Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder Impingement
If lifting your arm overhead brings on a sharp or aching pain, especially with activities like swimming, throwing, or reaching for something on a high shelf. Shoulder impingement could be the cause. Left untreated, it can progress into bigger problems, but caught early, it responds well to conservative care.
What's Actually Happening in Your Shoulder
Shoulder impingement is also known by names including, subacromial impingement, swimmer's shoulder, or thrower's shoulder and can happen when the acromion (part of your shoulder blade) rubs against the rotator cuff tendons and bursa during arm movement. The supraspinatus muscle, one of the key rotator cuff muscles, is most often affected.
Why It Happens
Impingement typically develops from repetitive overhead motion, think swimming, throwing, or reaching. Over time, this friction can lead to bursitis and tendonitis, causing pain and limiting your range of motion. If left unaddressed, severe impingement can progress to a rotator cuff tear.
Signs You Might Be Dealing With This
- Pain when lifting your arm, especially overhead.
- A "painful arc" of motion where certain angles hurt more than others.
- Weakness or reduced range of motion in the shoulder.
- Pain that worsens with repetitive activity like swimming or throwing.
How We Help You Feel Better
Our team works together to correctly identify what's driving your impingement and build a plan to relieve pressure on the rotator cuff and bursa by combining chiropractic care, physical therapy, medical massage, and acupuncture to get you out of pain and moving freely again.
Let's Get Your Shoulder Moving Again
Don't let shoulder impingement progress into something more serious. Call or TEXT us at (212) 245-5688 to schedule an appointment.