Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become compressed or irritated as they pass through the narrow space between the bones of the shoulder joint — particularly under the acromion, a bony structure on top of the shoulder blade.
This compression leads to inflammation, pain, and restricted movement, especially during overhead activities like reaching, lifting, or throwing. Over time, untreated impingement can progress to rotator cuff tendinitis or tears, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, patients from Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas receive comprehensive care for shoulder impingement, combining advanced diagnostics, therapeutic rehabilitation, and minimally invasive treatment options to restore function and relieve pain.
The shoulder joint is designed for wide, fluid movement. However, when the space between the acromion (top of the shoulder blade) and the humeral head (upper arm bone) becomes too narrow, the rotator cuff tendons can rub or “impinge” during arm movement.
This repetitive friction causes inflammation and irritation of the tendons and bursa (a fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint), resulting in pain that worsens with activity or reaching overhead.
Shoulder impingement can result from a combination of mechanical, structural, and lifestyle factors.
Common causes include:
- Repetitive overhead motion: Common in athletes (swimmers, baseball players) and certain occupations (painters, mechanics).
- Poor posture: Rounded shoulders or slouched posture compress the shoulder joint space.
- Muscle imbalance or weakness: Causes abnormal shoulder mechanics.
- Bone spurs: Bony overgrowth on the acromion reduces space for the tendons.
- Inflamed bursa (bursitis): Contributes to additional crowding within the joint.
Risk Factors:
- Age over 40
- Overhead or repetitive activities
- Shoulder instability or previous dislocation
- Arthritis or bone changes
- Weak rotator cuff or upper back muscles
Symptoms of shoulder impingement may start gradually and worsen over time with continued use of the arm.
Common symptoms include:
- Sharp or aching pain when lifting the arm overhead
- Discomfort reaching behind the back or head
- Weakness or stiffness in the shoulder
- Pain that worsens at night, especially when lying on the affected side
- Clicking or popping sensations during movement
- Decreased range of motion
Pain often increases during repetitive activities, such as throwing, swimming, or working overhead.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, performs a thorough evaluation to identify the cause and severity of impingement and determine whether tendon or bursa damage has occurred.
Diagnostic process includes:
- Medical history: Evaluating activity type, duration of symptoms, and prior shoulder injuries.
- Physical examination: Special tests (Neer’s and Hawkins-Kennedy) help reproduce symptoms and confirm impingement.
- Imaging studies:
- o X-rays: Detect bone spurs, acromion shape, or arthritis.
- Ultrasound: Evaluates soft tissue inflammation in real time.
- MRI: Reveals rotator cuff tendon irritation, tears, or bursal inflammation.
A precise diagnosis allows for an individualized treatment plan to restore movement and reduce inflammation.
Dr. Burke focuses on relieving pain, improving joint mechanics, and preventing tendon damage through a combination of conservative and advanced treatment methods.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Rest and activity modification: Avoiding repetitive overhead motion or heavy lifting.
- Anti-inflammatory medication: Reduces swelling and pain in the tendons and bursa.
- Cold and heat therapy: Helps decrease inflammation and improve blood flow.
- Corticosteroid injections: Provide short-term pain relief in severe inflammation cases.
- Improves posture and shoulder alignment.
- Strengthens rotator cuff and scapular stabilizing muscles.
- Restores normal shoulder motion and prevents future impingement.
- Platelet-rich plasma injections promote tendon healing and reduce inflammation naturally.
Surgical Treatments
If pain persists after several months of conservative therapy, surgical treatment may be necessary.
Dr. Burke offers advanced, minimally invasive procedures to restore normal space within the shoulder joint:
- Removes bone spurs or reshapes the acromion to relieve pressure on tendons.
- Cleans inflamed bursa tissue to improve smooth motion.
- Rotator Cuff Repair:
- Addresses coexisting tendon tears that often accompany chronic impingement.
- Recommended in complex cases with structural abnormalities or recurring impingement.
These techniques minimize recovery time and preserve natural shoulder function.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery from shoulder impingement depends on the severity of inflammation and whether surgery was required.
Typical recovery timelines:
- Non-surgical: 4–6 weeks for significant pain relief and restored range of motion.
- Arthroscopic decompression: 3–6 months for full recovery and strength rebuilding.
Rehabilitation goals:
- Control pain and inflammation
- Regain flexibility and mobility
- Strengthen rotator cuff and upper back muscles
- Improve posture and shoulder mechanics
Ongoing home exercises and guided physical therapy ensure durable, long-term results.
Shoulder impingement usually responds well to early treatment and consistent rehabilitation.
Most patients regain full function and prevent recurrence through lifestyle and posture adjustments.
Prevention tips:
- Warm up and stretch before physical activity
- Strengthen shoulder stabilizers and rotator cuff muscles
- Avoid repetitive overhead lifting without breaks
- Maintain proper posture during work and daily activities
- Seek care early if shoulder discomfort persists
Preventive conditioning helps maintain strong, balanced shoulder mechanics for years to come.
You should schedule an orthopedic consultation if:
- Shoulder pain persists for more than two weeks
- Lifting or reaching overhead is painful or weak
- You experience clicking, stiffness, or night pain
- You’ve tried home care but symptoms persist
Early evaluation prevents progression to tendon damage or chronic inflammation.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
If shoulder pain is affecting your movement or daily activities, professional orthopedic care can help restore your strength and comfort.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating shoulder impingement with precision and care — from conservative therapy to minimally invasive arthroscopic treatment.
We proudly serve Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, offering personalized treatment plans and compassionate support every step of the way.
Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online to schedule your consultation with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and upper extremity conditions.
