• Electro-therapy. Etc.

Sometimes physical injury, such as tears in the tendons, might be the source of pain. If so, many patients can make a full recovery with just physiotherapy.