Shoulder Impingement

SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE:

• Dull ache pain at the shoulder joint – particularly at night
• Sharp shoulder pain when reaching into back pocket
• Difficulty with reaching overhead, and associated pain
• Difficulty laying on affected side

SHORT TERM

DIAGNOSIS AND EDUCATION

At the Injury Clinic, your physiotherapist will look to assess and appropriately diagnose what structures of the shoulder joint are irritated. 

Physiotherapists will provide education to the reasons why shoulder impingement may have occurred, and work collaboratively to provide a specific and targeted rehabilitation plan. 

NON-STEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES

Anti-inflammatories can aid recovery and settle the inflammatory process. Always consult your GP or pharmacist before taking any medication.

SOFT TISSUE TECHNIQUES/DRY NEEDLING

These modalities can assist with soreness and discomfort in surrounding tissues. 

Such techniques look to relieve tightness of not only the affected site, but also certain muscles that may be utilised as an adaptive strategy and causing exacerbation of symptoms.

LOAD MANAGEMENT 

A reduction in activities which apply to the shoulder joint is beneficial in providing a window of opportunity for tissues to recover and desensitise. This may include minimising the volume of overhead activities.

SHOULDER JOINT TAPING

Taping may be utilised to provide short term pain relief during aggravating activities.

LONG TERM

RESISTANCE TRAINING

A specific and tailored strengthening and conditioning program should be conducted to improve long term outcomes and function at the shoulder joint. 

Resistance training will look to improve shoulder joint mechanics and improve the structural integrity of tissues that surround the shoulder joint.

MOBILITY EXERCISES

It is important to consider mobility exercises for long term management of shoulder joint to maintain optimal shoulder joint mechanics, including pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, latissimus dorsi and upper thoracic.

ONGOING TRAINING LOAD MANAGEMENT

Training volume should be monitored and tailored for individuals to mitigate risk of re-injury or ongoing symptom exacerbation due to overload.

CORTISONE INJECTION

Pending the severity of damaged structures, it may be indicated that a cortisone injection may assist in alleviating symptoms. A cortisone injection is a strong anti-inflammatory medication localised to irritated structures.

SURGICAL REFERRAL 

Pending the severity of damaged structures at the shoulder joint, orthopaedic referral may be recommended. Surgical intervention may look to improve shoulder stability and function by repairing damaged tissues.