Learn about the symptoms, causes, self-check and treatment of shoulder impingement syndrome.
For various reasons, the space between the acromion (part of the shoulder blade)
and the rotator cuff narrows, so they collide with every movement and cause pain.
The supraspinatus is the tendon used to raise the arm,
so the pain tends to get worse when raising the arm overhead
or in certain positions.
It is common in people whose work involves raising the arms above the shoulders
and in athletes such as baseball, volleyball and basketball players.
01
Severe pain when raising the arm or bending it backward
02
Pain with a catching sensation at the front and outer side of the shoulder
03
Pain so severe that it prevents a good night's sleep
04
Pain that gets worse when lying on the affected side
People who use their shoulder muscles
repetitively, and athletes
Degenerative changes in the tendons due to aging
Congenital bone deformities
Sudden physical impact from accidents and similar events
Pain occurs when I raise or move my arm to head or shoulder height.
When I raise my arm, I feel something catching inside my shoulder.
At night, it is uncomfortable to sleep lying on the painful shoulder.
When I place one hand on the opposite shoulder, hold that elbow with my other hand
and lift it straight up, the pain is so severe that I cannot lift the elbow.
It often develops from sports that use the shoulder heavily or from repeating
poor posture during exercise.
Most cases are caused by sports injuries, but office workers who use computers a lot and homemakers who do a lot of housework also commonly suffer from it.
It can be diagnosed with a simple X-ray, so if you notice symptoms, it is best to see a doctor.
TREATMENT
For shoulder impingement syndrome, non-surgical treatment is the first-line approach.
This includes joint exercises, shoulder-strengthening exercises, physical therapy, injections and medication.
Even after symptoms improve, repeated overhead arm movements and strenuous exercise
should be avoided to prevent recurrence.
If symptoms do not improve after 3–6 months or more of non-surgical treatment, surgery is performed.
Except in cases of impaired mobility or paralysis, most patients can improve with non-surgical treatment.
If symptoms do not improve or pain persists despite conservative treatment, surgery to find and resolve the underlying cause is needed.
Step 1
In most cases, 2–3 weeks of non-surgical treatment such as medication and physical therapy brings improvement. If not, treatment moves on to injection therapy and manual therapy.
Step 2
Surgery is the last resort. Before considering surgery, we provide customized procedures based on each patient's condition and circumstances.
Step 3
Surgery may be considered for patients whose pain persists despite sufficient treatment or who need emergency care. The surgical approach and expected outcome are decided in consultation with a specialist.
In most cases, 2–3 weeks of non-surgical treatment such as medication, physical therapy and pain injections brings improvement.
If not, treatment moves on to injection therapy and manual therapy.
[Medication]
Anti-inflammatory painkillers and muscle relaxants relieve pain and make it easier to continue physical therapy.
[Injection Therapy]
Steroid medication or trigger point injections (TPI) are injected into the areas of muscle causing pain to relax the contracted muscles. This treatment can be tried in the early stages.
[Physical Therapy]
Uses heat, air, light, electricity, ultrasound and other methods to restore function around the painful area and support rehabilitation.
[Manual Therapy]
A form of physical therapy performed by hand by a specially trained manual therapist, based on knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.
[Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)]
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy treats musculoskeletal pain from outside the body using a device that generates shockwaves.
Surgery is the last resort. Before considering surgery,
we provide customized procedures based on each patient's condition and circumstances.
A non-surgical treatment that combines prolotherapy (proliferation therapy) with FIMS (Functional Intramuscular Stimulation).
Learn MoreSurgery may be considered for patients whose pain persists despite sufficient treatment or who need emergency care.
The surgical approach and expected outcome are decided in consultation with a specialist.
[Shoulder Arthroscopy]
Through minimal incisions of less than 1 cm, an arthroscopic camera and surgical instruments are inserted into the joint to diagnose and treat the condition.
Learn More
[Acromioplasty]
Using an arthroscope, the space between the acromion and the supraspinatus tendon is widened, the torn tendon is trimmed, and surrounding inflammation and bone spurs are removed to restore the original shape.
