Shoulder Impingement? - We got your back!

Impingement of the shoulder is a common cause of shoulder pain. Because it's so common in swimmers, it's also known as impingement syndrome or swimmer's shoulder. The different athletes who use their shoulders a lot, such as baseball or softball players, are prone to it. The rotator cuff connects your upper arm bone to your shoulder with a group of muscles and tendons. They assist you in lifting and rotating your arm. The rotator cuff is located underneath the acromion, which is the top of the shoulder. Your rotator cuff rubs or catches against the acromion if you have shoulder impingement. The space between the acromion and rotator narrow opens up when you raise your arm. The distance between the rotator cuff and acromion narrows increasing pressure. The rotator cuff is irritated by the increased pressure, resulting in impingement.

Symptoms include:

• The pain in your arm is mild but persistent.
• Pain that radiates from your front shoulder to the side of your arm
• A pain that worsens at night
• Weakness in the shoulder or arm

What is the root of the problem?

Overuse is a common cause of shoulder impingement. The tendons in your shoulder will swell due to repeated use, causing them to "catch" on your upper shoulder bone. In other cases, the cause is unknown.

Who is in danger of contracting it?

The most common cause of shoulder impingement is playing sports that require you to use your shoulders for overhead or forceful motion. This can be because of various actions, including swimming/scuba diving, the game of tennis, baseball. Work that requires a lot of heavy lifting or arm movement puts you at risk. These are some of them:

• jobs in construction
• relocating boxes
• work of art
• jobs in construction
• relocating boxes

Shoulder impingement may be caused by old age or previous shoulder injuries, such as a dislocation. Some individuals have an acromion that is oddly shaped, which increases their risk.

What is the procedure for diagnosing it?

Your doctor may begin by inquiring about any previous injuries you've had, as well as your exercise habits. They may then ask you to perform a series of motions with your shoulder while they examine it for any unusual movement. This will also assist your doctor in ruling out other possible causes, such as a pinched nerve. In some cases, an X-ray may be required to rule out arthritis or to check for bone changes that could lead to impingement, such as a spur.

If your doctor suspects a more severe rotator cuff injury or can't make a diagnosis, an MRI scan may be used to get a better look at your shoulder.

What is the treatment for it?

Depending on the severity of your case, there are a variety of treatment options for shoulder impingement.

Care at home

When it comes to treating shoulder impingement, rest is crucial. Avoid strenuous exercise and movements that aggravate your discomfort. If you're an athlete, this is particularly important. While it's best not to move your shoulder too much, don't use a sling to immobilize your arm. This will cause your shoulder to become weaker and stiffer.

To relieve the pain and swelling caused, one must apply an ice pack to your shoulder for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, several times per day.

Physical therapy, which uses gentle exercises to restore strength and range of motion, usually works well for shoulder impingement. Your doctor can recommend a physical therapist who specializes in shoulder injuries.

Your physical therapy sessions will most likely focus on strengthening your shoulder, arm, and chest muscles, which will help your rotator cuff function better.

Prescription drugs

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can help relieve swelling and shoulder pain. If these drugs, along with ice and rest, don't help you feel better, your doctor may recommend steroid injections to relieve swelling and pain.