Shoulder Impingement Syndrome from Dave Parise CPT FPTA MES on Vimeo.
Shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) results from pressure on the rotator cuff from part of the shoulder blade (scapula) as the arm is lifted. This pressure is a common cause of pain in the adult shoulder. Read Certified VS Qualified to understand the meaning of SIS as it relates to improper exercise selections.
ANATOMY
The major joint in the shoulder, called the gleno-humeral joint, is between the cup of the scapula (glenoid) and the ball of the arm (humeral head). This cup and ball are surrounded by the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles (the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis) which work together to lift and rotate the arm at the gleno-humeral joint.
Causes
Above the rotator cuff is a projection of bone from the scapula called the acromion. Between these two structures lies a collection of cushioning fluid called a bursa. As the arm is lifted the space between the acromion and the humeral head gets smaller and the two structures in-between, the rotator cuff and bursa, get compressed or ‘impinged’. This causes pain and limits movement.
The pain may be due to a “bursitis,” or ‘tendonitis’. Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa, while tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons of the rotator cuff. This inflammation is painful. In some circumstances, repetitive impingement of the rotator cuff can cause a partial tear in the cuff. This can also cause pain, especially with movement of the shoulder.
Repetitive movements of the arm, particularly those performed overhead, such as swimming, volleyball, and tennis can increase the likelihood of developing SIS. Pain may also develop as the result of minor trauma, such as a fall onto the out-stretched hand or shoulder, or seemingly develop spontaneously with no obvious cause.
Symptoms
The common symptoms of impingement syndrome are:
- Pain with overhead activity
- Pain at night
- Mild weakness
DIAGNOSIS
To diagnose SIS, a doctor will review your symptoms and perform a physical examine. An impingement test, which involves injecting a local anesthetic into the bursa, can help to confirm the diagnosis.
He or she may also request X-rays or a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the shoulder. MRI can show fluid or inflammation in the bursa and rotator cuff. In some cases, partial tearing of the rotator cuff will be seen.
Treatment
There are many treatments for impingement syndrome, and most patients will get better with out surgery. Non-operative management of impingement syndrome includes:
- Rest for a period of 2-3 weeks with avoidance of activities that irritate the shoulder.
- A course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as Ibuprofen.
- Supervised physical therapy and/or home stretching and strengthening exercises.
- Injection of a local anesthetic and cortisone into the shoulder.
