AthletePlus - Springdale, Arkansas - Athlete Plus - Physical Therapy - Sports Training - Athlete Plus - Speed Training - AthletesPlus - Core Training
| AthletePlus - Springdale, Arkansas - Athlete Plus - Physical Therapy - Sports Training - Athlete Plus - Speed Training - AthletesPlus - Core Training |
Phone: 479-751-THER (8437) |
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| What is Shoulder Impingement? Your doctor has diagnosed you with shoulder impingement.  "Impingement" is a general term to describe a type of shoulder injury. There are multiple causes and types of impingement. Impingement can lead to rotator cuff tear if not treated properly. Impingement is a general term to describe a decrease in the space below the shoulder bone (subacromial space) where tendons and other structures move when you raise your arm. Posture with rounded shoulders and forward head can contribute to impingement. Inflammation from overuse can lead to impingement also. There is a small space for the tendons of the rotator cuff to glide anyway, so anything can decreases that space can cause impingement and pain. The subacromial space is measured normally 7-12 mm. Primary Impingement is usually in older patients because of wearing down of the bones in the shoulder (acromion process and coracoid process) along with the rotator cuff muscles.(1) It is caused by the crowding of the subacromial space because of tightness on the back of the shoulder (tight posterior capsule) (2) One function of the rotator cuff is to keep the head of humerus from riding up when raising your arm, which causes primary impringment. Secondary Impingement is usually in the younger patient because of muscle imbalances and faulty movement patterns and is seen commonly with instability or too much movement in the shoulder joint. An unstable shoulder that moves too much or has dislocated is at risk for impingement. Instability leads to bone spur formation, which cause impingement and bursitis (inflammation of a fluid filled sac in the shoulder) (2) There is another impingement called internal impingement that is found when the arm is abducted to 90 degrees and externally rotated fully (elbow forms a 90 degree angle with shoulder out to side). Physical therapists utilize tests such as Neer's impingement and Hawkin's impingement to assist in indentifying impingement. Related Articles How Long Do I Ice? What is the Rotator Cuff? Should my Hand be in a Certain Position when Raising my Arm Above my Head to Prevent Impingement? REFERENCES 1. Orthopedic Management of the Upper Quarter. North American Sports Medicine Institute. 2003 2. Tomberlin JP, Saunders HD Evaluation, Treatment, and Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Vol 2;1994. pg 105. This article is provided for information and entertainment purposes only. The content is provided "as is" for general information and to educate the reader. The article is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The content should not be considered complete and should not be relied on to suggest a course of treatment for a particular individual suffering from a particular problem, issue or medical need. The reader should always consult with a qualified health care provider familiar with the reader's general health, background and conditions and follow the advice given by the health care provider. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before starting a new diet, treatment or fitness program. Do not delay seeking specific advice or care or disregard the advice of your health care provider based on information contained in this article. Article Date: July 2009 |
So what should you do? If you are diagnosed with impingement, it is most likely due to another cause that needs to be addressed. See and see your sports medicine physician or physical therapist for an evaluation. Ice the shoulder per our guidelines if needed until your appointment. |