Best treatment for shoulder impingement

What is shoulder impingement?

Shoulder impingement, also known as impingement syndrome, occurs when the soft tissues in the shoulder become trapped between the head of the upper arm and the roof of the shoulder. This can lead to irritation, inflammation and pain in the shoulder, especially with overhead movements.

Symptoms

With shoulder impingement you may experience the following complaints:

• Pain with movements above the head
• Pain radiating to the upper arm
• Limited freedom of movement of the shoulder
• Weakness in the shoulder
• Pain at rest

Causes

In impingement, the compression occurs because the tissues under the head of the upper arm undergo changes. The problem is often more regional in nature.

Impingement of the shoulder can be caused by several factors, such as:

• Weak, poorly functioning or shortened muscles in the shoulder girdle.
• An incorrect posture that hinders the movement of the shoulder blade.
• Insufficient movement of the shoulder blade while lifting the arm.
• Excessive or insufficient mobility in the capsule of the shoulder joint.
• An unstable shoulder joint.
• Injury, such as a fall, that causes inflammation in the tissues under the shoulder roof, reducing the space under the shoulder roof.

What to do in case of shoulder impingement?

If you suspect shoulder impingement, it is important to have a diagnosis made as soon as possible by your physiotherapist at Iburg. We can determine the cause of the complaints and provide appropriate treatment.

You can take the following steps yourself:

• Give the shoulder rest and avoid overload
• Cool the shoulder to reduce pain (possibly in combination with a painkiller)
• After building up slowly, try to move again
• If necessary, use a shoulder brace or tape for extra support

If the complaints persist or worsen, contact your physiotherapist again.

Prevention is better than cure..

Preventing shoulder impingement starts with good posture and awareness of your posture and movements. Here are some tips to prevent shoulder impingement:

• A good warm-up before exercising
• Gradual training build-up
• Conscious movement and attention to technique and posture during sports
• Wear suitable shoes and use tape or a shoulder brace for extra support

For chronic shoulder complaints, specific exercises can help strengthen the joint, muscles and tendons. Our physiotherapists can make a diagnosis and draw up a treatment plan together with you.

Rates and Reimbursement

The reimbursement for physiotherapy varies per health insurance. We have contracts with almost all health insurers. Consult your care package and our Rates and Reimbursement page for detailed information.

Finally

At Physiotherapy Iburg we strive for more than just symptom relief. We want to improve your quality of life by promoting a more active lifestyle. Consult a specialized physiotherapist for a tailor-made treatment plan and follow the advice and exercises for a healthier lifestyle. Take Contact Contact us to make an appointment and follow our advice and exercises for a healthier lifestyle.