Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder Impingement is a very common cause of shoulder pain, where a tendon inside your shoulder becomes damaged and rubs or catches on nearby tissue and bone as you lift your arm. Shoulder Impingement affects one or more of the rotator cuff tendons, these are the tendons that connect the muscles around your shoulder joint to the bone.
Shoulder pain can be caused by damaged tendons, strained muscles, damaged rotator cuff and even injury to other parts of the body such as the arm or neck, so getting a proper diagnosis is vital. Ligaments, tendons and muscles within the shoulder all work together to create the movement and strength required for proper shoulder function.
Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement (symptoms can start suddenly or come on gradually)
​
-
Pain in the top, front or side of you shoulder joint
-
Pain that is worse when you lift your arm, especially lifting your arm above shoulder height or above your head
-
Pain or aching at night that can disturb your sleep
-
Weakness in your arm, perhaps when trying to carry something
​​
Common shoulder complaints include:
​
-
Rotator Cuff injury
-
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
-
Frozen Shoulder
-
Biceps Tendonitis
-
Instability of the shoulder
-
Arthritis
​
Treatment at Exeter Health Plus typically includes a wide range of techniques tailored to each patient. Treatment generally includes a combination of:
​
-
MLS Laser Therapy (cold laser/class IV laser therapy)
-
Therapeutic massage
-
Joint mobilisation
-
Muscle stretches and prescribed exercises
-
Advice
