Shoulder Impingement Treatment in Kilsyth | Physiotherapy & Myotherapy

What Is Shoulder Impingement?

Shoulder impingement is a common term used to describe shoulder pain that occurs during certain movements, particularly lifting the arm overhead. It is often associated with irritation or sensitivity of the rotator cuff tendons and other tissues around the shoulder.

Shoulder impingement is sometimes referred to as “shoulder impingement syndrome.” However, shoulder pain is often influenced by a combination of factors, including changes in tendon capacity, shoulder strength, movement patterns, activity levels and how the shoulder responds to load.

At Physio Elements in Kilsyth, our Physiotherapists and Myotherapists provide personalised assessment and treatment for shoulder impingement and other causes of shoulder pain. Our goal is to help reduce symptoms, improve shoulder strength and movement, and support your return to work, sport and everyday activities.

What Are the Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement?

Shoulder impingement symptoms can vary from person to person. Common symptoms include:

Pain when lifting the arm overhead
Pain when reaching behind the back
Pain when putting on a shirt or jacket
Shoulder pain during sport or exercise
Pain when throwing or serving
Weakness in the shoulder or arm
Pain when sleeping on the affected side
Pain around the front or outer part of the shoulder
Clicking or catching sensations during movement

Symptoms may develop gradually and can become more noticeable with repetitive or increased shoulder activity.

What Causes Shoulder Impingement?

Shoulder pain associated with impingement can develop due to a combination of factors rather than one specific cause.

Repetitive Overhead Activities

Repeated overhead movements can increase the load placed through the shoulder and may contribute to symptoms, particularly when activity levels increase. This can be relevant for people involved in swimming, tennis, cricket, volleyball, painting, trades and other repetitive overhead activities or occupations.

Rotator Cuff Weakness

The rotator cuff muscles help control and stabilise the shoulder during movement. Changes in shoulder strength or load tolerance may contribute to pain when performing certain activities.

Changes in Shoulder Movement

Changes in shoulder blade control, mobility or coordination can affect how the shoulder moves and responds to load.

Muscle Strength and Flexibility

Changes in the muscles around the shoulder blade, chest, neck and upper back can influence shoulder movement and may contribute to symptoms in some people.

Increased or Sudden Activity

Shoulder pain can sometimes develop after a sudden increase in training, work demands or repetitive activity. If the shoulder is exposed to more load than it is currently able to tolerate, symptoms may develop.

How Is Shoulder Impingement Diagnosed?

Shoulder impingement is diagnosed through a clinical assessment rather than one specific test.
Your Physiotherapist may assess:

Shoulder range of movement
Rotator cuff strength
Shoulder blade movement and control
Posture and movement patterns
Functional movements
Pain-provoking activities
Work and sporting requirements

Your Physiotherapist may also assess the neck and upper back, as these areas can sometimes contribute to or refer pain into the shoulder.

Imaging such as an X-ray, ultrasound or MRI may occasionally be recommended if your symptoms suggest another shoulder condition or if further investigation is required.

How Does Physiotherapy Help Shoulder Impingement?

Physiotherapy can help manage shoulder impingement by addressing factors contributing to pain, reduced movement and shoulder function. Treatment is tailored to your symptoms, assessment findings, activity requirements and individual goals.

Treatment may include manual therapy, joint mobilisation, soft tissue treatment, dry needling, taping, activity modification, pain management and education about shoulder loading. Your Physiotherapist can also provide advice on modifying work, exercise or sporting activities while your shoulder settles and gradually progress your rehabilitation as your symptoms improve.

What Exercises Help Shoulder Impingement?

Exercise rehabilitation can help improve shoulder strength, movement and tolerance to activity. Your Physiotherapist may recommend rotator cuff strengthening, shoulder blade control, mobility exercises, functional strengthening and progressive shoulder loading, tailored to your symptoms and goals.

Exercises should be gradually progressed to support a safe return to work, exercise and sport.

How Can Myotherapy Help Shoulder Impingement?

Myotherapy can help address muscular tension and soft tissue factors that may contribute to shoulder discomfort and restricted movement. Shoulder pain can sometimes be associated with increased tension or sensitivity in the muscles around the shoulder, shoulder blade, neck, chest and upper back.

Depending on your symptoms and individual needs, our Myotherapists may use deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, dry needling, myofascial release, cupping therapy, stretching techniques and corrective exercises.

Myotherapy can be used as a standalone treatment or alongside Physiotherapy where appropriate, as part of a broader approach to managing shoulder pain and improving movement.

