Shoulder impingement syndrome is a painful condition presumed to cause bursitis and rotator cuff injuries. To help you understand the condition better, here are some frequently asked questions about the condition
What is shoulder impingement syndrome?
Shoulder impingement syndrome, also called thrower’s shoulder or swimmer’s shoulder, is a common shoulder injury that occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff muscled become ‘impinged,’ or when they become trapped or compressed when the shoulders move. The undue pressure and friction damages the tendons and bursa, which results in painful shoulder movements.
What is shoulder impingement syndrome?
Shoulder impingement syndrome, also called thrower’s shoulder or swimmer’s shoulder, is a common shoulder injury that occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff muscled become ‘impinged,’ or when they become trapped or compressed when the shoulders move. The undue pressure and friction damages the tendons and bursa, which results in painful shoulder movements.
What causes shoulder impingement syndrome?
The cause of the impingement can be structural or functional. Structural impingement often comes with age, when the space surrounding the tendons become narrow because of age-related conditions that change the configuration of the shoulder, such as the development of a bone spur, arthritis, and increase in calcium deposits.
Functional impingement is often what happens to younger athletes, when due to playing their sport, they end up damaging glenohumeral joint or causing muscular imbalances due to repetitive actions.
How is shoulder impingement syndrome treated?
Treatment for the condition is based on reducing inflammation and pain, as well as improving strength and mobility while identifying and addressing possible causes to prevent the injury from recurring. The PRICE principle (protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation is often the most effective mode of treatment for this injury. An anti-inflammatory medication, such as Ibuprofen, may be prescribed by your physician to reduce inflammation and pain.
What if the pain doesn’t go away? If pain persists, your physician may request specific tests, such as an X-ray, to identify the cause of the impingement. Depending on the results of the tests, he may discuss with you the option of using corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation. It’s worth noting that steroids are only used as a last resort, usually after six to twelve months have elapsed and the condition still remains.
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