Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder Impingement Treatment in BC

What is it?

Shoulder impingement syndrome is a condition where the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles become irritated and inflamed as they pass through the subacromial space, which is the space beneath the acromion, a bony prominence on the scapula (shoulder blade). This can occur due to repetitive overhead activities, such as throwing or reaching, or as a result of structural abnormalities in the shoulder joint. The impingement causes pain, weakness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder, particularly when the arm is raised overhead or moved away from the body. Treatment typically involves manual therapy (Physiotherapy, Chiropractic Care) to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder, rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and in some cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery to relieve pressure on the affected tendons.

Benefits of treatment:

Manual therapy (Physiotherapy, Chiropractic Care), which includes techniques like massage, mobilization, and manipulation, can offer several benefits for shoulder impingement syndrome:

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It’s important for manual therapy (Physiotherapy, Chiropractic Care) to be performed by a qualified and experienced practitioner who can tailor the treatment approach to the individual needs and condition of the patient. Additionally, manual therapy is often part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program for shoulder impingement, which may include other interventions such as strengthening exercises, stretching, and activity modification.

Pain Reduction: Manual therapy can help alleviate pain associated with shoulder impingement by reducing muscle tension, improving joint mobility, and decreasing inflammation.

Improved Range of Motion: By targeting stiff or restricted areas in the shoulder joint and surrounding tissues, manual therapy techniques can enhance joint mobility and flexibility, allowing for a greater range of motion.

Muscle Relaxation: Manual therapy can help relax tight muscles and release trigger points, which may contribute to shoulder impingement symptoms. This can improve overall muscle function and reduce strain on the affected tendons.

Enhanced Tissue Healing: Certain manual therapy techniques, such as soft tissue mobilization and myofascial release, can promote blood flow to the injured tissues, which may facilitate healing and tissue repair.

Correction of Movement Patterns: Manual therapy combined with therapeutic exercises can help correct faulty movement patterns and biomechanical imbalances that contribute to shoulder impingement. This can reduce the risk of recurrent injuries.

Patient Education: Our manual therapists often provide education on posture, ergonomics, and proper body mechanics to help patients understand how to prevent aggravating their shoulder impingement symptoms during daily activities or sports.

Who Can Benefit?

Manual therapy (Physiotherapy, Chiropractic Care) for shoulder impingement is recommended for a vast group of individuals of several demographics depending on symptomatology and cause:

Athletes: Athletes involved in sports that require repetitive overhead movements, such as baseball players, swimmers, tennis players, and volleyball players, are prone to developing shoulder impingement. Manual therapy can help alleviate symptoms, improve shoulder function, and prevent further injury in athletes.

Active Individuals: People who engage in activities or occupations that involve frequent overhead movements or lifting, such as construction workers, painters, and musicians, may develop shoulder impingement. Manual therapy can be beneficial in managing their symptoms and optimizing shoulder function.

Office Workers: Individuals who spend long hours sitting at a desk or working on a computer may develop poor posture and shoulder tightness, leading to shoulder impingement symptoms. Manual therapy can help address muscular imbalances, alleviate discomfort, and improve posture.

Aging Population: As people age, they may experience degenerative changes in the shoulder joint, leading to conditions like shoulder impingement. Manual therapy can help improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and maintain functional independence in older adults.

Post-Surgical Patients: Patients who have undergone surgery for shoulder impingement or related conditions may benefit from manual therapy as part of their rehabilitation program. Manual therapy can help reduce post-operative pain, improve range of motion, and enhance overall recovery.

Individuals with Postural Issues: Poor posture can contribute to shoulder impingement by causing muscular imbalances and altered biomechanics. Manual therapy techniques aimed at correcting posture-related issues can help alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence.

Overall, anyone experiencing shoulder pain, stiffness, weakness, or limited range of motion associated with shoulder impingement may benefit from manual therapy (Physiotherapy, Chiropractic Care) as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. However, it’s essential for individuals to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate course of treatment based on their specific condition and needs.