Can Shoulder Impingement Be Treated Without Surgery?

Yes. Many people with shoulder pain associated with impingement can be managed effectively without surgery.

Treatment may include education, activity modification, progressive exercise and Physiotherapy. The appropriate approach depends on the individual and the underlying cause of their symptoms. If symptoms persist despite appropriate conservative management, your healthcare professional may recommend further medical assessment.

Should I Exercise With Shoulder Impingement?

In many cases, yes. Appropriate exercise can help improve shoulder strength, movement and tolerance to activity. However, exercises should be selected and progressed according to your symptoms and current capacity. Exercises that significantly aggravate your pain may need to be modified. A Physiotherapist can guide you through an appropriate exercise program and gradually progress your shoulder as your symptoms improve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Impingement

What Does Shoulder Impingement Feel Like?

Shoulder impingement-related pain commonly occurs when lifting the arm overhead, reaching behind the back or performing repetitive shoulder movements. Some people also experience pain when sleeping on the affected side, weakness or discomfort during sport and exercise.

Can Shoulder Impingement Cause Pain at Night?

Yes. Shoulder pain associated with impingement can sometimes be worse at night, particularly when lying on the affected shoulder or after a day of increased shoulder activity. Persistent night pain should be assessed to determine the likely cause and appropriate treatment.

Can Shoulder Impingement Get Worse?

Shoulder pain associated with impingement can worsen when the shoulder is repeatedly exposed to
loads that exceed its current capacity. Continuing to gradually build strength and activity tolerance
can help reduce the risk of recurring symptoms.

Can Shoulder Impingement Go Away on Its Own?

Some mild shoulder pain may improve with changes to activity and gradual return to normal movement. However, persistent or recurring symptoms may benefit from assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify contributing factors and develop an appropriate rehabilitation plan.

What Is the Best Treatment for Shoulder Impingement?

There is no single treatment that is best for everyone. Management commonly involves education, activity modification and progressive exercise, with Physiotherapy treatment tailored to the individual’s symptoms and goals. Hands-on treatment may also be used where appropriate.

How Long Does Shoulder Impingement Take to Heal?

Recovery times vary. Some people improve over several weeks, while others may require several months of rehabilitation depending on the severity and duration of their symptoms and their work or sporting demands.

Should I Avoid Lifting My Arm With Shoulder Impingement?

Not necessarily. Completely avoiding shoulder movement is not usually required. Instead, your Physiotherapist can help you identify which movements and activities may need to be temporarily modified while gradually rebuilding your shoulder’s capacity.

Can I Go to the Gym With Shoulder Impingement?

In many cases, you can continue exercising with appropriate modifications. Your Physiotherapist can help determine which exercises are suitable and how to adjust weights, repetitions, range of movement and training volume while your shoulder recovers.

Is Shoulder Impingement the Same as a Rotator Cuff Injury?

Not exactly. Shoulder impingement describes a pattern of shoulder pain associated with certain movements and loading, while a rotator cuff injury can involve irritation, tendinopathy or a tear of one or more rotator cuff tendons. The conditions can overlap, which is why a thorough assessment is useful when determining the likely cause of shoulder pain.

Can Myotherapy Help Shoulder Impingement?

Myotherapy may help manage muscular tension and soft tissue discomfort around the shoulder, neck, chest and upper back. It can be used alongside Physiotherapy when appropriate as part of a broader approach to managing shoulder pain.

When Should I See a Physiotherapist for Shoulder Impingement?

Consider seeing a Physiotherapist if shoulder pain is ongoing, worsening or affecting your sleep, work, sport, exercise or everyday activities. A Physiotherapy assessment can help identify the likely contributors to your symptoms and provide an individualised treatment and rehabilitation plan.

Looking for Shoulder Impingement Treatment in Kilsyth?

If shoulder pain is affecting your work, sport, sleep or everyday activities, the team at Physio Elements can help. Our Physiotherapists and Myotherapists in Kilsyth provide personalised assessment, treatment and rehabilitation for shoulder impingement and other causes of shoulder pain.

Contact Physio Elements today to arrange an assessment and find out how Physiotherapy or Myotherapy may help you get back to doing the things you enjoy.

Article reviewed by:
Jordan Tierney, Qualified Myotherapist, Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy, Physio Elements,
Kilsyth.
Nisha Monte Cruz, Physiotherapist at Physio Elements, Kilsyth. Master of Physiotherapy
(Orthopaedics, Sports & Manual Therapy), University of South Australia.

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