Shoulder impingement syndrome

From WikiMD's WELLNESSPEDIA

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's weight loss doctor NYC
Philadelphia GLP-1 weight loss and GLP-1 clinic NYC

Shoulder impingement syndrome
Diagram of the shoulder joint
Synonyms Subacromial impingement, painful arc syndrome, supraspinatus syndrome, swimmer's shoulder, thrower's shoulder
Pronounce N/A
Specialty Orthopedics
Symptoms Shoulder pain, weakness, reduced range of motion
Complications N/A
Onset Gradual
Duration Varies
Types N/A
Causes Repetitive overhead activity, shoulder instability, muscle imbalance
Risks Athletic activities, occupational hazards
Diagnosis Physical examination, imaging studies
Differential diagnosis Rotator cuff tear, adhesive capsulitis, bursitis
Prevention N/A
Treatment Physical therapy, NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, surgery
Medication N/A
Prognosis Generally good with treatment
Frequency Common in athletes and manual laborers
Deaths N/A


File:Flat acromion.jpg
Flat acromion
File:Curved acromion.jpg
Curved acromion
File:Hooked acromion.jpg
Hooked acromion
File:MRI. Subacromial impingement..jpg
MRI of Subacromial impingement

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome is a common condition affecting the shoulder joint. It is also known as Subacromial Impingement, Swimmer's Shoulder, Thrower's Shoulder, and Painful Arc Syndrome.

Causes[edit]

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome is caused by the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles becoming impinged as they pass through a narrow bony space in the shoulder called the subacromial space. This can cause pain, weakness and loss of movement at the shoulder.

Symptoms[edit]

The main symptoms of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome include:

  • Pain in the shoulder and arm, which may be worse when lifting the arm, lying on it or during activities that require reaching overhead.
  • Weakness of the shoulder muscles.
  • Stiffness in the shoulder.
  • Difficulty lifting objects, especially overhead.
  • Pain at night, which can affect sleep.

Diagnosis[edit]

The diagnosis of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome is usually made based on the symptoms and a physical examination. However, further tests such as an X-ray, MRI or Ultrasound may be used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for Shoulder Impingement Syndrome usually involves a combination of rest, physiotherapy, pain relief and sometimes surgery. The aim of treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation, and to restore normal function to the shoulder.

Prevention[edit]

Prevention of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome can often be achieved through regular exercise to strengthen the shoulder muscles, good posture, and avoiding activities that cause pain.

See Also[edit]

References[edit]