Shoulder Impingement Treatment
The unique design of the shoulder allows for greater mobility, but it can also trap soft tissues inside the bones of the shoulder joint. Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons, bursa and other tissues in the shoulder become swollen or inflamed, pressing against the surrounding bones and impairing movement. Jonathan Glashow, MD, Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine offers effective shoulder impingement treatment to relieve pain and restore shoulder function at our clinic in UES New York City.
Causes of Shoulder Impingement
While most joints have soft tissues surrounding connecting bones, the shoulder has soft tissues surrounded by bone. The rotator cuff and bursa are between the humerus head and the scapula, or shoulder bone. If the tendons or bursa become inflamed or thickened, the space between the humerus and scapula is reduced. This can result in shoulder impingement, causing shoulder pain and reducing range of motion. Causes can include:
- Rotator cuff tears
- Bone spurs
- Tendonitis in the rotator cuff
- Repetitive use injuries (throwing or overarm movement)
- Shoulder injuries
- Shoulder arthritis
Shoulder impingement is usually a secondary issue caused by an injury or functional issue in the shoulder joint. Inflammation in the tendons and bursa from friction or an injury can cause thickening of the tissues, reducing space and movement inside the shoulder joint. Without treatment, shoulder impingement tends to worsen, with increased pain and restricted movement when lifting or reaching with the arm.
Conservative and non-invasive shoulder impingement treatment can include rest, anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections and physical therapy. In more severe cases, surgery may be required if conservative treatments are ineffective.
Jonathan Glashow, MD, Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine can perform a thorough examination and diagnosis to determine the best shoulder impingement treatment at our medical facility in New York City. Contact our team to schedule an appointment to get relief from your shoulder pain.
