Shoulder impingement syndrome is a common condition that affects the shoulder joint, causing pain, weakness and difficulty with daily activities such as reaching, lifting and carrying. It occurs when the tendons or bursa (small fluid-filled sacs) in the shoulder become compressed or pinched, often as a result of repetitive overhead movements or poor posture.

Fortunately, physiotherapy can play an important role in the management of shoulder impingement syndrome. First, we would assess your condition, determine the cause of your symptoms, and develop an individualized treatment plan that may include a combination of the following:

1. Stretching exercises: Stretching the muscles and tendons in the shoulder can help to reduce pain and improve joint mobility. Your physiotherapist will teach you specific stretches to target the affected area.
2. Strengthening exercises: Strengthening the muscles around the shoulder joint can help to improve stability and reduce the risk of impingement. Your physiotherapist will teach you exercises to target the rotator cuff, the muscles that surround the shoulder joint, and the scapula, the shoulder blade.
3. Posture correction: Poor posture can put additional strain on the shoulder joint and contribute to impingement. Your physiotherapist will teach you how to correct your posture and how to perform your daily activities in a way that reduces stress on the shoulder.
4. Manual Therapy: Techniques such as soft tissue massage, mobilization, and manipulation can help to reduce pain and improve joint mobility.
5. Education: Your physiotherapist will provide you with education on your condition, the cause of your symptoms, and how to prevent them from recurring in the future.

It’s important to remember that shoulder impingement syndrome is a chronic condition, and it’s important to maintain a regular exercise routine and make changes to your lifestyle to help manage symptoms. As a  physiotherapist, I would provide you with a comprehensive treatment plan that includes exercises and advice on how to prevent the symptoms from recurring.

If you are experiencing shoulder pain and stiffness, R3 Physiotherapy is here to help you, together we can work on your journey towards reducing pain and improving joint mobility.

References:

1. Akhtar, M. et al. (2020) ‘Effects of routine physiotherapy with and without neuromobilization in the management of internal shoulder impingement syndrome: A randomized controlled trial: Management of internal shoulder impingement syndrome’, Pakistan journal of medical sciences, 36(4).
2. Clausen, M.B. et al. (2018) ‘The Strengthening Exercises in Shoulder Impingement trial (The SExSI-trial) investigating the effectiveness of a simple add-on shoulder strengthening exercise programme in patients with long-lasting subacromial impingement syndrome: Study protocol for a pragmatic, assessor blinded, parallel-group, randomised, controlled trial’, Trials, 19(1), pp. 154–154.