What is Shoulder Impingement?
Shoulder impingement occurs when your shoulder blade’s (scapula) top and outer edge (acromion) rubs up or “impinges” on the rotator cuff’s tendon or bursa causing pain and irritability. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that surrounds the shoulder joint to provide stability and assist with movements such as lifting your arm over head. The bursa is a small, fluid filled sac that helps lubricate and reduce friction of moving parts around a joint.
Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement
- Pain at the top and/or outer side of the shoulder
- Pain that is worse when you lift your arm, especially overhead
- Pain or aching at night
- Pain when reaching behind your back
- Weakness
- Stiffness
Risk Factors
- Repetitive activity
- Overhead sports
- Curved or hooked acromion
- Previous injury
- Shoulder instability
Shoulder Impingement Specialists in the Twin Cities
If you are experiencing any symptoms of impingement please contact us today to set up your appointment with a Minnesota physical therapist. We have physical therapy clinics located in Minneapolis and Edina.
