What is shoulder impingement?
Shoulder impingement syndrome is a common cause of shoulder pain. It happens when the tendons and soft tissues in your shoulder get irritated or pinched, especially with frequent overhead movements like swimming, tennis, volleyball or even lifting objects.
Repetitive motions can cause these tissues to rub against nearby bones, leading to discomfort and inflammation. It can also happen after a minor injury, like falling on your shoulder or reaching out to catch yourself. Sometimes, the exact cause isn’t clear.
If shoulder impingement isn’t treated, the pain can get worse and make it hard to move your arm or do daily activities. Early treatment can help relieve discomfort, reduce inflammation and restore shoulder function.
Anatomy of the shoulder
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that connect your shoulder blade to your upper arm bone (humerus). These muscles help you lift, rotate and move your arm while also keeping your shoulder stable.
Shoulder impingement happens when the rotator cuff gets pinched between the top of your arm bone and the bony part of your shoulder blade (called the acromion). This pinching can cause pain, inflammation and limited movement, especially when you reach overhead or behind your back.
Types of shoulder impingement
There are a few components of shoulder impingement that can cause symptoms to develop. Your healthcare provider might say that you have a more specific issue, including:
Rotator cuff tendonitis
Rotator cuff tendonitis happens when a tendon in your shoulder that supports your rotator cuff becomes swollen, deteriorated or irritated.
Shoulder bursitis
Your shoulder is lined with a fluid-filled sac called a bursa that helps your rotator cuff move. The bursa can become inflamed, leading to bursitis.
Anatomical changes
The acromion is typically flat, but some people have a curved or hooked acromion, which can narrow the space between the acromion and surrounding structures. This can mean you’re more likely to develop impingement.
Shoulder impingement symptoms
Shoulder pain is the most common symptom of shoulder impingement. It often feels like it’s coming from the front of your shoulder and can spread down the side of your arm. The discomfort may also:
- Make your shoulder feel tender to the touch
- Worsen at night, making it hard to fall or stay asleep
Certain movements or positions can make the pain worse, including:
- Reaching your arm overhead
- Lifting or lowering your arm
- Reaching behind your back (like grabbing a wallet or unzipping a purse)
- Lying on the affected shoulder
When to see a doctor
See your doctor whenever shoulder discomfort interferes with your day-to-day activities and doesn’t get better with over-the-counter medications. Many people with shoulder impingement don’t seek help in the early stages of the condition, but talking to a provider may allow you to treat your condition with less invasive treatments.
Shoulder impingement causes and risk factors
Shoulder impingement happens when the space at the top of your shoulder narrows, putting pressure on the tendons and soft tissues. Repeated movements, like raising your arm overhead, can cause irritation, small tears and swelling, making it harder for your shoulder to move smoothly.
Athletes in sports like swimming and tennis, as well as people who do overhead activities like construction or painting, are more likely to develop this condition. Shoulder impingement can also occur after an injury, such as a fall or car accident. It can cause pain, weakness and difficulty moving your shoulder, especially when reaching or lifting your arm.
How is shoulder impingement diagnosed?
Most of the time, a doctor can diagnose shoulder impingement with a physical exam. During the exam, your doctor will ask about your symptoms, including when the discomfort started, if it has become worse over time, and if your job or hobbies require repetitive motion. They’ll also check for other shoulder and joint problems, including a rotator cuff injury, pinched nerve or arthritis. Sometimes, imaging tests are needed to rule out other possible causes of your discomfort.
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Medical history and exam
Your doctor will ask you to describe your discomfort, where you feel it and when it started. They may also ask you if you’ve tried treating it and, if so, whether those treatments have helped. If you’ve had previous shoulder injuries, be sure to let your doctor know about those, as well.
Next, your doctor will perform a physical exam and may conduct a series of tests that involve moving your arm and shoulder in different directions to check your shoulder’s range of motion and arm strength.
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Imaging tests
Often, a physical exam is enough to diagnose shoulder impingement, but your doctor may want to confirm a diagnosis with imaging tests that show your shoulder and the surrounding structures in more detail. These tests can also help your provider diagnose specific causes of impingement and rule out other causes of pain, including rotator cuff tears, biceps tendon injuries and shoulder arthritis.
Imaging tests may include:
- X-ray: Shoulder impingement usually won’t show up on an X-ray because this test doesn’t show soft tissues of the shoulder, but it can help locate other causes of your discomfort.
