Impingement Syndrome
Impingement Syndrome is often referred to as swimmer’s shoulder or thrower’s shoulder.
What is impingement syndrome?
Impingement syndrome happens when the rotator cuff tendons get trapped in the shoulder joint.
What causes impingement syndrome?
Overuse can cause this injury to occur. A trauma such as an accident or a fall can also cause this injury. This is a common injury in swimmers and throwers as well as racket players and sports people who make repetitive movements with their arms above their shoulders.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are pain in the shoulders when the arm is lifted above the shoulder, pain when you lift your arm forwards and upwards quickly and possible inflammation in the shoulder area.
What treatments are there?
Things you can do yourself
- Rest
- If swelling is occurring, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (always seek the advice of a medical professional)
- Take painkillers if the pain is causing discomfort (always seek the advice of a medical professional).
Rehabilitation treatments
- Mobility strengthening
- Soft-tissue massage
- Physiotherapy