When to see a therapist

It’s advisable to consider seeing a manual therapist (Physiotherapy, Chiropractic Care) for shoulder impingement if you experience any of the following:

Persistent Shoulder Pain: If you have persistent shoulder pain, especially when reaching overhead or during activities involving shoulder movement, it’s a good idea to seek evaluation by a manual therapist.

Limited Range of Motion (with or without pain): Difficulty in moving your shoulder through its full range of motion, particularly when reaching upward, could indicate shoulder impingement. A manual therapist can assess your range of motion and provide appropriate treatment.

Weakness or Instability: Weakness or instability in the shoulder, which may manifest as difficulty in lifting objects or performing tasks that require shoulder strength, warrants evaluation by a manual therapist to determine if shoulder impingement is contributing to these symptoms.

Pain at Rest: Pain in the shoulder that persists even at rest or disturbs your sleep may indicate a more severe shoulder problem, such as advanced shoulder impingement or other underlying conditions that a manual therapist can assess and address.

Difficulty with Activities of Daily Living: If shoulder pain or limited mobility interferes with your ability to perform everyday tasks, such as getting dressed, reaching for objects, or carrying groceries, it’s a sign that you should seek professional evaluation and treatment from a manual therapist.

Previous Shoulder Injuries: If you have a history of shoulder injuries or repetitive strain on your shoulder due to sports or work-related activities, you may be at increased risk for developing shoulder impingement. Seeing a manual therapist can help prevent further injury and manage existing symptoms.

Referred Pain: Pain that radiates from the shoulder into the arm or neck, or pain that is accompanied by tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arm, may indicate nerve involvement, which requires evaluation and treatment by a manual therapist.

Seeking manual therapy (Physiotherapy, Chiropractic Care) early on can help prevent worsening of symptoms and facilitate timely management of shoulder impingement, leading to better outcomes and quicker recovery.

How therapy can help

Manual therapy (Physiotherapy, Chiropractic Care) can help with shoulder impingement in several ways:

Pain Relief: Manual therapy techniques such as soft tissue mobilization, massage, and joint mobilization can help reduce pain by releasing tight muscles, decreasing muscle spasm, and promoting relaxation in the affected shoulder region.

Improving/Restoring Range of Motion: Manual therapy interventions, including joint mobilization and stretching techniques, can help restore normal joint mobility and flexibility in the shoulder. This can alleviate restrictions in movement caused by impingement and improve the shoulder’s ability to move through its full range of motion.

Reducing Inflammation: Certain manual therapy techniques, such as lymphatic drainage massage and gentle joint mobilization, may help reduce inflammation in the shoulder joint and surrounding tissues. This can alleviate pain and swelling associated with shoulder impingement.
Restoring Muscle Balance: Manual therapy can address muscular imbalances and weaknesses in the shoulder girdle, which are common contributors to shoulder impingement. By targeting specific muscles with techniques like myofascial release and muscle energy techniques, manual therapists can restore optimal muscle balance and function.

Improving Joint Alignment: Manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilization and manipulation can help realign the shoulder joint and correct any structural abnormalities that contribute to impingement. This can reduce mechanical compression on the rotator cuff tendons and other structures within the shoulder joint.

Enhancing Proprioception: Manual therapy interventions, such as proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques, can improve proprioception (awareness of joint position) and neuromuscular control in the shoulder. This can help prevent further injury and improve movement efficiency.

Promoting Tissue Healing: Manual therapy techniques, such as friction massage and cross-friction massage, can promote blood flow to injured tissues, disrupt scar-tissue formation, facilitate the removal of metabolic waste products, and stimulate the healing process in the shoulder region.

Preventing Recurrence: Manual therapists can provide education on proper posture, ergonomics, and movement mechanics to help prevent recurrence of shoulder impingement. They may also prescribe specific exercises and stretches to maintain shoulder health and function over the long term.

Overall, manual therapy (Physiotherapy, Chiropractic Care) plays a valuable role in the comprehensive management of shoulder impingement by addressing pain, restoring mobility, improving muscle function, and promoting tissue healing. However, it’s essential to consult with a qualified manual therapist who can assess your individual condition and develop a tailored treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals.

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One-on-one treatments without the use of gym equipment, thus fully utilizing the hands on time with the therapist and ensuring greater homecare outcomes.