Symptomatology: Impingement Syndrome

Impingement Syndrome is a condition which occurs when the tendons of the shoulder muscles called Rotator Cuff become irritated and inflamed as they pass through (the subacromial space) the passage beneath the arch of shoulder blade called Acromion. This can result in pain, weakness and loss of movement at the shoulder

Presentation

The most common symptoms in impingement syndrome are pain, weakness and a loss of movement at the affected shoulder. The pain is often worsened by shoulder overhead movement and may occur at night, especially when lying on the affected shoulder.

The onset of the pain may be acute if due to an injury or insidious if due to a gradual process such as arthritis. The pain has been described as dull rather than sharp, and lingers for long periods of a time, making it hard to fall asleep.

Other symptoms can include a grinding or popping sensation during movement of the shoulder.

The range of motion at the shoulder may be limited by pain. A painful arc of movement may be present during forward elevation of the arm from 60° to 120°. Passive movement at the shoulder will appear painful when a downwards force is applied at the acromion but the pain will ease once the downwards force is removed.

Treatment

can include analgesics and anti-inflammatories, physiotherapy, injection treatment or surgery in the form of Arthroscopic shoulder subacromial Decompression.

Further Reading