Shoulder Impingement

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Shoulder Impingement

What is shoulder impingement?

Impingement refers to mechanical compression and/or wear of the rotator cuff tendons. Inflammation of these tendons is referred to as shoulder tendonitis. If the lubricating sac of the shoulder becomes inflammed the condition is known as a shoulder bursitis. A torn rotator cuff is a potential outcome of shoulder impingement.

What causes shoulder impingement?

Any process which compromises the normal gliding function may lead to mechanical impingement. Common causes include weakening and degeneration within the tendon due to aging, the formation of bone spurs and/or inflammatory tissue within the space above the rotator cuff (subacromial space), and overuse injuries. Overuse activities that can lead to impingement are most commonly seen in tennis players, pitchers and swimmers.

Anatomy of the shoulder

The rotator cuff is actually a series of four muscles connecting the shoulder blade to the humeral head. The rotator cuff is important in maintaining the humeral head within the glenoid socket during normal shoulder function and also contributes to shoulder strength during activity.

Signs and symptoms of shoulder impingement

Patients frequently try to ignore the first signs of shoulder problems. There is usually no single episode of the shoulder giving way and, at first, a person may notice only minor pain and a slight loss of strength. Loss of range of motion, especially the ability to lift the arm overhead, may be ignored for awhile.

Symptoms of shoulder bursitis include mild to severe pain and limited movement. Inability to hold the arm in certain positions indicates tendinitis is present. Recurrent episodes of tendinitis may indicate a rotator cuff tear.