What Is Shoulder Impingement?

Shoulder impingement, also known as impingement syndrome, occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles get pinched or compressed during arm movement. This can cause pain, inflammation, and reduced shoulder motion.

Common Symptoms

• Sharp pain when lifting the arm, especially overhead
• A dull ache in the shoulder at rest or at night
• Weakness in the arm or shoulder
• Pain when reaching behind your back
• Limited range of motion or stiffness

What Causes Shoulder Impingement?

Impingement occurs when the space between the top of your upper arm bone (humerus) and the shoulder blade (acromion) becomes too narrow. This squeezes the rotator cuff tendons and bursa, leading to pain and irritation.

Common causes include:

• Repetitive overhead movements (e.g., swimming, tennis, painting)
• Poor posture or shoulder mechanics
• Rotator cuff weakness or imbalance
• Bone spurs or shoulder arthritis
• Previous shoulder injuries