What Is Shoulder Impingement and How Can It Be Treated?

Shoulder impingement syndrome occurs when tendons or bursa in the shoulder joint are compressed, causing pain. It is often caused by repetitive overhead movements, such as those performed in sports, manual labor, or daily activities. Shoulder impingement syndrome is thought to be responsible for 44% to 65% of shoulder pain cases.

At the World Frozen Shoulder Clinic, Dr. Oolo-Austin has developed an innovative method for treating shoulder impingement syndrome that focuses on restoring the balance and function of the shoulder joint. With this unique approach, many patients have experienced significant pain relief and improved shoulder function, allowing them to return to normal activities.

In this article, we’ll examine what shoulder impingement is as well as the approach adopted by Dr. Oolo-Austin to treat this syndrome.

Understanding Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement syndrome occurs when the top outer edge of the shoulder blade, known as the acromion, rubs against or pinches the rotator cuff beneath it. This constant friction leads to swelling, narrowing the space between the acromion and the humerus, resulting in pain and irritation. 

Several factors can contribute to the development of shoulder impingement:

• Tendon Issues: The rotator cuff tendons may become torn or swollen due to overuse from repetitive shoulder activity, injury, or age-related wear and tear.
• Bursa Inflammation: The bursa, a fluid-filled sac between the tendon and acromion, can become irritated and inflamed, often due to overuse or injury.
• Structural Factors: In some cases, the acromion may not have a flat shape from birth, or age-related bone spurs can form on it, further narrowing the space and contributing to impingement.

How Does Shoulder Impingement Syndrome Manifest?

The rotator cuff comprises four muscles originating on the shoulder blade and attaching to the arm bone as tendons forming a “cuff”.

These muscles are responsible for two primary functions:

• Raising the arm: The rotator cuff lets you lift your arm overhead.
• Rotational movement: It lets you rotate your arm towards and away from your body.

The rotator cuff resides in a small space between the acromion and the humerus, making it susceptible to being pinched or “impinged” when the tendons are irritated or injured. If your rotator cuff is irritated or injured, it may swell, similar to a sprained ankle. However, due to the unique anatomy of the shoulder, the swelling can have cascading effects. 

The swelling reduces the space surrounding the rotator cuff, leading to continuous rubbing against the acromion. This results in a vicious cycle – the rubbing of the rotator cuff tendons causes more swelling, narrowing the space beneath the acromion. In some cases, bone spurs on the acromion bone can further exacerbate impingement by making the space even narrower.

Who Typically Develops Shoulder Impingement?

Individuals who engage in overhead rotational motion during sports and other activities commonly experience shoulder impingement syndrome. This includes athletes in sports like swimming, baseball, volleyball, and tennis, as well as professionals engaged in activities such as window washing and painting. Additionally, shoulder impingement can result from an injury, such as a fall directly onto the shoulder or an outstretched arm.

The symptoms of shoulder impingement syndrome include pain, limited range of motion and weakness in the affected shoulder. Left untreated, this condition can lead to chronic shoulder pain and even shoulder joint damage.

What’s the Difference Between Adhesive Capsulitis (frozen shoulder) and Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, can limit shoulder motion, including abduction internal and external rotation. However, patients suffering from frozen shoulder impingement syndrome can still perform internal and external rotations. With adhesive capsulitis, patients may experience difficulty performing daily activities such as washing their hair, fastening their bra, or placing their affected hand on their hip. Both types of frozen shoulder can cause night pain, but with adhesive capsulitis, the pain can be unbearable and debilitating.

When someone is suffering from impingement syndrome, they can usually lift their arm sideways without tilting their body or shoulder between 90-120 degrees. However, those with adhesive capsulitis generally cannot lift their arm above 90 degrees without tilting their body. Most people with impingement syndrome can still move their shoulder without difficulty, except for some pain at the end point of certain ranges. Some people with impingement syndrome may not have any limitations on side raises and may only experience pain when they reach up and back or partially up and back.

World Frozen Shoulder Clinic’s Innovative Treatment Approach

Our approach to Shoulder Impingement Syndrome comes in the form of Dr. Oolo-Austin’s Myoneural Shoulder Impingement Procedure (MSIP):

Dr. Oolo-Austin has developed a groundbreaking procedure to effectively treat a specific type of frozen shoulder known as “Shoulder Impingement Syndrome” or “Type 2” Frozen Shoulder. This procedure, named the “Myoneural Shoulder Impingement Procedure” (MSIP), is designed to address the root causes of this condition with a unique approach.

The MSIP procedure incorporates a team of health professionals who apply Dr. Oolo-Austin’s novel neurological muscle and pain resetting protocols. Unlike the Manual Capsular Dissection (MCD) Procedure, used to treat adhesive capsulitis frozen shoulder, the MSIP procedure doesn’t always involve using medications.

If your frozen shoulder is primarily a result of uncomplicated shoulder impingement, Dr. O’s Myoneural Shoulder Impingement Procedure offers an effective treatment option. This innovative approach can alleviate symptoms and improve shoulder function by addressing the underlying issues that lead to impingement.

Shoulder Treatments Available at World Frozen Shoulder Clinic

Dr. Oolo-Austin’s MSIP procedure offers a promising alternative for treating Shoulder Impingement Syndrome, focusing on long-term relief and improved shoulder function. 

If you are experiencing shoulder pain or suspect shoulder impingement, schedule an appointment today to explore the most suitable treatment options for your specific situation.

Categorised in: Blog - World Frozen Shoulder Clinic