Shoulder impingement can cause pain when lifting, reaching, exercising, or performing overhead work. The condition often involves irritation of the rotator cuff tendons and nearby bursa, although several shoulder problems can produce similar symptoms.
With more than 30,000 orthopedic surgical procedures performed, Dr. Brian Cohen provides individualized shoulder impingement treatment in Columbus, OH. He evaluates the rotator cuff, shoulder mobility, strength, movement mechanics, and activity demands before recommending a treatment plan.
What Is Shoulder Impingement?
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that connect the shoulder blade to the upper arm bone. These structures help lift and rotate the arm while keeping the humeral head stable within the shoulder socket.
The rotator cuff tendons and a small fluid-filled sac called the bursa pass beneath the acromion at the top of the shoulder. Shoulder impingement describes pain that develops when these tissues become irritated during lifting or overhead movement.
The condition may also be described as subacromial pain syndrome or rotator cuff-related shoulder pain because symptoms can involve the tendons, bursa, muscle function, and shoulder mechanics rather than one structure alone.
Shoulder Impingement Causes
Shoulder impingement symptoms may develop when the rotator cuff tendons or bursa become irritated by repeated use, injury, or changes in shoulder function.
Contributing factors may include:
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Repetitive overhead work, throwing, swimming, or racquet sports
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A sudden increase in lifting, exercise, or athletic activity
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Falling onto the shoulder or an outstretched arm
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Age-related changes within the rotator cuff tendons
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Shoulder bursitis or rotator cuff tendinopathy
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Reduced rotator cuff strength
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Altered shoulder-blade movement or control
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Tightness that limits normal shoulder motion
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Bone spurs or other structural changes in selected patients
In many cases, no single cause can be identified. Symptoms may result from a combination of tendon health, muscle function, movement patterns, and activity demands.
Shoulder Impingement Symptoms
Symptoms may develop gradually or begin after an injury or increase in activity. They can include:
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Pain at the front or outer portion of the shoulder
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Pain that extends into the upper arm
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Discomfort when lifting or lowering the arm
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Pain with reaching or overhead movement
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Nighttime pain, especially when lying on the affected side
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Difficulty reaching behind the back
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Shoulder stiffness
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Weakness or fatigue during lifting
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Reduced ability to work, exercise, or complete daily activities
Sudden weakness, an inability to raise the arm after an injury, or numbness and tingling extending into the hand may indicate a rotator cuff tear, nerve problem, or another condition that requires prompt evaluation.
Shoulder Impingement Diagnosis
Diagnosis begins with a discussion of when the pain started, which movements increase it, and whether an injury or change in activity occurred.
Dr. Cohen or one of his orthopedic colleagues will examine:
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The location of the pain and tenderness
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Active and passive range of motion
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Rotator cuff strength
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Shoulder-blade movement
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Pain during lifting and rotation
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Signs of instability, stiffness, or neck-related symptoms
X-rays may be used to identify arthritis, bone spurs, fractures, or other bone abnormalities. Ultrasound or MRI may be ordered when symptoms or examination findings suggest a rotator cuff tear, biceps tendon injury, or another soft-tissue condition.
Shoulder Impingement Treatment Options
Treatment is intended to reduce pain, restore movement, and improve the strength and control of the shoulder. Recommendations depend on:
Dr. Cohen or one of his orthopedic colleagues will examine:
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Temporary modification of painful overhead activities
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Ice or heat for symptom relief
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Pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medication when appropriate
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Physical therapy to restore shoulder mobility
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Rotator cuff and shoulder-blade strengthening
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Posture and movement retraining
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A gradual return to lifting, work, exercise, or sports
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A corticosteroid injection in selected cases
The goal is not simply to avoid movement. Rehabilitation helps the shoulder tolerate activity by improving strength, mobility, coordination, and movement mechanics.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Most patients begin with a combination of symptom management and structured rehabilitation. Treatment may include:
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Temporary modification of painful overhead activities
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Ice or heat for symptom relief
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Pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medication when appropriate
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Physical therapy to restore shoulder mobility
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Rotator cuff and shoulder-blade strengthening
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Posture and movement retraining
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A gradual return to lifting, work, exercise, or sports
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A corticosteroid injection in selected cases
The goal is not simply to avoid movement. Rehabilitation helps the shoulder tolerate activity by improving strength, mobility, coordination, and movement mechanics.
Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
Surgery is not routinely required for shoulder impingement symptoms. It may be considered when pain and functional limitations continue despite an appropriate course of physical therapy, activity modification, medication, and other nonsurgical care.
Arthroscopic surgery uses a small camera and specialized instruments inserted through several small incisions. Depending on the underlying condition, treatment may include:
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Removing inflamed bursal tissue
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Treating a damaged rotator cuff tendon
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Repairing a rotator cuff tear
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Addressing biceps tendon or labral damage
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Smoothing a symptomatic bone spur in selected cases
The procedure should address the specific source of the symptoms rather than automatically removing bone from the acromion. Dr. Cohen reviews the expected benefits, risks, alternatives, and rehabilitation requirements before recommending surgery.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery depends on the cause of the symptoms and the treatment performed. During nonsurgical care, exercises progress gradually as pain decreases and shoulder mobility, strength, and control improve.
After arthroscopic surgery, the rehabilitation plan depends on the procedure:
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A sling may be used temporarily for comfort after a minor debridement.
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Motion may begin relatively early when no tendon repair was required.
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A repaired rotator cuff or other reconstructed tissue requires a longer period of protection.
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Strengthening begins gradually as healing and movement permit.
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Work- or sport-specific activities are introduced after basic function returns.
Dr. Cohen and the physical therapy team determine when lifting, overhead work, exercise, and sports can safely resume.
Why Choose Dr. Cohen?
OVER 25+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
One of the first orthopedic surgeons employed by a large hospital. Dr. Cohen spent 20 years.
TRUSTED BY OVER 100,000+ PATIENTS WORLDWIDE
Over his distinguished career, Dr. Cohen has cultivated a reputation of excellence and trust among his patients and his peers.
UTILIZING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY
To achieve the best surgical outcomes, Dr. Cohen uses the most advanced technologies and techniques, keeping his practice state-of-the-art.
PATIENT SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY
An individualized, patient-focused process coupled with decades of training and experience helps ensure maximum safety for all of Dr. Cohen’s patients.
Shoulder Impingement Care in Columbus, OH
Shoulder impingement symptoms can interfere with reaching, lifting, sleeping, work, and exercise. Dr. Cohen evaluates the rotator cuff, bursa, shoulder mobility, strength, and movement mechanics before recommending rehabilitation, injections, or arthroscopic treatment when appropriate. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian Cohen, call (614) 788-0375.
