Sarah, 55, was an avid gardener who suddenly found herself unable to enjoy her favorite hobby due to shoulder pain. After a visit to her physical therapist, she discovered she had developed shoulder impingement, which occurs when the shoulder’s tendons get pinched during movement.
Fortunately, Sarah had the physical therapists at The Center of Medical Arts on her side. After a comprehensive exam, we determined that her shoulder impingement had developed due to repetitive overhead movements and poor posture. We created a personalized treatment plan to address these concerns.
Over the following weeks, Sarah met with us regularly at our Newington, CT clinic and diligently followed her therapist’s guidance. We helped manage her pain without drugs and showed her tailored exercises to strengthen her shoulder muscles, reducing the pressure on her tendons. We also gave guidance on how to prevent a future occurrence of shoulder impingement.
Thanks to physical therapy, Sara was soon back in her garden–only now, she didn’t have the hassle of shoulder pain!
Today, we want to explore shoulder impingement in depth, including the signs to watch out for and the different ways physical therapy can help. Keep reading to learn more!
Understanding Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons or bursa in your shoulder become compressed during arm movements. This condition can cause discomfort and limit your ability to move your arm freely. We want to help you recognize shoulder impingement early so you can seek treatment before the condition worsens.
Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement
- Persistent ache in the shoulder, especially when lifting your arm or reaching overhead.
- Sharp pain when moving your shoulder in certain directions, such as putting on a jacket or reaching for an item on a high shelf
- Weakness in the affected arm
- Limited range of motion in the shoulder
What Causes Shoulder Impingement?
The shoulder is a complex joint, relying on a delicate balance of muscles and tendons to function correctly. Impingement can occur when this balance is disrupted, either by overuse or poor mechanics.
Shoulder impingement often results from repetitive overhead activities, such as painting, swimming, or playing tennis. These activities cause the tendons and bursa to become irritated and inflamed, leading to impingement.
Poor posture, particularly rounded shoulders or a forward head position, can also contribute to the problem by altering the space within the shoulder joint and increasing the likelihood of pinching.
How Physical Therapy Treats Shoulder Impingement
When you visit The Center of Medical Arts for shoulder impingement, you can expect a comprehensive and personalized approach to your treatment. Our physical therapists start with a thorough assessment to understand the specific causes of your condition. This includes taking a health history and evaluating your shoulder’s range of motion, strength, and posture.
Treatment for shoulder impingement often begins with manual therapy to reduce pain and inflammation. This hands-on technique helps to loosen tight muscles and improve shoulder mobility. Your therapist may also use modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation to promote healing and further alleviate discomfort.
However, most of your treatment involves targeted exercises designed to strengthen the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers–the muscles around your shoulder and shoulder blade. These exercises help stabilize the shoulder joint, reducing the strain on your tendons and reducing pain. Mobility exercises also improve your shoulder’s range of motion, ensuring that the shoulder moves smoothly without causing irritation.
Finally, our therapists will guide you on proper posture and body mechanics, ensuring you understand how to avoid movements that can exacerbate your condition. With their expertise and training, our physical therapists provide you with the tools and knowledge needed for long-term relief and improved shoulder function.
Get Started with a Personalized Treatment Plan Today!
Ready to address your shoulder impingement, regain your mobility, and get back to the activities you love? Call The Center of Medical Arts to schedule your initial assessment!
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