Shoulder Impingement (PAIN): Why It Happens and How to Fix It

Shoulder pain can be frustrating—especially when it lingers, interrupts your sleep, or limits your movement without completely stopping you in your tracks. One of the most common causes of persistent shoulder discomfort is shoulder impingement syndrome. This condition can start as an annoying, deep ache and gradually become more restrictive, making simple tasks like reaching overhead, lifting weights, or even sleeping on your side uncomfortable.

What Is Shoulder Impingement?

Shoulder impingement occurs when the soft tissues in the subacromial space (the area between the top of your upper arm bone and the acromion of your shoulder blade) become compressed. This often involves irritation of the rotator cuff tendons or the subacromial bursa, leading to pain and inflammation.

Common symptoms of shoulder impingement include:

• A dull, deep ache in the shoulder, often worse at night

• Difficulty sleeping on the affected side

• Pain when reaching overhead or behind your back

• Weakness in the arm, especially during lifting or rotation

• A sharp, pinching sensation with certain movements

  
  

Why Does Shoulder Impingement Happen?

The root cause of impingement is often related to poor shoulder mechanics and muscular imbalances. Some of the key contributing factors include:

1. Poor Posture

Slouching or rounding of the shoulders can cause the acromion to tilt forward, reducing the space available for the rotator cuff tendons. Over time, this leads to irritation and inflammation.

2. Rotator Cuff Weakness or Dysfunction

The rotator cuff muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis) play a crucial role in stabilizing the shoulder joint. If these muscles are weak or not functioning properly, the head of the humerus may shift upward, increasing the risk of impingement.

3. Tightness in the Shoulder and Chest Muscles

Tight pectoralis muscles and an overactive upper trapezius can contribute to altered shoulder movement patterns, leading to impingement over time.

4. Repetitive Overhead Movements

Athletes and individuals who frequently perform overhead activities (such as swimmers, weightlifters, and painters) are more prone to impingement due to repeated stress on the shoulder structures.

How Fleet Sports Therapy Can Help

If you’ve been experiencing shoulder pain that won’t go away, professional treatment is key to breaking the cycle of inflammation and dysfunction. At Fleet Sports Therapy, we provide a comprehensive approach to treating shoulder impingement, including:

✅ Assessment of Muscle Imbalances & Movement Patterns

We identify the underlying causes of your impingement by assessing muscle tightness, weakness, and joint mobility.

✅ Soft Tissue Therapy & Massage

We use hands-on techniques to relieve tension in overactive muscles and improve blood flow to irritated tissues, promoting healing.

✅ Stretching & Joint Mobilisation.

Gentle mobilisations help restore normal movement in the shoulder joint, while targeted stretches reduce tightness in the chest and shoulders.

✅ Rotator Cuff & Shoulder Stabilisation Exercises

Strengthening the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles ensures long-term stability and prevents future impingement issues.

Don’t Let Shoulder Pain Hold You Back

Shoulder impingement can be tricky to get rid of, but early treatment makes a huge difference. Whether your pain is affecting your workouts, your sleep, or your everyday activities, we’re here to help you move pain-free again.

Book your appointment today and take the first step toward a stronger, healthier shoulder.