Do you feel sharp pain in your shoulder when lifting your arm overhead or performing pressing movements? These symptoms may point to a condition known as shoulder impingement, a frustrating yet common issue for active individuals and those with physically demanding lifestyles.
At Recharge: Manual Therapy and Movement, we specialize in helping people regain shoulder mobility, strength, and function. In this blog, we’ll break down what shoulder impingement is, the science behind it, and how physical therapy can be your most effective tool for recovery.
Understanding Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement goes by many names—impingement syndrome, subacromial impingement syndrome, and swimmer’s shoulder. While these terms might sound intimidating, they all describe a condition that involves pain and discomfort localized around the tip of the shoulder, particularly during overhead movements.
What Causes Shoulder Impingement?
The shoulder is an incredibly mobile joint, relying on a complex interaction of muscles, tendons, and bones to function smoothly. The condition arises when tissues in the subacromial space—the area between the bony tip of the shoulder blade (acromion) and the upper arm bone (humerus)—become irritated or compressed.
Dr. Charles S. Neer, MD, first suggested that the repeated “pinching” of structures in this space during overhead activities led to pain and tissue damage, coining the term shoulder impingement. For decades, this structural explanation drove surgical interventions aimed at reshaping or widening the subacromial space.
However, modern research has painted a more nuanced picture, moving away from the idea that structural issues are solely to blame.
The Modern Understanding of Shoulder Impingement
It’s More Than Just “Pinching”
Today, we know that shoulder pain is influenced by a range of factors beyond simple mechanical compression:
- Tissue Sensitivity: Changes in activity levels or stress can heighten the sensitivity of tissues in the shoulder.
- Movement Patterns: Poor control or coordination of shoulder and scapular muscles can contribute to pain.
Psychosocial Factors: Stress, anxiety, and other psychological factors can amplify pain perception.
Surgery Isn’t Always the Answer
Groundbreaking studies comparing surgical procedures to placebo surgeries (where no structural changes are made) have shown no significant differences in pain relief after two years. This suggests that pain improvement may not depend on altering the shoulder’s structure but on addressing how the shoulder moves and responds to activity.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
Movement: The Key to Recovery
The latest evidence supports movement and exercise as the first line of defense against shoulder impingement. Unlike surgery, physical therapy focuses on restoring shoulder function, reducing pain, and preventing recurrence through a personalized and non-invasive approach.
Here’s how we address shoulder impingement at Recharge:
- Identifying Pain Triggers:
- We assess your daily activities, hobbies, and workout routines to identify movements that exacerbate your symptoms.
- Painful movements are modified to reduce stress on your shoulder while still keeping you active.
- Tailored Exercise Programs:
Our therapists design a customized exercise program to strengthen your shoulder, improve mobility, and enhance coordination. This may include:- Strength Training: Focused on the rotator cuff, scapular stabilizers, and surrounding muscle groups.
- Range-of-Motion Exercises: Gentle stretches to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.
- Neuromuscular Training: Exercises to improve coordination and movement patterns, helping your shoulder function smoothly.
- Gradual Progression:
- As symptoms improve, we progressively reintroduce activities that previously caused discomfort, building your confidence and resilience.
- Education and Self-Management:
- We teach you strategies to maintain your progress, avoid future flare-ups, and adapt to life’s physical demands.
Practical Tips for Managing Shoulder Impingement
While working with a physical therapist is the best way to address shoulder impingement, there are some strategies you can try on your own:
- Modify Your Workouts:
- Reduce the weight or resistance you’re using during exercises.
- Limit the range of motion for movements like shoulder presses or lateral raises.
- Slow down your tempo to ensure controlled, pain-free movement.
- Incorporate Isolation Exercises:
Target specific muscles, such as the rotator cuff or scapular stabilizers, with exercises like external rotations or scapular retractions. - Use Supportive Equipment:
Use tools like resistance bands, foam rollers, or padded supports to make exercises more comfortable.
Prioritize Recovery:
Rest days, ice, and gentle stretching can help manage inflammation and reduce discomfort.
Why Choose Recharge for Shoulder Impingement Treatment?
At Recharge: Manual Therapy and Movement, we believe in empowering our clients to take control of their recovery. Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:
- Personalized Care: No two shoulders are the same. We tailor our approach to your unique needs, goals, and lifestyle.
- Evidence-Based Practices: Our treatments are grounded in the latest research and proven techniques.
- Collaborative Approach: We work with you, not just for you, to ensure long-term success.
Getting Started with Us
Don’t let shoulder pain keep you from living your life to the fullest. With the right guidance, you can overcome shoulder impingement and return to doing what you love—whether that’s lifting weights, playing sports, or simply moving through your day pain-free.
Here’s how to get started:
- Schedule a FREE ASSESSMENT:
- Speak with one of our expert therapists to discuss your symptoms and goals.
- Get a Customized Plan:
- We’ll design a treatment plan tailored to your needs, helping you regain confidence in your shoulder.
- Begin Your Recovery Journey:
- Start your sessions with our team and experience the Recharge difference.
Final Thoughts
Shoulder impingement is a challenging condition, but it doesn’t have to define your daily life. With a combination of evidence-based therapy, strategic movement modifications, and expert guidance, you can overcome pain and build a stronger, healthier shoulder.
At Recharge: Manual Therapy and Movement, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to start your recovery journey.
Let’s work together to recharge your shoulder health and get you back to the activities you love!
