Shoulder Impingement Treatment

Did you know that physiotherapists, like our very own Roneill Prasad, are incredibly knowledgeable and experienced when it comes to shoulder impingement treatment?

Why? Well, shoulder pain is the 3^rd most common complaint heard in musculoskeletal practice, and shoulder impingement is often the source of symptoms.

In this blog, we explain what the term shoulder impingement means, along with what it feels like and how it’s typically treated.

What is Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?

Shoulder impingement is a blanket term to describe pain associated with the pinching of muscle, tendon or other soft tissue structures between the bones and/or ligaments of the shoulder.

The most common form of Shoulder Impingement is Subacromial Impingement. Structures that could be involved include Bursa and Rotator Cuff tendons.

Shoulder Impingement Symptoms

People with shoulder impingement syndrome can experience:

• Pain when moving the shoulder – normally around shoulder height. In some cases, people experience a ‘painful arc’, where pain is only noticeable through a particular range of motion.
• Difficulty moving and lifting shoulder/arm overhead.
• Discomfort while sleeping, especially on symptomatic side.
• Restricted shoulder movement and shoulder strength.

Shoulder Impingement Treatment

Everyone is different, which is why a diagnosis by a qualified health professional and a tailored physiotherapy plan are essential when treating shoulder impingement.

 Typically, the following exercises and treatment methods are prescribed:

• Load management – NOT rest (a good Physiotherapist will modify what and how much you are doing, not just tell you to rest!)
• Manual therapy – massage, dry needling, joint manipulations etc.
• Exercise therapy & home exercise program (addressing muscle weakness/tightness/adhesions etc).
• Shoulder taping (improve awareness and shoulder posture) & more!

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome Exercises to Avoid

It’s also important to identify what movements and activities aggravate your particular symptoms, and modify/cease these as appropriate.

Often, we ask people to avoid:

• Overhead movements
  • Repetitive movements
  • Heavy movements

Physio for Shoulder Impingement

Roneill Prasad is an experienced musculoskeletal Physiotherapist who has years of positive outcomes with Shoulder Impingement treatment.

Plus, Ron has also completed the internationally-recognised Lyn Watson Shoulder Course, so you can feel comfortable that you’re in good hands – whether your symptoms are from sitting at your desk, or heavy lifting at the gym.

Would you like to make a physio appointment for your shoulder impingement pain? Please call North West Physio at Everton Park on (07) 3353 4111.