October 1, 2024

Shoulder Impingement Treatment at TruMove Physical Therapy in Overland Park: Relieve Pain and Restore Mobility

Read Time: 5 minutes

Shoulder impingement syndrome happens when the tendons of the rotator cuff, bursa, or ligaments in the shoulder experience chronic compression. This condition often leads to pain and restricted movement. Shoulder injuries or repetitive overhead arm motions are common triggers. Individuals most at risk include athletes (such as baseball players, weightlifters, or swimmers) and manual laborers. Poor posture can also increase the chances of developing this condition. If not addressed, shoulder impingement can lead to more serious issues like rotator cuff tears. Fortunately, physical therapy can significantly reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore strength in those dealing with shoulder impingement.

Physical therapists specialize in improving movement and quality of life through:

• Hands-on treatment
• Patient Education
• Customized exercises

You can consult a physical therapist directly, at TruMove, for an evaluation. Click here to schedule now.

What Is Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?

Shoulder impingement syndrome occurs when tendons, ligaments, or the bursa in the shoulder are repeatedly pinched or compressed. This causes discomfort and limits movement. The shoulder is composed of three bones:

• Humerus (upper arm bone)
• Scapula (shoulder blade)
• Clavicle (collarbone)

The condition is often referred to as subacromial impingement syndrome. The rotator cuff and bursa, which sit under the acromion (the bony tip of the shoulder), are especially vulnerable to compression. Over time, this can result in inflammation or damage to the:

• Rotator cuff tendons
• Long head of the biceps tendon
• Shoulder ligaments
• Bursa (a fluid-filled sac that cushions the area)

In addition, repetitive motion or microtrauma can further aggravate the tendons.

How Does It Feel?

People with shoulder impingement often experience:

• Limited shoulder mobility, with difficulty reaching overhead or behind the body
• Pain when raising the arm or reaching out to the side
• Discomfort when sleeping on the affected shoulder
• Pain during dynamic activities like throwing or lifting

How Is It Diagnosed?

Physical therapists perform thorough evaluations to assess the severity of your condition and identify contributing factors. Although impingement can result from a single injury, it more often develops over time due to repetitive stress.

During your initial visit, your physical therapist may ask:

• How did the pain start?
• What treatments have you tried?
• Are there specific activities that worsen or relieve your symptoms?
• How intense is your pain, and does it fluctuate throughout the day?
• What activities are now difficult due to your injury?

These details help the physical therapist design a personalized care plan for your recovery.

How Can a Physical Therapist Help?

Addressing shoulder impingement early is crucial to preventing further complications, like bursitis or rotator cuff tears. A customized physical therapy program can successfully treat the condition. Your plan may include:

Patient Education

Your physical therapist will educate you about your shoulder mechanics and what might be triggering your pain. They may suggest modifications to your exercise routine, work habits, or daily activities to promote healing.

Pain Management

Ice application and activity modification can help manage pain. Physical therapists also recommend non-drug pain relief techniques to reduce dependence on medication.

Range-of-Motion Exercises

To restore shoulder mobility, your therapist may guide you through stretching and movement exercises. Improved mobility helps reduce stress on the shoulder.

Manual Therapy

Hands-on techniques can enhance movement and guide the shoulder into less painful positions. This approach helps improve joint function and alleviate discomfort.

Muscle Strengthening

Imbalances in shoulder or scapular strength often contribute to impingement. Your physical therapist will create a strengthening program tailored to your condition, starting with gentle exercises and progressing to more challenging routines as you heal.

Functional Training

Once your shoulder starts to feel better, your therapist will guide you through exercises that retrain your body for dynamic movements like throwing, lifting, or reaching. This helps prevent re-injury.

Can This Condition Be Prevented?

Preventing shoulder impingement syndrome involves:

• Maintaining balanced strength in the shoulder and upper back muscles
• Ensuring full range of motion in the shoulder and surrounding areas (neck, back)
• Using proper posture during daily activities, especially when lifting or throwing
• Avoiding prolonged positions like slouching, which increases shoulder stress

Connect with TruMove To Manage Shoulder Pain

You can book an appointment, without a referral, in Kansas. Get started with an Evaluation or full treatment right away.