Shoulder impingement is a common condition that affects many people. It occurs when the tendons or bursa in the shoulder become compressed or pinched between the bones of the shoulder joint. This can lead to pain, weakness and limited mobility in the affected shoulder. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes and treatments of shoulder impingement.

Causes of Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement can be caused by a variety of factors. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Repetitive overhead movements: People who perform repetitive overhead movements, such as athletes or manual laborers, are at an increased risk of developing shoulder impingement.
  • Poor posture: Poor posture can lead to muscle imbalances in the shoulder, which can cause impingement.
  • Shoulder instability: People with shoulder instability are at an increased risk of developing impingement.
  • Bone spurs: Bone spurs can develop on the bones of the shoulder joint, causing impingement.
  • Aging: As we age, the tendons in our shoulder joint become less flexible, making them more prone to impingement.

Treatments for Shoulder Impingement

There are several treatments available for shoulder impingement. The most effective treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Some of the most common treatments include:

  • Rest: Resting the affected shoulder can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
  • Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help improve shoulder strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of future impingement.
  • Anti-inflammatory medications: Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and inflammation in the affected shoulder.
  • Corticosteroid injections: Corticosteroid injections can help reduce inflammation in the shoulder joint, providing temporary relief from impingement.
  • Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged tendons or remove bone spurs.

Preventing Shoulder Impingement

To prevent shoulder impingement, it is important to maintain good shoulder health. Some tips for preventing impingement include:

  • Avoiding repetitive overhead movements: If you perform repetitive overhead movements, take frequent breaks to rest your shoulder.
  • Maintaining good posture: Maintaining good posture can help prevent muscle imbalances in the shoulder, reducing the risk of impingement.
  • Strengthening the shoulder muscles: Strengthening the muscles in the shoulder can help improve shoulder stability and reduce the risk of impingement.
  • Stretching: Stretching the muscles in the shoulder can help improve flexibility, reducing the risk of impingement.

NYC Shoulder Impingement Treatment

Shoulder impingement is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors. Fortunately, there are several effective treatments available for impingement, including rest, physical therapy, medications and surgery. By maintaining good shoulder health and following these prevention tips, you can reduce your risk of developing impingement and maintain healthy, pain-free shoulders.

If your shoulder pain and instability continue, see the specialist team at Steven Struhl MD – Shoulders & Knees in NYC. We can diagnose shoulder impingement and begin effective treatments to bring prolonged relief and continued pain-free use.