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SHOULDER
Shoulder Impingement Physiotherapy in Richmond
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Shoulder Impingement Physiotherapy: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become compressed or irritated as the arm moves overhead. This condition is sometimes called subacromial impingement and is a common cause of shoulder pain.
Impingement often develops gradually when the shoulder joint becomes irritated from repetitive movement, poor posture, or muscle imbalance. Many people first notice discomfort when reaching overhead, lifting objects, or performing sports activities.
Physiotherapy treatment for shoulder impingement focuses on improving shoulder mechanics, reducing irritation in the joint, and strengthening the muscles that support the shoulder.
At Richmond Physiotherapist, we provide physiotherapy treatment for shoulder impingement in Richmond to help patients restore comfortable shoulder movement and return to daily activities.
What Causes Shoulder Impingement?
Shoulder impingement often develops when structures within the shoulder become compressed during movement.
Common causes include:
• repetitive overhead movement
• rotator cuff weakness
• poor posture or rounded shoulders
• muscle imbalance in the shoulder joint
• sports such as swimming, tennis, or weight training
• lifting or overhead work activities
Over time, repeated irritation can lead to inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons or surrounding bursa.
Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement
Symptoms of shoulder impingement may gradually worsen if the condition is not addressed.
Common symptoms include:
• pain when lifting the arm overhead
• discomfort reaching behind the back
• shoulder weakness
• aching pain in the outer shoulder
• pain during exercise or sports
• discomfort when sleeping on the affected shoulder
Many people describe the pain as occurring within a painful arc of movement when raising the arm.
How Physiotherapy Helps Shoulder Impingement
Physiotherapy treatment focuses on improving shoulder movement patterns and reducing compression within the joint.
During your physiotherapy assessment at Richmond Physiotherapist, we evaluate:
• shoulder joint mobility• rotator cuff muscle strength
• scapular (shoulder blade) movement
• posture and upper back mechanics
• movement patterns contributing to impingement
Identifying these factors helps guide the treatment plan.
Physiotherapy Treatments for Shoulder Impingement
Treatment may involve several physiotherapy techniques depending on the severity of the condition.
Common treatments include:
Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques used to improve shoulder mobility and reduce stiffness.
Exercise Rehabilitation
Targeted strengthening exercises designed to improve rotator cuff and shoulder blade control.
Dry Needling / IMS
Helps release tight muscles around the shoulder and upper back.
Shockwave Therapy
May be used in cases of persistent tendon irritation
Movement Education
Advice on posture, lifting technique, and exercise modification to reduce shoulder strain.
These treatments help restore shoulder function and reduce irritation over time.
When to See a Physiotherapist
You should consider physiotherapy if:
• shoulder pain occurs when lifting the arm
• overhead activities cause discomfort
• shoulder weakness develops
• pain interferes with sports or exercise• symptoms persist for several weeks
Early physiotherapy treatment can help prevent the condition from progressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bad posture causing my shoulder impingement?
Partly. Rounded shoulders narrow the space under the acromion where the cuff tendons pass through. But posture alone isn’t the whole story. Weak rotator cuff muscles and a stiff thoracic spine play just as big a role. We fix all three, not just the slouching.
Will a cortisone injection fix shoulder impingement?
It can calm pain short term but it doesn’t fix the mechanics that caused the impingement. If you get the injection without addressing strength and movement, the pain usually comes back. It’s a tool for settling things down, not a solution on its own.
What exercises help shoulder impingement?
Cuff strengthening like external rotation with a band. Scapular stabilizers like rows and Y-T-W raises. Thoracic mobility work to open up the mid-back. The key is loading the cuff progressively so it holds the humeral head in place instead of letting it ride up and pinch the tendons.
Can I keep swimming or lifting with impingement?
Depends on pain. If overhead activity causes sharp pain, back off until we rebuild the cuff. Pain-free work below shoulder height is usually fine. Returning to overhead sport happens gradually as strength comes back. We test, not guess.
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