About Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement is one of the most common shoulder diagnoses, and one of the most successfully treated with targeted strength work. The pinching sensation with overhead movement is driven by how the shoulder blade and rotator cuff work together, not by bone spurs.
Expected Recovery Window
Typical: 4–8 weeks with strength and mechanics correction. Longer if bursitis or tendinopathy coexists.
Common Symptoms
Pinching or sharp pain with lifting the arm overhead; pain at the side or front of the shoulder; painful arc between 60–120 degrees of elevation; night pain on the affected side; weakness with overhead reaching; aching after cycling or swimming.
Common Causes
Weak or poorly timed scapular stabilisers; forward shoulder posture; rapid increase in overhead training; poor rotator cuff strength balance; acromioclavicular joint irritation; prior rotator cuff tendinitis.
How We Treat Shoulder Impingement
We focus on scapular control, rotator cuff strengthening, and shoulder mobility, rather than passive treatments or prolonged rest. Treatment addresses the movement faults driving the impingement and progressively rebuilds overhead capacity.
