Shoulder pain can affect everything from your daily routine to your ability to stay active—and one of the most common causes of shoulder discomfort is shoulder impingement syndrome. At the orthopedic and sports medicine practice of Dr. Jonathan L. Glashow in Manhattan, NYC, we specialize in diagnosing and treating shoulder conditions with expert precision and personalized care.
If you’ve been dealing with persistent shoulder pain, especially when lifting your arm or reaching overhead, you may be experiencing shoulder impingement. Understanding its causes can help you take the right steps toward relief and long-term recovery.
What Is Shoulder Impingement?
Shoulder impingement syndrome occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles or the bursa (fluid-filled sac) in the shoulder become compressed—or “impinged”—between the bones of the shoulder joint. This often happens in the subacromial space, located beneath the acromion (a bony part of the shoulder blade).
Over time, this compression can lead to inflammation, pain, and reduced range of motion.
Common Causes of Shoulder Impingement
While impingement can affect anyone, it’s especially common in athletes and active individuals who perform repetitive overhead movements—such as swimmers, tennis players, weightlifters, and baseball pitchers.
Here are the most common causes and contributing factors:
1. Repetitive Overhead Activity
Repeated overhead motion, whether in sports or work, can cause the rotator cuff tendons to become irritated and inflamed. This is one of the leading causes of impingement in active patients across New York City.
2. Poor Posture
Slouched posture, common among office workers in Midtown Manhattan, can cause the shoulder blade to tilt forward, narrowing the space for tendons and increasing friction.
3. Rotator Cuff Tendinitis or Bursitis
Inflammation in the tendons (tendinitis) or bursa (bursitis) causes swelling, which reduces space in the joint and worsens impingement symptoms.
4. Bone Spurs
Aging patients in NYC often develop small bony projections, or spurs, on the acromion that press down on the tendons and bursa.
5. Shoulder Instability or Muscle Imbalance
Weak or imbalanced shoulder muscles can alter the alignment of the joint, leading to improper movement and increased friction between joint components.
Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement
Symptoms typically develop gradually and may include:
- Pain when lifting or rotating the arm
- Pain that worsens at night or while lying on the shoulder
- Weakness or reduced range of motion
- A catching or clicking sensation in the shoulder
Without proper treatment, impingement can progress to more serious issues, including rotator cuff tears.
How Is Shoulder Impingement Treated?
At Dr. Glashow’s Upper East Side office in NYC, we use advanced diagnostics—including MRI, ultrasound, and physical exams—to accurately identify the cause of shoulder pain.
Treatment options may include:
- Physical therapy to strengthen the rotator cuff and improve posture
- Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections
- Activity modification and ergonomic adjustments
- Arthroscopic shoulder surgery in severe or unresponsive cases
As one of New York’s top orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Glashow provides both non-surgical and surgical solutions tailored to each patient’s condition and lifestyle.
Trusted Shoulder Specialist in NYC
Dr. Jonathan Glashow is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine expert, serving patients across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Tri-State Area. His practice is known for providing elite-level orthopedic care to professional athletes, performers, and active New Yorkers alike.
With a central location in Manhattan, our clinic is easily accessible from Central Park South, the Upper East Side, and Midtown, making it a convenient choice for New Yorkers seeking expert orthopedic care. Dr. Glashow also has a second location in Miami Beach, FL.
Get Relief from Shoulder Pain Today
If you suspect shoulder impingement or have been struggling with shoulder pain that won’t go away, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Contact Jonathan L. Glashow, MD, in New York City or Miami Beach today to schedule your consultation and begin your path to pain-free movement.
