Why Does My Shoulder Hurt? Understanding Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder pain can be frustrating and limiting, especially when it interferes with daily life or activities you enjoy. One of the most common diagnoses we encounter at Curnyn Physical Therapy is shoulder impingement, often accompanied by a suspected rotator cuff injury. If you’ve heard your doctor mention terms like "rotator cuff" or "shoulder impingement" and found it confusing, you’re not alone. We are here to break it all down and help you understand what’s happening with your shoulder—and how to address it.
What is Shoulder Impingement?
Your shoulder is a dynamic and incredibly complex joint. Its function relies on the interplay of multiple structures, including the shoulder itself, the shoulder blade, the upper back, and even your neck. A breakdown or dysfunction in any one of these interconnected areas can cause a narrowing of the space where the rotator cuff tendon sits.
The rotator cuff consists of a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize your shoulder and allow it to move properly. These tendons are designed to withstand a certain amount of compression and friction, but when that exceeds their tolerance—due to poor movement or posture—they can become worn down, much like a muscle being rubbed against a rough surface repeatedly. Without intervention, this "wear and tear" can lead to inflammation, pain, and even long-term damage.
The Early Signs and Symptoms
Shoulder impingement can develop gradually, starting as minor discomfort and escalating if left untreated. Here are common symptoms to watch for:
Pain in the front or side of the shoulder
Discomfort during certain movements, like lifting, reaching, or lowering your arm
A dull ache or soreness that persists even at rest
Specific pain during athletic activities, such as throwing or swimming
Some cases may even cause pain at night, disrupting sleep (pain with sleeping does not necessarily make it an advanced case)
Whether you’re an athlete or an office worker, shoulder impingement often stems from similar root causes, including posture issues, repetitive motions, or overuse.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It
Your rotator cuff is essential to maintaining shoulder stability. A minor, nagging pain can seem like no big deal in the beginning, but over time it can develop into significant tissue damage or a more severe condition like a tendon tear. Neglecting treatment could mean facing a longer recovery period or needing more intensive intervention.
Shoulder impingement is often linked to other conditions like bursitis or bone spurs, which imaging such as X-rays or MRIs can help diagnose.
While imaging can be helpful, it’s not always necessary to identify issues. Physical therapists are specially trained to assess movement patterns and pinpoint the root causes of dysfunction, addressing the underlying dysfunction instead of just treating the symptoms, often eliminating the need for costly imaging by targeting the problem directly.
Common Causes of Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement is prevalent in both athletes and non-athletes. Overhead athletes—like baseball players, swimmers, and tennis players—are at higher risk due to repetitive motions and the stress placed on their shoulders. However, office workers are increasingly prone to these injuries too, thanks to prolonged poor posture, extended hours at a desk, and a lack of movement throughout the day.
For example, one patient we treated was a busy mom with a demanding office job. Hours spent sitting at her computer without proper posture led to stiffness and poor shoulder mechanics. When she overexerted herself while lifting her child into the car, she experienced an acute tendon injury that had likely been building for years. This type of injury highlights how chronic daily habits can contribute to significant discomfort or damage over time.
How Can Shoulder Impingement Be Treated?
The first step in treating shoulder impingement is to identify the cause. Understanding why the issue began allows us to tailor treatment for long-term success. At Curnyn Physical Therapy, we take an individualized approach to every patient:
Assess the Entire Body – We evaluate not just the shoulder but also your upper back, neck, and shoulder blade to locate movement dysfunctions.
Relieve the Immediate Pain – We use manual therapy techniques, many of which you can continue at home, to alleviate tension and improve mobility.
Restore Proper Movement – Corrective exercises are crucial for addressing faulty movement patterns and building strength. This step helps prevent future injuries.
By reducing the pressure on your rotator cuff tendon and improving your body mechanics, we aim to restore pain-free shoulder movement and prevent further damage.
Don’t Wait to Seek Help
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms described above, it’s important to address them sooner rather than later. Shoulder impingement can progress quickly if not managed properly. With early intervention, you can avoid more severe outcomes such as chronic inflammation or a tendon tear.