Shoulder Impingement Treatment
Find effective treatment for shoulder impingement at our Droitwich clinic. Relieve pain, restore movement, and get back to daily activities.
Shoulder Impingement Treatment – Relieve Pain and Restore Shoulder Function
Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, and a frequent cause is shoulder impingement syndrome. This condition happens when the tendons of the rotator cuff or the bursa become pinched under the shoulder blade, leading to pain, inflammation, and restricted movement.
If left untreated, impingement can progress, causing chronic pain, tendon tears, or even frozen shoulder. The good news is that effective shoulder impingement treatment is available, ranging from physiotherapy and injections to advanced surgical repair, helping patients return to daily activities, work, and sports.
What Is Shoulder Impingement?
Shoulder impingement occurs when there is reduced space in the subacromial region of the shoulder, leading to friction between soft tissues and bone. It can affect one or both shoulders (bilateral shoulder impingement) and may be caused by repetitive overhead activities, injury, or natural degenerative changes.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain when lifting the arm overhead or behind the back
- Shoulder pain at night, especially when lying on the affected side
- Weakness or stiffness
- Clicking, catching, or grinding sensation in the joint
- Pins and needles or tingling (shoulder nerve impingement)
Diagnosing Shoulder Impingement
Diagnosis typically involves:
- Clinical assessment – range of motion, strength, and pain location
- Special tests – such as the Neer test or Hawkins-Kennedy test for shoulder impingement
- Imaging – X-rays, MRI shoulder impingement scans, or ultrasound to rule out tears and arthritis
Non-Surgical Shoulder Impingement Treatments
Most cases improve with conservative care. Options include:
Physiotherapy and Exercises
- Tailored shoulder impingement physio exercises
- Strengthening rotator cuff and scapular stabilisers
- Stretching to reduce tightness
- Printable shoulder impingement exercises pdf for home use
- Avoiding aggravating movements (such as overhead pressing or certain gym routines)
Pain Management Options
- Cortisone injection shoulder impingement or steroid injection for shoulder impingement to reduce inflammation
- Shockwave therapy for shoulder impingement to stimulate healing
- Massage therapy for shoulder impingement and soft tissue release
- Heat, ice, or red light therapy for shoulder impingement
Lifestyle Adjustments
- Activity modification (avoiding repetitive overhead motions)
- Ergonomic corrections at work or gym
- Supportive aids such as a shoulder impingement brace
Injections for Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement injections can provide significant relief, especially for patients who do not respond to physiotherapy alone. Options include:
- Cortisone injections – reduce inflammation quickly
- Hyaluronic acid injections – improve lubrication and reduce friction
- PRP (plasma-rich platelet) injections – regenerative therapy for tendon healing
Ozone injections for shoulder pain or stem cell injections (in select cases)
Surgical Treatment for Shoulder Impingement
When non-surgical measures fail after several months, surgery for shoulder impingement may be recommended.
Common procedures:
- Arthroscopic shoulder impingement surgery – keyhole procedure to remove bone spurs or inflamed tissue
- Subacromial decompression – widening the space under the acromion
- Rotator cuff repair with impingement surgery if tendon tears are present
- Labral tear treatment if associated with instability
Shoulder impingement surgery recovery timeline:
- Sling for comfort in the first week
- Early passive physiotherapy
- Return to work in 2–6 weeks (depending on job type)
- Full recovery in 3–6 months
Success rates are high, with most patients regaining pain-free movement.
Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy
Post-treatment rehabilitation is critical. A structured shoulder impingement rehab protocol includes:
- Early pain control and gentle mobility exercises
- Resistance band exercises for shoulder impingement
- Gradual strengthening of the rotator cuff and scapular muscles
- Postural correction to prevent recurrence
- Return-to-sport or gym progression under guidance
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
Some patients benefit from additional treatments:
- Yoga for shoulder impingement – improves flexibility and posture
- Acupuncture for shoulder impingement – helps reduce pain perception
- Osteopathic or chiropractic treatment – mobilisation and posture correction
- Massage gun shoulder impingement relief (use cautiously)
Recovery Timeline
Patients often ask: “How long does shoulder impingement last?”
- Mild cases improve in 6–8 weeks with physiotherapy
- Moderate impingement may take 3–6 months
- Severe or surgical cases may require up to 12 months
Recovery depends on compliance with physiotherapy and avoiding aggravating activities.
Risks and Complications
- Persistent pain if untreated
- Rotator cuff tears or labral damage if ignored
- Stiffness or frozen shoulder
- Recurrence if underlying cause (posture, repetitive strain) is not addressed
OUR SERVICES
FAQs
Repetitive overhead activities, bone spurs, weak rotator cuff muscles, or posture-related narrowing of the joint space.
Physiotherapy and exercise are the first line, with injections and surgery reserved for resistant cases.
Mild impingement can improve with rest and rehab, but persistent cases require active treatment.
Yes, gentle swimming strokes can help, but avoid overhead repetitive movements during flare-ups.
Yes, if posture, muscle balance, and activity modifications are not maintained.
Overhead presses, dips, and behind-the-neck movements should be avoided initially.
Most patients achieve excellent pain relief and improved function, with a success rate above 85%.