WHAT IS IT?
Shoulder impingement is pain in the shoulder caused by compression of the rotator cuff tendons in the space between the shoulder bones. It usually shows up as pain with reaching overhead, lifting, or moving the arm across the body. Most of the time it's not a structural problem, it's a movement and muscle imbalance problem. The shoulder isn't moving the way it should and certain muscles are overworking to compensate, which is what creates the compression in the first place.
common symptoms and signs
pain with reaching overhead or behind your back
pain that gets worse with lifting or pressing movements
aching in the shoulder that lingers after activity
weakness or fatigue in the shoulder during everyday tasks
pain when sleeping on the affected shoulder
a catching or pinching sensation at the top of the shoulder
pain that radiates into the upper arm
Who is a good fit?
you're someone who wants to understand what's going on in your body and actually do something about it. We work best with people who are ready to be an active part of their recovery, not just lie on a table and hope for the best.
SHOULDER IMPINGEMENT
Ready to get back to moving?
Book an appointment and we'll figure out what's going on and how to fix it.
why does this happen?
Shoulder impingement is common in anyone who uses their arms repeatedly overhead. Swimmers, baseball and softball players, volleyball players, weightlifters, and CrossFit athletes see it a lot. It also shows up in desk workers whose posture has shifted over time, creating muscle imbalances that change how the shoulder moves without them realizing it.
The underlying driver is almost always the same. Some muscles around the shoulder are overworking, others have checked out, and the joint stops moving the way it should. The tendons end up getting pinched in a space that's too small because the mechanics are off.
how we treat it
We start with a movement exam to figure out where the shoulder is breaking down and what's driving the compression. Treatment includes cupping, IASTM, and dry needling to address the overworked muscles around the shoulder and upper back. Mid-back mobility and scapular control are a big piece of this that often gets overlooked. If the thoracic spine isn't moving well and the shoulder blade isn't stable, the shoulder joint will never move the way it should. We address all of it, then progressively load the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles so the shoulder can handle what you're asking it to do without breaking down.