What is Shoulder Impingement?

Shoulder impingement is also called as swimmer’s shoulder, tennis shoulder, or rotator cuff tendinitis. It is the condition characterized by inflammation of the tendons of the shoulder joint.

Causes of Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement is caused by motor vehicle accidents, trauma, and while playing sports such as tennis, baseball, swimming and weightlifting.

Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement
Individuals with shoulder impingement may experience severe pain at rest and during activities, weakness of the arm and difficulty in raising the hand overhead.

Diagnosis of Shoulder Impingement
A diagnosis of shoulder impingement is based on your symptoms, a physical examination, and X-rays and MRI scans identify the injury and inflammation.

Treatment of Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement can be treated with rest, ice packs, anti-inflammatory drugs, and avoiding the activities involving the shoulder. Physical therapy may be advised to strengthen the muscles and steroid injections may be given if pain persists. Arthroscopic surgery is recommended if the rotator cuff tendons are torn and to remove the bony spurs.