What Is Shoulder Impingement?
Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons and the bursa become pinched between bones in the shoulder joint — usually under the acromion (the top of the shoulder blade).
This pressure causes irritation, inflammation, and pain with motion — especially when lifting the arm above shoulder height.
Common symptoms include:
- Sharp pain when lifting or reaching overhead
- Shoulder weakness or fatigue
- Pain when sleeping on the affected side
- Clicking or catching in the joint
Causes and How It Happens
Shoulder impingement is usually caused by repetitive overhead motion, poor posture, or muscle imbalance that narrows the joint space.
Common causes include:
- Overuse from lifting, throwing, or swimming
- Rounded shoulders or forward head posture
- Weak rotator cuff or scapular muscles
- Bone spurs or chronic inflammation
The mechanism of injury involves compression of the soft tissues in the subacromial space, leading to pain and irritation with every movement.
Chiropractic Treatment for Shoulder Impingement
At Blue Zone Advanced Chiropractic, our treatments target both inflammation and the underlying alignment issues that cause impingement.
In-office care may include:
- Gentle Chiropractic Adjustments to the shoulder, neck, and upper back for better motion and posture.
- Soft Tissue Therapy to relax tight muscles and improve circulation.
- Laser or Shockwave Therapy to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Rehabilitation Exercises to strengthen rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers.
This approach restores proper biomechanics, reduces pain, and helps prevent the problem from coming back.
Recovery and What to Expect
Mild cases often improve within 4–6 weeks, while more chronic conditions may take 8–12 weeks of consistent treatment and corrective exercise.
During recovery, patients should:
- Avoid repetitive overhead activities
- Focus on posture correction and mobility work
- Continue prescribed strengthening exercises
Get back to moving without pain.
📍 Visit Blue Zone Advanced Chiropractic in The Woodlands, TX, or schedule your Shoulder Impingement Evaluation today.
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