Dr BurkeWhat Is Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?
Shoulder impingement syndrome occurs when the tendons or bursa in the shoulder become irritated or compressed during movement, leading to pain and inflammation. This condition often affects individuals who frequently use their arms in overhead motions, such as athletes, manual laborers, or those involved in repetitive overhead activities. Shoulder impingement syndrome can limit shoulder function and cause chronic pain if left untreated. At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we offer specialized care for shoulder impingement syndrome, using a range of conservative and surgical treatment options to alleviate symptoms and restore shoulder mobility.
Shoulder impingement syndrome occurs when the rotator cuff tendons or bursa (a small fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint) become trapped and pinched under the acromion, the bony part of the shoulder blade. This pinching leads to irritation, inflammation, and sometimes tearing of the rotator cuff tendons or the bursa.
The condition can occur due to overuse or structural abnormalities in the shoulder joint. Over time, repeated impingement can lead to more significant issues, such as tendinitis, bursitis, or rotator cuff tears. Shoulder impingement is common in individuals who perform repetitive overhead motions, such as swimmers, tennis players, or construction workers.
Causes of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder impingement syndrome can develop from various factors, including structural abnormalities in the shoulder joint, overuse, or poor posture. Common causes and risk factors include:
- Repetitive Overhead Movements: Activities that involve frequent overhead motions, such as throwing, swimming, or lifting, can irritate the tendons and bursa in the shoulder, leading to impingement.
- Bone Spurs: Bone spurs, or small bony growths, can develop on the acromion or shoulder blade, causing the space in the shoulder joint to narrow. This can result in the compression of tendons or the bursa.
- Rotator Cuff Weakness or Injury: Weak or damaged rotator cuff tendons may increase the risk of impingement, as they may not function properly to keep the shoulder joint stable.
- Poor Posture: Poor posture, such as slouching or rounding the shoulders, can alter the alignment of the shoulder joint, increasing the risk of impingement.
- Shoulder Joint Abnormalities: Certain structural abnormalities, such as a curved or hooked acromion, can reduce the space in the shoulder joint and lead to impingement of the tendons and bursa.
Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
The symptoms of shoulder impingement syndrome often develop gradually and may worsen with continued activity. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Shoulder Pain: Pain is typically felt on the outer part of the shoulder and may radiate down the arm. The pain is often worse with overhead movements, such as reaching, throwing, or lifting.
- Pain at Night: Many individuals with shoulder impingement experience increased pain at night, especially when lying on the affected shoulder.
- Weakness in the Shoulder: Shoulder weakness, particularly when lifting the arm or reaching overhead, is a common symptom of impingement syndrome.
- Limited Range of Motion: The shoulder may feel stiff, and activities that involve lifting the arm above the head, such as putting on a shirt, may become difficult.
- Popping or Clicking Sensation: Some individuals experience a popping, clicking, or grinding sensation in the shoulder when moving it, particularly during overhead activities.
Diagnosis of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, diagnosing shoulder impingement syndrome involves a comprehensive physical examination and imaging tests to assess the extent of the condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
1. Physical Examination: The doctor will assess your shoulder by checking for tenderness, weakness, and pain during movement. They may ask you to perform specific movements, such as raising your arm or rotating your shoulder, to evaluate your range of motion and determine the source of pain.
2. Imaging Tests:
- X-rays: X-rays can help detect structural abnormalities, such as bone spurs or a curved acromion, that may be contributing to shoulder impingement. While X-rays cannot show soft tissue injuries, they provide a clear view of the bones in the shoulder.
- MRI or Ultrasound: In some cases, an MRI or ultrasound may be recommended to provide detailed images of the rotator cuff tendons and bursa. These imaging tests are useful for identifying inflammation, tendon tears, or other soft tissue damage in the shoulder.
Treatment for Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Treatment for shoulder impingement syndrome at Dr. Burke Orthopedics focuses on reducing pain, relieving inflammation, and restoring normal shoulder function. Both non-surgical and surgical treatment options are available, depending on the severity of the condition.
1. Non-Surgical Treatments:
- Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing or avoiding activities that aggravate the shoulder, such as overhead lifting or repetitive motions, is essential to allow the shoulder to heal. Resting the shoulder can help prevent further irritation.
- Ice and Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Applying ice to the shoulder can help reduce swelling and relieve pain, particularly after physical activity. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is a key component of treating shoulder impingement syndrome. A customized rehabilitation program will include exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles, improve flexibility, and restore shoulder range of motion. Stretching and strengthening the shoulder muscles can relieve pressure on the tendons and reduce impingement.
- Corticosteroid Injections: For more severe pain, corticosteroid injections may be administered into the shoulder joint to reduce inflammation and provide longer-lasting relief.
2. Surgical Treatments: Surgery may be recommended if non-surgical treatments do not provide sufficient relief or if there is significant structural damage in the shoulder. Surgical options include:
- Arthroscopic Shoulder Decompression: This minimally invasive procedure involves removing bone spurs or reshaping the acromion to create more space in the shoulder joint, reducing impingement. The procedure is performed using small incisions and a camera to guide the surgeon.
- Rotator Cuff Repair: In cases where shoulder impingement has caused a rotator cuff tear, the torn tendon may need to be repaired surgically. This can often be done arthroscopically.
- Bursa Removal: In some cases, the inflamed bursa may be removed to alleviate symptoms and create more space for the tendons to move freely in the shoulder joint.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery from shoulder impingement syndrome depends on the severity of the condition and the treatment approach. For non-surgical cases, most patients experience significant improvement within several weeks to months with proper rest and physical therapy.
- Non-Surgical Recovery: Patients undergoing non-surgical treatments will typically begin physical therapy as soon as the acute pain subsides. Strengthening and stretching exercises are essential for improving shoulder function and preventing future injuries. Most patients can return to their normal activities within 6-12 weeks, depending on the severity of the condition.
- Post-Surgical Recovery: For patients who undergo surgery, recovery times vary depending on the procedure. After surgery, the shoulder may need to be immobilized for a short period to allow healing, followed by a structured physical therapy program to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility in the shoulder. Full recovery can take several months, but most patients can return to physical activities with proper rehabilitation.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide personalized rehabilitation programs tailored to each patient’s needs, ensuring a full recovery and a return to pain-free movement.
Why Choose Dr. Burke Orthopedics for Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we offer expert care for patients with shoulder impingement syndrome, providing both conservative and surgical treatment options based on the severity of the condition. Our team of orthopedic specialists is dedicated to helping patients relieve pain, restore shoulder function, and prevent future injuries. With advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans, we ensure that each patient receives the best possible care for their specific condition. Whether you’re dealing with shoulder pain from sports or everyday activities, Dr. Burke Orthopedics is here to help you on your path to recovery.