{"id":1270,"date":"2022-07-30T19:09:31","date_gmt":"2022-07-31T01:09:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/?p=1270"},"modified":"2022-08-07T19:19:06","modified_gmt":"2022-08-08T01:19:06","slug":"understanding-shoulder-impingement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/understanding-shoulder-impingement\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Shoulder Impingement"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shoulder impingement, also called swimmer&#8217;s shoulder, is a condition that will cause pain in the shoulder due to a bursa or tendon rubbing against your shoulder blade. When someone has pain from shoulder impingement, it generally gets worse when they reach up, and the pain is consistent.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The shoulder comprises several connecting joints, tendons, and muscles, making it more vulnerable to injuries. If you are suffering from shoulder pain and having debilitating symptoms affecting your quality of life, consulting with an orthopedic doctor will ensure you mitigate further damage and get on the road to recovery sooner, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/when-should-i-see-an-orthopedic-doctor\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">knowing when to see an orthopedic <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">doctor is essential.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We will talk more in this article about shoulder impingement, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options that your doctor may recommend.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-66471f20d0212\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-66471f20d0212\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/understanding-shoulder-impingement\/#What_Is_Shoulder_Impingement\" title=\"What Is Shoulder Impingement?\">What Is Shoulder Impingement?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/understanding-shoulder-impingement\/#Symptoms_Of_Shoulder_Impingement\" title=\"Symptoms Of Shoulder Impingement\u00a0\">Symptoms Of Shoulder Impingement\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/understanding-shoulder-impingement\/#Causes_of_Shoulder_Impingement\" title=\"Causes of Shoulder Impingement\">Causes of Shoulder Impingement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/understanding-shoulder-impingement\/#Getting_Diagnosed_By_Your_Doctor\" title=\"Getting Diagnosed By Your Doctor\">Getting Diagnosed By Your Doctor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/understanding-shoulder-impingement\/#_Treatment_for_shoulder_impingement\" title=\"\u00a0Treatment for shoulder impingement\">\u00a0Treatment for shoulder impingement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/understanding-shoulder-impingement\/#Take_Action_Today_And_Call_Thunder_Basin_Orthopaedics_And_Sports_Medicine\" title=\"Take Action Today And Call Thunder Basin Orthopaedics And Sports Medicine\">Take Action Today And Call Thunder Basin Orthopaedics And Sports Medicine<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_Shoulder_Impingement\"><\/span><b>What Is Shoulder Impingement?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/arthritis\/impingement-syndromehttps:\/\/www.webmd.com\/arthritis\/impingement-syndrome\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shoulder impingement<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is often caused by repetitive shoulder use that causes pain due to inflammation. The shoulder area is complex and is where the upper arm, shoulder blade, and collarbone meet. A group of muscles and tendons make up the area called the rotator cuff, which surrounds the shoulder joint to protect the bones, keeping the top of the upper arm in place. They also enable you to rotate and lift your arm.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you have shoulder impingement, your rotator cuff catches or rubs against the acromion under the top of the shoulder where the rotator cuff sits.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inside the shoulder is a joint fluid-filled sac called a bursa cushion that prevents the tendons from sticking when you move your shoulder and arm. When inflammation causes the muscles, tendons, and bones to push into the Bursa or against each other, the rotating cuff becomes irritated, causing shoulder impingement.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Symptoms_Of_Shoulder_Impingement\"><\/span><b>Symptoms Of Shoulder Impingement\u00a0<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most people with shoulder impingement will experience difficulty when lifting an arm beyond shoulder height. Other symptoms include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stiffness and throbbing in the shoulder<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain increases with use<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain when putting the arm behind your back, over your head, or behind the back<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constant pain in your shoulder or arm<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you do not get treatment, the tendons in the rotator cuff may tear or wear down, leading to worsening pain, shoulder weakness, and difficulty using your shoulder and arm.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Causes_of_Shoulder_Impingement\"><\/span><b>Causes of Shoulder Impingement<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overuse and repetitive use cause swelling in the tendons in your shoulder and cause them to snag up in your upper shoulder bone, which is the most significant cause of shoulder impingement. Activities and occupations that increase your risk for developing shoulder impingement include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tennis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swimming<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Softball<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Packing\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Baseball\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Construction workers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Movers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Painters<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Age can also contribute to developing shoulder impingement, and repetitive activities increase your risk for injury and other shoulder issues, including impingement and rotator cuff tears.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Getting_Diagnosed_By_Your_Doctor\"><\/span><b>Getting Diagnosed By Your Doctor<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Early diagnosis is essential as early treatment can also ensure symptoms do not worsen. Your doctor will physically examine your shoulder and ask questions about your symptoms, such as injury, swelling, or bruising. The doctor may also order imaging tests such as an MRI or an x-ray to rule out other possible reasons for the pain, such as bone spurs, arthritis, or injuries.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Treatment_for_shoulder_impingement\"><\/span><b>\u00a0Treatment for shoulder impingement<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The majority of the time, conservative treatment for shoulder impingement is effective. Treatments can include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Heat or ice <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">may be alternated as needed for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Physical therapy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is an excellent treatment for shoulder impingement which usually responds well to Gentle exercises. The orthopedic doctor May refer you to a physical therapist who specializes in shoulder injuries at home to help you improve your range of motion and strengthen your muscles. These exercises can help you recover faster; just be sure not to overdo it.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Rest <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is essential to treat shoulder impingement and avoiding movement or strenuous exercises that cause you pain.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Medications <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen may help reduce pain and swelling in your shoulder. If over-the-counter medications don&#8217;t work, your doctor may prescribe steroid injections to help reduce the pain and swelling.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Elastic therapeutic tape<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> called Kinesio taping<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Surgery<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may be recommended by your orthopedic doctor for shoulder impingement if necessary. Your orthopedic surgeon will widen the space around the rotator cuff to help prevent friction. If your rotator cuff is torn, you may also need a surgical procedure to repair it. Generally, your doctor can do shoulder impingement surgery with minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Take_Action_Today_And_Call_Thunder_Basin_Orthopaedics_And_Sports_Medicine\"><\/span><b>Take Action Today And Call Thunder Basin Orthopaedics And Sports Medicine<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When the pain is affecting your quality of life and you are suffering from pain in your shoulder, back, knee, or other areas of your body, at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thunder Basin Orthopaedics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, we are here to help you get on the path to healing. Our surgeons are experienced and specialize in treating various orthopaedic injuries, including sports injuries. We look forward to serving you at one of our offices in Gillette and Douglas, Wyoming.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/contact-us\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact us<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> today to book an appointment and start getting your life back.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Shoulder impingement, also called swimmer&#8217;s shoulder, is a condition that will cause pain in the shoulder due to a bursa or tendon rubbing against your shoulder blade. When someone has pain from shoulder impingement, it generally gets worse when they reach up, and the pain is consistent. The shoulder comprises several connecting joints, tendons, and &#8230; <a title=\"Understanding Shoulder Impingement\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/understanding-shoulder-impingement\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Understanding Shoulder Impingement\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1274,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1270"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1270"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1270\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1272,"href":"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1270\/revisions\/1272"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1274"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1270"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1270"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1270"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}