What is a shoulder impingement?
One of the most common physical complaints is shoulder pain. Your shoulder is made up of several joints combined with tendons and muscles that allow a great range of motion in your arm. Because so many different structures make up the shoulder, it is vulnerable to many different problems. Dr. Austin Chen, shoulder and sports medicine specialist serving the greater Boulder, Colorado communities, specializes in shoulder injuries such as impingement syndrome.
Impingement syndrome is condition commonly seen in aging adults. Impingement involves the contact or rubbing of two bony structures. Over time, this can create bone spurring and degenerative changes of the joint. As a result the shoulder may weaken or the soft tissues may be compromised. Impingement is closely related to rotator cuff tendonitis and shoulder bursitis. As a result, bursitis, inflammation, and sometimes the tearing of the rotator cuff can occur, which causes pain.
What is the treatment for shoulder impingement?
Treatment for shoulder impingement first begins with non-surgical options such as oral anti-inflammatories, ice and rest. Physical therapy is also recommended to improve flexibility within the joint and strengthen the surrounding muscles.
When non-surgical treatment options are unsuccessful, surgical intervention may be suggested. The impinging portion of the shoulder can be removed to provide smooth movement of the joint and to avoid future damage to intra-articular structures, such as the labrum. This can be done with an arthroscopic technique called subacromial decompression.
