Shoulder
- Common Conditions
- Shoulder
- Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
What Is Shoulder Impingement?
Shoulder impingement syndrome is a very common shoulder problem that can cause a pinching of the bursa and the rotator cuff tendons in the shoulder joint. The rotator cuff is comprised of 4 muscles in the shoulder, all in charge of stabilising and different arm movements. The bursa is a small sac of fluid designed to reduce friction on the tendons. When these structures are compressed or ‘impinged’ between the bones of the shoulder they can swell giving them less space which typically happens when lifting the arm overhead. Over time, this can lead to pain, reduced range of motion, and weakness in the shoulder. This condition can be caused by a traumatic injury, arthritis of the shoulder joint and poor posture.

What Are the Symptoms?
The most common symptoms of shoulder impingement are a sharp pain or dull ache when lifting the arm overhead, reaching or lying on the affected side. Reduced mobility, weakness and crepitus (clicking or popping sensation).
What May My Rehabilitation Consist Of?
- Sports Massage Therapy – Using a range of techniques to decrease swelling, increase blood flow, reduce muscle spasm and promote healing.
- Mobilisations – A manual technique used by your therapist to move the joint and soft tissues gently to open joint spaces to restore normal range and relieve pain.
- Cupping Therapy – An ancient Chinese medicine using suction cups to separate the layers of soft tissue, bring the adhesion to the surface to promote natural healing and pain relief.
- Graston Technique – Using stainless steel tools to break down scar tissue, increase blood flow, reduce pain and manipulate the fascia to aid a healthy environment for the injured tissue to heal.
- Exercise Programmes – An aftercare plan will be tailored specifically to you and your injury to help stretch, strengthen muscles and develop co-ordination and balance to aid recovery.
- Electrotherapy – Using high-frequency electrical currents to reduce pain and promote healing in deep tissues.
- Taping/Strapping – This may be used to restrict normal movement to allow the injury to heal without further damage. Kinesiology tape may be used to help support the joint without restricting movement, increase blood flow and restore proprioception awareness.
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