Rotator Cuff Or Shoulder Impingement occurs when the subacromial bursa is pinched, causing the tendons and bursa to become inflamed and swollen. The swelling of the bursa is known as Bursitis, and the impingement occurs when the shoulder blade presses or rubs against the tendons and bursa.
What are the Causes of Rotator Cuff Impingement?
The most common cause of shoulder impingement is injury or overuse. As well as injury or overuse, other reasons for shoulder impingement include –
- Spurs
Spurs are small growths on the acromion (shoulder blade) which naturally develop as you get older. However, it has been seen in younger patients and those whose job or sports activity involves repetitive movement. - Curved or “hooked” acromion
A curved acromion usually is something you are born with but can be seen in those who lift heavy weights for a sport or as a work requirement. - Rotator cuff weakness
Weakness in the cuff can cause the humerus to ride up and pinch, causing pain and swelling.
How do I know if I have Rotator Cuff Impingement?
- Bursitis can leave your arm feeling achy towards the top part of the shoulder. It can also –
- Be painful to move your arm, especially when lifting your arm above your head.
- Leave your arm feeling weak.
- Be more painful at night, especially while sleeping on your side.
- Give you a crackling sensation when moving your shoulder.
How do I treat Rotator Cuff Impingement?
You can treat Rotator Cuff Impingement at home. Still, if the symptoms continue after one to two weeks and you have exhausted all advice given, then we would advise you speak to a musculoskeletal physician who will be able to provide a treatment to aid recovery.
First steps to recovery –
- Avoid any movements which cause further pain in the affected areas.
- Apply an ice pack to the area for at least 15 – 20 minutes every three to four hours.
- Take over-the-counter meds such as paracetamol and ibuprofen to help ease the pain.
- Keep the affected area moving albeit slowly with more mindful movement.
- Avoid bracing or using a sling.
Maintain your normal day to day activities, with ease. Avoid heavy lifting, twisting actions or strong gripping until your shoulder is fully recovered. Avoid returning to your exercise regime until you know you are fully recovered.
My Rotator Cuff Impingement won’t heel, what do I do next?
If you are not healing and the pain is either the same or worsening, you will need to contact a musculoskeletal physician or sports doctor and seek further treatment.
Physiotherapists can diagnose shoulder impingement and offer exercises which can be completed at home to help you improve the strength and range of movement within the shoulder.
However, there are other treatments which can be offered for the more severe cases of shoulder impingement. These include –
You may also be referred for rotator cuff surgery if you have a torn the muscles or tendons, and you cannot heal using the first few suggested treatments.
If you need to know more about the treatments we provide or simply would like to book in for an appointment, get in touch today.
