Shoulder Impingement (Subacromial Pain Syndrome): Diagnosis & Treatment Strategies

Shoulder impingement is an older diagnosis that was thought to be due to a pinching or impinging of the rotator cuff (supraspinatus) tendon, biceps tendon or subacromial bursa. Pain would typically occur when lifting the arm away from the body and overhead.

Over time, the name of this diagnosis was changed to 'subacromial pain syndrome' as it became evident that most people have some degree of impingement and many never develop symptoms. Like numerous other pain disorders, the pathophysiology of this disorder has been found to be more complex and should not be thought of as a simple, mechanical phenomenon.

If you would like to learn more about this condition, click this research article link.

If you would like to access the rehab exercise PDF I mentioned in the episode, click this link.

My book contains a comprehensive, 3-phased subacromial pain program that will teach you exercises to treat this issue on your own. Click this Amazon link to learn more about my book and to order a copy.