Shoulder Impingement

If lifting your arm causes a sharp pain or discomfort in your shoulder, you may be dealing with shoulder impingement. This common condition can limit your range of motion and make everyday tasks more difficult. At Austin Sports Medicine, proudly serving Central and South Austin, Bee Cave, Cedar Park, and Pflugerville, Texas, the skilled orthopedic surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating shoulder impingement to help patients regain comfort and mobility. If shoulder pain is interfering with your daily life, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

What is shoulder impingement?

Shoulder impingement occurs when the space between the top of the shoulder blade (acromion) and the rotator cuff narrows, causing the tendons or bursa to become pinched during arm movement. This leads to irritation, inflammation, and pain, especially when reaching overhead.

Shoulder impingement is common in athletes who perform repeated overhead motions, such as swimmers, tennis players, and weightlifters. However, it can also affect non-athletes, particularly individuals with poor posture or repetitive shoulder use at work.

What causes shoulder impingement?

Repetitive movement or overuse

One of the most common causes of shoulder impingement is repetitive overhead movement. Activities like swimming, painting, or lifting weights can lead to overuse, irritating the tendons and narrowing the space in the joint.

Poor posture and muscle imbalance

Slouching or rounded shoulders can alter the alignment of the shoulder joint, putting additional pressure on the rotator cuff and leading to impingement. Weak upper back or shoulder muscles can also contribute to poor mechanics.

Bone spurs or joint degeneration

In some cases, bone growths called spurs can form on the acromion, further reducing the space in the shoulder joint. These spurs can rub against the rotator cuff tendons, leading to inflammation and pain.

How is shoulder impingement diagnosed?

A provider will start with a detailed review of your symptoms and medical history. During a physical exam, they may test your shoulder’s range of motion and strength to identify pain points and limitations.

To confirm the diagnosis or rule out other causes of shoulder pain, the following may be recommended:

• X-rays: To check for bone spurs or changes in the shoulder structure
• MRI or ultrasound: To assess soft tissue, including tendons and the bursa

These tools help determine the severity of the impingement and guide the most effective treatment plan.

How is shoulder impingement treated?

Most cases of shoulder impingement can be managed with conservative treatments, including:

• Rest and activity modification: Avoiding overhead movements that worsen pain
• Anti-inflammatory medications: To reduce swelling and discomfort
• Physical therapy: To strengthen shoulder muscles and improve posture and movement patterns
• Corticosteroid injections: Sometimes used for short-term pain relief

If non-surgical options fail to relieve symptoms after several months, arthroscopic surgery may be considered. This minimally invasive procedure involves removing inflamed tissue or bone spurs to create more space and reduce pressure on the tendons.

Austin Sports Medicine provides personalized care for every patient, tailoring treatment to your specific needs and lifestyle. If shoulder pain is limiting your movement or impacting your quality of life, reach out to schedule a consultation and start your path to recovery.