Get Back to Pain-Free Movement with Shoulder Impingement Treatment in Chennai
Persistent shoulder pain during lifting, reaching or overhead movements may be associated with shoulder impingement. Dr. Kanniraj utilizes various techniques to address shoulder impingement, including physical therapy, injections, and arthroscopic surgery — matched to the severity of your condition and how it responds to conservative care.
How shoulder impingement is treated
Physical Therapy
Targeted exercises to correct posture, strengthen the rotator cuff, and improve shoulder blade mechanics.
Medication
Anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and swelling during active treatment.
Injections
Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and create a window for physiotherapy to be more effective.
Movement Modification
Temporary changes to overhead activity or technique to reduce ongoing tendon compression.
Arthroscopic Decompression
A minimally invasive procedure to create more space for the tendons when structural factors are contributing.
Maintenance Exercise
Continued shoulder strengthening after symptoms resolve to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Tendons compressed during movement
- Repetitive overhead activity or sport
- Poor posture and rounded shoulders
- Rotator cuff weakness
- Age-related changes in the shoulder joint
- Previous shoulder injury
How impingement happens
Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become compressed against the bone of the shoulder blade (acromion) as the arm is lifted, particularly overhead or to the side. Over time, this compression causes inflammation, pain, and — if left untreated — can contribute to tendon wear.
What it feels like
Typical symptoms include pain when lifting the arm overhead or reaching to the side, a catching or pinching sensation partway through the movement, weakness with overhead activity, and sometimes discomfort that disrupts sleep, particularly when lying on the affected shoulder.
Common contributing factors
Repetitive overhead movement (swimming, throwing sports, painting, manual work), posture-related muscle imbalance, and anatomical variation in the shape of the acromion can all contribute to impingement.
Arthroscopic subacromial decompression
When impingement is caused or worsened by a structural factor — such as a bone spur reducing space for the tendon — and hasn't improved after a genuine course of physiotherapy and other conservative measures, arthroscopic subacromial decompression may be considered. Using a camera and small instruments through tiny incisions, the surgeon creates additional space for the rotator cuff tendons to move without compression.
Recovery is generally quicker than rotator cuff repair, since no tendon reattachment is involved — physiotherapy typically begins early to restore full range of motion.
- Symptoms persist after a genuine course of physiotherapy
- Imaging shows a structural cause (e.g. bone spur)
- Pain significantly limits daily or occupational activity
- Impingement is affecting sleep long-term
Dealing with shoulder pain during overhead movement?
FAQ
Questions about shoulder impingement treatment
What does shoulder impingement feel like?
Shoulder impingement typically causes pain when lifting the arm overhead or to the side, a catching sensation partway through the movement, and sometimes weakness or discomfort at night.
Can shoulder impingement be treated without surgery?
Yes, in most cases. Physical therapy focused on posture and rotator cuff strengthening, combined with activity modification and occasionally injections, resolves impingement symptoms for the majority of patients.
When is surgery needed for shoulder impingement?
Surgery, typically arthroscopic subacromial decompression, is considered when structural factors are contributing and symptoms haven't improved after a genuine course of physical therapy and other conservative measures.
How long does physical therapy take to relieve shoulder impingement?
Many patients notice improvement within several weeks of consistent, guided physiotherapy, though the full timeline depends on the underlying cause and how long symptoms have been present.
Is shoulder impingement the same as a rotator cuff tear?
No, though they're related. Impingement is compression of the rotator cuff tendons during movement, while a tear is actual structural damage to the tendon. Untreated, longstanding impingement can sometimes contribute to a tear over time.