Shoulder impingement

Shoulder impingement describes pain that occurs when the rotator cuff and nearby bursa become irritated during lifting or overhead movement. It is also commonly called subacromial pain syndrome.

Pain is usually felt over the outer upper arm and may be worse when reaching overhead, lowering the arm or lying on the affected side. The problem is often related to tendon irritation, reduced shoulder control and sensitivity of the bursa rather than a structure simply being trapped.

Most patients improve with a programme of exercise, load modification and pain management. An injection may help when pain prevents rehabilitation. Surgery is considered only when persistent symptoms remain despite a well-completed non-operative programme and the clinical findings support it.