Experiencing pain and swelling around your shoulder? If so, pain management should be a top priority. To effectively address your pain, it is important to identify its source. Shoulder pain can have a variety of causes ranging from chronic underlying conditions to recent injuries. One of the most common causes of shoulder pain is shoulder impingement. Learning more about shoulder impingement can help you understand whether you may have this condition and how you can find relief.
Shoulder impingement, also known as rotator cuff tendinitis and swimmer’s shoulder, is a condition caused by a tendon rubbing against the shoulder blade. The repetitive friction in this area can lead to inflammation, causing persistent pain and other symptoms centered around the shoulder. Not sure if you have shoulder impingement? Getting an understanding of the most common symptoms can be a helpful step toward identifying your condition.
Common symptoms of shoulder impingement
- Chronic pain — Do you have persistent shoulder pain? The cause could be shoulder impingement. Inflammation around the shoulder can lead to aches and pains in the muscles and tendons of your shoulder. The pain may become worse when you lift with your shoulders or reach overhead. Shoulder impingement pain can also get more intense while sleeping due to the pressure put on the shoulder. Shoulder pain can make your daily activities a lot more difficult; this is why physical therapists prioritize pain relief for patients.
- Shoulder weakness — Impingement directly impacts the muscles in your shoulder. This can lead to dysfunction in the muscles, making your shoulder weaker. You may find you are not able to carry heavy loads or throw an object as easily as you normally would. Weakness can also come with fatigue, making your shoulder quickly feel tired during activity. Your physical therapist can offer treatments focused on building strength while addressing your condition.
- Swelling — When the shoulder tendon gets irritated, it tends to swell. Swelling caused by shoulder impingement can contribute to several other symptoms. Your swollen tendon can put extra pressure on other tissue, exacerbating your pain. Swelling can also cause stiffness and limit your range of motion. If you are having trouble moving your arm at the shoulder, the cause could be swelling in your shoulder tendon and the surrounding muscles. The swollen area may feel tender to the touch as well. If touching the top of your shoulder elicits pain or discomfort, you should seek treatment. Your physical therapist can help you integrate techniques intended to reduce swelling and pain, enabling you to return to life as normal.
- Popping sensation — Do you feel a popping, grinding or crackling sensation when you move your shoulder? This is a common sign of shoulder impingement. An odd sensation around your shoulder can indicate an irregularity on the surface of your shoulder joint. This irregularity may be caused by rotator cuff tendinitis. Moving an impinged shoulder can also cause audible popping sounds. If you are experiencing any popping sensations or noises in your shoulder, seeking physical therapy is vital.
Shoulder impingement causes
Shoulder impingement can develop due to a range of causes. When it comes to treating shoulder impingement, it is often important for physical therapists to understand the cause. In many cases, it can enable your physical therapist to address the root problem, leading to lasting relief.
- Overuse — Repetitive stress and physical overexertion are leading causes of shoulder impingement. Sports activities are among the most common culprits for overuse. This is especially true for athletic activities that involve reaching or lifting above your head. In the world of sports, volleyball and basketball are two sports that involve a lot of overhead movements. Both of these sports can lead to shoulder impingement if you push yourself too hard. Swimming is another common cause, which is why shoulder impingement is sometimes called swimmer’s shoulder. If your impingement is caused by overuse, your physical therapist can help you find a better balance with your activities.
- Muscle imbalances — Imbalances in the rotator cuff muscles can lead to shoulder impingement. If you have muscle imbalances, you might have shoulder muscles that are especially weak or tight. Imbalances may be the result of poor posture, repetitive motions and inadequate conditioning. Your physical therapist can help address any muscular dysfunction you might have. This can in turn help you work toward long-term physical improvement.
- Poor biomechanics — Biomechanics are the way your body moves and interacts with the world. Poor biomechanics range from poor gait to using improper lifting techniques. These issues can put excessive stress on your shoulders. Excess stress then increases the risk of injuries like shoulder impingement. Your physical therapist can educate you on proper biomechanics. This education can help you to relieve your symptoms and prevent future injuries.
How do physical therapists test for shoulder impingement?
Physical therapists use an array of tests to identify the underlying causes of shoulder dysfunction. These tests help determine the specific physical structures involved in your symptoms. If you have shoulder impingement, then the rotator cuff muscles and nearby tendons will likely be affected.
A good physical therapist will complete a comprehensive analysis. A thorough evaluation may involve your physical therapist applying pressure to the shoulder to feel for injured tissue. Functional analysis is another important aspect. To assess your shoulder’s functionality, your physical therapist might rotate and bend your arm at the shoulder. Diagnostic procedures such as these are designed to provide you and your physical therapist with valuable information.
Top PT shoulder impingement treatments
- Targeted exercises — Exercise is a crucial element of physical therapy. The specific exercises your physical therapist recommends will depend on your capacity and the severity of your condition. Your individual wellness goals will also play a role. Focused exercises can help improve your strength, endurance, flexibility and coordination. Your physical therapist may recommend various strengthening exercises and stretches designed to improve your shoulder health. By following your prescribed exercise routine, you can play an active role in your recovery.
- Active Release® Techniques — Interested in hands-on PT treatments? Physical therapy techniques that involve a physical therapist using their hands are collectively known as manual therapy. With manual therapy, your physical therapist can apply controlled pressure and motions to injured tissue. A skilled physical therapist will employ a variety of manual techniques. Among the most popular and effective is Active Release Techniques (ART). ART is a form of soft tissue mobilization. If your shoulder is inflexible due to impingement, ART can help improve mobility and alleviate painful symptoms.
- Graston Technique® — The Graston Technique is another great form of soft tissue mobilization. While the Graston Technique and ART have similar aims, there are also some important differences. The central difference is the tools used. With ART, your physical therapist will use their bare hands. The Graston Technique, however, utilizes specialized instruments to release scar tissue and increase range of motion. If you are looking for a solution to chronic pain and inflammation caused by tendinitis, the Graston Technique may be the right treatment for you.
Get treatment for your shoulder impingement at SOL Physical Therapy
Ready to address your shoulder impingement? You can get the help you need at SOL Physical Therapy. Our team is committed to offering the orthopedic care you need to make a full recovery. With our help, you can take the next step on the path toward improving your shoulder wellness.