Shoulder Impingement Treatment Birmingham
Expert Shoulder Impingement Treatment in Birmingham
Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems in the UK, and shoulder impingement syndrome is often the cause. This condition occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become trapped or “impinged” during shoulder movement, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Everyday tasks such as lifting your arm, reaching overhead, dressing, or even sleeping can become increasingly difficult.
At the Droitwich Knee Clinic, our consultants provide expert shoulder impingement treatment Birmingham, offering a full range of diagnostic, non-surgical, and surgical options. With decades of orthopaedic expertise, we help patients across Birmingham and the West Midlands relieve pain, restore shoulder function, and return to their normal lifestyle.
Why Choose Shoulder Impingement Treatment?
Many patients try to live with shoulder pain, but untreated impingement of the shoulder can worsen over time, sometimes progressing to a rotator cuff tear. Seeking treatment early provides the best chance of recovery without surgery.
Benefits of treatment include:
- Relief from pain and stiffness
- Improved strength and mobility
- Reduced risk of long-term tendon damage
- Faster return to work, sport, and daily activity
Shoulder Impingement – Diagnosis and Tests
Accurate diagnosis is key. Our consultants use:
- Clinical assessment – specific shoulder impingement tests (such as Hawkins-Kennedy, Neer, or rotator cuff shoulder impingement test)
- Imaging – MRI shoulder impingement scans or ultrasound to confirm tendon inflammation or tears
- Pain mapping – to pinpoint the exact cause of shoulder impingement pain location
Shoulder Impingement Treatments We Offer in Birmingham
At Droitwich Knee Clinic, we provide a full spectrum of evidence-based treatments:
Physiotherapy for Shoulder Impingement
- First-line treatment
- Focused shoulder impingement physio exercises to strengthen rotator cuff and scapular muscles
- Posture correction and shoulder impingement rehab protocol to prevent recurrence
Shockwave Therapy & Other Non-Surgical Treatments
- Shockwave therapy for shoulder impingement helps chronic tendon irritation
- Massage for shoulder impingement or massage gun therapy to reduce tightness
- Acupuncture for shoulder impingement or manual therapy when appropriate
Injections for Shoulder Impingement
- Steroid injections for shoulder impingement (cortisone injection shoulder impingement) reduce inflammation and provide rapid relief
- Hyaluronic acid or gel injections for shoulder pain
- PRP or plasma injections for shoulder impingement – biologic therapy to stimulate healing
Surgical Treatment for Shoulder Impingement
If non-surgical methods fail, we provide:
- Shoulder impingement surgery Birmingham – arthroscopic (keyhole) decompression
- Removal of inflamed tissue and shaving of bone spurs
- Sometimes combined with rotator cuff repair if a tear is present
- Our consultants guide you through shoulder impingement surgery recovery timeline and rehabilitation
Conditions Shoulder Impingement Treatment Helps
We treat a wide range of shoulder impingement-related issues, including:
- Primary impingement syndrome shoulder (age-related tendon wear)
- Secondary impingement due to instability or poor posture
- Posterior shoulder impingement (common in athletes and weightlifters)
Internal impingement shoulder in throwing athletes - Frozen shoulder vs impingement (accurate differential diagnosis)
- Nerve impingement shoulder Birmingham with pain, tingling, or weakness
Risks & Side Effects of Shoulder Impingement Treatments
All treatments carry some risks, but these are rare and manageable:
- Steroid injection side effects – temporary pain flare (“steroid flare”), bruising, or infection
- Shockwave therapy may cause mild redness or soreness
- Surgery carries small risks of stiffness, infection, or incomplete pain relief
Our consultants explain all risks clearly and ensure the safest approach for each patient.
When Surgery for Shoulder Impingement Might Be Needed
Most patients respond well to physiotherapy, injections, and activity modification. Surgery is considered if:
- Pain persists despite months of non-surgical care
- There is severe restriction of movement
- MRI shows advanced tendon or bone changes
- Pain prevents work, sport, or quality of life
We specialise in arthroscopic shoulder impingement surgery in Birmingham, which offers quicker recovery than open surgery.
Recovery and Post-Treatment Care
Your recovery depends on the treatment chosen:
- After steroid injection: Rest the shoulder for 24–48 hours, then resume gentle activity
- After physiotherapy: Commit to your exercise plan for long-term benefit
- After surgery: Sling support for a short period, followed by guided rehabilitation and physio exercises for shoulder impingement
- Recovery time: Many patients improve within weeks with injections or physiotherapy; surgery recovery may take 3–6 months
We provide personalised shoulder impingement rehab protocol to help you return safely to normal activity.
FAQs
It is when the rotator cuff tendons are compressed within the shoulder joint, causing pain and reduced mobility.
Through clinical tests for shoulder impingement and imaging such as MRI or ultrasound.
Mild cases may improve with rest, but most patients need physiotherapy or injections for long-term relief.
Targeted strengthening and mobility exercises prescribed by a physiotherapist – avoid overhead heavy lifting until cleared.
If physiotherapy, steroid injections, and lifestyle changes fail to provide relief.
Most patients return to light activity in 6–8 weeks, with full recovery in 3–6 months.
Gentle swimming can help some patients, but avoid overhead strokes until cleared by your physiotherapist.