Here’s how you can prevent shoulder impingement syndrome.

Shoulder impingement syndrome is a medical condition that causes pain in the shoulder due to the friction between the tendon and the shoulder blade. Your rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons which attach your upper arm bone to your shoulder. The rotator cuff is under the tip of your shoulder, which is called the acromion. When you have shoulder impingement, your rotator cuff rubs against the acromion. When you lift your arm, the gap between the rotator cuff and acromion narrows, which increases pressure. It is also known as a swimmer’s shoulder since it is common in swimmers. It is also referred to as rotator cuff tendinitis.

Shoulder impingement causes pain due to inflammation in the shoulder. This stems from repetitive shoulder use, and sometimes ageing and injuries can worsen.

Symptoms of Swimmer’s Shoulder

-One of the classic symptoms of shoulder impingement is experiencing pain and difficulty raising the arm past the shoulder height. Reaching the back also won’t be possible as patients experience severe pain. 

-You will experience stiffness and throbbing in the shoulder. You will also feel swelling around your shoulders.

-The pain increases when you start using your shoulders.

-Constant pain in your arm. Even though the pain is minimal, it is constant and should not be neglected.

-There is a possibility of complete wear down or tear of the rotator cuff, which can cause significant weakness.

Causes  

One of the main reasons for shoulder impingement is overuse. Over time, any activity or an exercise that requires the person to lift the arm above the shoulder height puts them at the risk of impingement. 

Some examples of these activities can include:

  • Tennis
  • Swimming
  • Baseball
  • Lifting
  • Construction
  • Packing 

Apart from that, age can also be a significant factor for shoulder impingement. The longer the person has spent using the shoulder, the more likely the symptoms become.

Injuries or trauma to the shoulder can also be a reason for shoulder impingement.

Diagnosis and Treatment 

Early diagnosis of shoulder impingement is essential as it can worsen the symptoms. After conducting a series of physical examinations to inquire about the pain level, they suggest X-Rays and MRI scans to rule out the various possibilities of the pain.

Treatments include conservative methods, and most people respond well to that within two years. These can include physical therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and rest.

Surgical treatments are the last resort and are only considered when conservative methods fail to have positive outcomes. 

Also, stretches and exercises are practical tools in battling this medical condition.

Call us today for a consultation. Our very own specialist, Dr Reetadyuti Mukhopadhyay is at your service to assist you.