Shoulder impingement

Shoulder impingement occurs when your rotator cuff gets pinched between your shoulder blade (scapula) and the “ball” of your ball and socket joint when you raise your arm. It can be caused by inflammation of your rotator cuff and bursa, which narrows the space between the two bones. It also can be caused by a rotator cuff tear. Shoulder impingement is common in athletes or individuals who use overhead motion regularly.

Symptoms

• Pain at the top of your shoulder, during activity or at rest
• Sensitive or painful to touch
• Pain that travels from the front of your shoulder to the side of your arm
• Gradual increase in pain with shoulder activities, especially with overhead use
• Swelling and tenderness in area
• Limited strength or movement
• Pain at night, which may affect sleep

Treatments

• Self-care. Your doctor may recommend limiting activities that involve overhead motion and resting your shoulder.
• Medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) may reduce pain and swelling associated with this injury. Consult your Pharmacy @ Park Nicollet or other pharmacists if you have questions.
• Physical therapy. Certified physical therapists work closely with your doctor to create a program specific to your needs, to maximize healing and restore function, strength and mobility.
• Injections. Corticosteroid injections into the affected part of your shoulder can provide short-term pain relief and reduce inflammation, when medication is ineffective or not an option.
• Surgery. When other treatments fail, surgery may be recommended. Surgery is used to eliminate the pinching of the rotator cuff and make more space for movement and pain-free lifting of your arm. Subacromial decompression or anterior acromioplasty are common surgical procedures done either arthroscopically – using a scope with a camera – or by open treatment.

Consult your doctor about specific treatment options. For more information, call 952-993-3230.