What is shoulder impingement syndrome and what are the treatment options?

What is shoulder impingement syndrome and what are the treatment options?

We often talk about tears, pulls and aches when it comes to shoulder pain – but what about a pinch? Did you know some movements can cause compression in the top of your shoulder, leading to what’s called shoulder impingement syndrome?

It’s a common and painful condition, but one which can be treated with physiotherapy. In this month’s blog, we investigate what it is, how it happens and how to treat and prevent it.

What is shoulder impingement syndrome?

Shoulder impingement syndrome is a common cause for shoulder pain, and occurs when your tendons become pinched, or compressed, as you move.

It is caused by the scapula (the top outer edge of your shoulder blade) pinching the rotator cuff beneath it. It’s called shoulder impingement syndrome because ‘impingement’ is the medical term for the pinching or rubbing together inside a joint.

Your rotator cuff is a group of four muscles which connect your shoulder blade to your arm. We use our rotator cuff in almost every large arm movement, including to raise our arm overhead, or rotate or lower our arm. Because of where the rotator cuff sits, in between two big bones and structures, it is susceptible to being pinched between them, causing shoulder impingement syndrome.

Symptoms of shoulder impingement

Shoulder pain can be caused by a myriad of conditions, which is why recognising the movements causing the pain, any sounds related to the pain and the overall position of the discomfort is an important part of understanding the cause.

Some of the more common symptoms of shoulder impingement include:

• Pain when lifting the arm, especially overhead
• A clicking feeling when placing your hand behind your head
• Weakness in the shoulder when reaching or lifting
• Pain when lying on the shoulder
• Pain when reaching across your chest (like putting on your seatbelt)

These symptoms can have a real impact on your daily life, making tasks like dressing, carrying groceries, or exercising challenging and uncomfortable. In some cases, individuals even report that their shoulder hurts when running, particularly if arm movement triggers the impingement.

If you are experiencing pain like the above, consider booking to see a physiotherapist. Our team at The Brisbane Spine Clinic can support you with diagnosis and treatment.

What causes shoulder impingement?

Understanding what causes shoulder impingement can help you avoid potential triggers which worsen or ignite the pain.

Some common causes include:

• Repetitive overhead movements seen in sports like swimming, tennis, or careers in painting and construction
• Poor posture, with rounded shoulders and a forward head position
• Muscle imbalances where weakness or tightness affects joint movement
• Bone spurs which create less space for tendons to move freely
• Previous shoulder injuries, such as dislocations or fractures

Treatment options for shoulder impingement

Like most shoulder conditions, there are several shoulder treatment options, ranging from conservative management to surgical intervention, depending on the severity of the condition.

On top of resting and modifying your activities to allow the inflammation to settle, you can also use at-home treatments like ice and anti-inflammatory medications.

If this does not help, or you have ongoing pain, you can consider seeing a physiotherapist who can diagnose and treat the condition and support your strength, mobility and posture to hopefully prevent reoccurrence.

Shoulder impingement physiotherapy treatment

When it comes to shoulder impingement physiotherapy treatment, early intervention is key. Physiotherapy can address the root causes, not just the symptoms. Here’s what our team at The Brisbane Spine Clinic can support you with:

• A thorough assessment of shoulder mobility, strength, posture, and movement patterns
• Manual therapy, including joint mobilisations and soft tissue techniques
• Individualised exercise programs featuring shoulder impingement exercises to strengthen key muscles
• Stretching and mobility exercises to improve flexibility
• Postural retraining to promote healthier shoulder positioning
• Education on activity modifications to prevent further aggravation

In most cases, consistent physiotherapy combined with a tailored home exercise program can often resolve symptoms and restore full function without the need for invasive treatments.

Visit The Brisbane Spine Clinic today

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain or think you might have shoulder impingement syndrome, don’t ignore it. Book an appointment with our friendly team today.

Disclaimer
All information is general and not intended as a substitute for professional advice. The Brisbane Spine Clinic can consult with you regarding your individual health needs.

References

• [1] National Health Service, Shoulder Impingement Syndrome, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/shoulder-impingement-syndrome/#:~:text=Shoulder%20impingement%20is%20where%20a,a%20few%20weeks%20or%20months., accessed online 30 April 2025.