One of the most common causes of pain in the adult shoulder, impingement occurs when the rotator cuff muscles/bursa become irritated in the subacromial space (the area between the acromion bone on top of your shoulder and the humeral head). Typical causes include repetitive stresses to the rotator cuff muscles, bone spurs or curved acromion, and poor posture.

Common in both young athletes and middle aged people, shoulder impingement can develop as result of minor trauma or with no apparent cause.

Symptoms

1- Difficulty reaching up and behind the back.
2- Pain with overhead use of arm.
3- Weakness of shoulder muscles.
4- Difficulty or inability to throw a ball.

Risk Factors

1- Sports which require overhead arm movements (swimming, baseball, tennis)
2- Work that includes repetitive lifting and overhead activities (painting, construction)

If shoulder pain persists, contact your doctor to secure a physical therapy referral. At Lucas Therapies, we can instruct you in proper strengthening and stretching exercises for your injured shoulder.