- MRI scan: An MRI can provide detailed images of the soft tissues of the shoulder, helping to identify rotator cuff damage or bursitis.
- Ultrasound: An ultrasound can detect similar issues as an MRI and may be necessary if you can’t have an MRI.
Shoulder impingement treatment
There are several treatment options for shoulder impingement, but the most common include rest and avoiding the activities or arm positions causing your pain. Other treatments can include over-the-counter pain relievers and applying ice or heat to the area to reduce discomfort and swelling, and physical therapy to strengthen your shoulder and improve its range of motion. You may need surgery if conservative treatments aren’t effective.
Lifestyle changes and home remedies
To help with shoulder impingement, it's important to rest your shoulder and avoid activities that may have caused the discomfort, like swimming. Your healthcare provider will let you know how long to take a break.
Applying ice to your shoulder can help reduce pain and swelling. Wrap the ice pack in a towel to protect your skin and follow your provider's advice on how often and for how long to use it.
You may also need to adjust how you move or perform certain tasks. If you're an athlete, changing your posture or technique during training or competition can help prevent further strain on your shoulder.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles in your rotator cuff and surrounding your shoulder blade. It can also address muscle imbalances that may contribute to overuse injuries. A physical therapist will work with you in one-on-one sessions and may give you exercises to perform at home.
Medication
Medications used to treat shoulder impingement typically focus on reducing inflammation and swelling.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium all work to reduce inflammation in muscles and joints and help relieve discomfort.
- Corticosteroid injections: These medications are injected directly into the shoulder joint to reduce swelling and pain. You typically receive these injections at your doctor’s office.
Surgery
Most shoulder impingement cases can be treated without surgery, but sometimes surgery is needed if pain continues or movement doesn't improve with other treatments. Surgical options focus on creating more space in the shoulder to relieve pressure and improve function.
These procedures are usually done using arthroscopic surgery, which involves small incisions and specialized tools. This minimally invasive approach often leads to quicker recovery and less discomfort than traditional open surgery. Your doctor will help you decide the best option based on your symptoms and overall health. Surgical options may include:
- Subacromial decompression and acromioplasty: This procedure removes bone tissue from the top of the shoulder blade (acromion) to create more room for tendons and soft tissues. It's often recommended for people with curved or hooked acromions or bone spurs causing irritation.
- Bursectomy: This procedure involves removing an inflamed bursa (a fluid-filled sac that helps with movement) and any scar tissue.
- Rotator cuff repair: If a torn rotator cuff is part of the problem, surgery can reattach the torn tendons to the bone in your upper arm (humerus).
Locations
We offer several locations for your care, including specialty orthopedic centers in North and Central Texas.
Baylor Scott & White - The Brenham Clinic
600 N Park St , Brenham, TX, 77833- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center - Fort Worth
1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Austin Downtown
200 E Cesar Chavez St Ste G140, Austin, TX, 78701- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Austin Oak Hill
5251 US 290 , Austin, TX, 78735- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Buda Medical Center
5330 Overpass Rd Ste 100, Buda, TX, 78610- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - College Station Rock Prairie
800 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Pflugerville Medical Center
2600 E Pflugerville Pkwy Ste 200, Pflugerville, TX, 78660- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Monday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Round Rock 300 University
300A University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Family Medical Center - Riverside
2740 TX-360 Ste 100, Grand Prairie, TX, 75050- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Specialties at Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Round Rock 425 University
425 University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Austin
5245 W US Hwy 290 Service Rd , Austin, TX, 78735
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Brenham
700 Medical Pkwy , Brenham, TX, 77833
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Buda
5330 Overpass Rd , Buda, TX, 78610
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial
12505 Lebanon Rd , Frisco, TX, 75035
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - College Station
700 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco
5601 Warren Pkwy , Frisco, TX, 75034
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Grapevine
1650 W College St , Grapevine, TX, 76051
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Hillcrest
100 Hillcrest Medical Blvd , Waco, TX, 76712
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Irving
1901 N MacArthur Blvd , Irving, TX, 75061
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe
6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lakeway
100 Medical Pkwy , Lakeway, TX, 78738
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Marble Falls
810 W State Hwy 71 , Marble Falls, TX, 78654
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney
5252 W University Dr Highway 380 at Lake Forest Drive, McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Pflugerville
2600 E Pflugerville Pkwy Ste 100, Pflugerville, TX, 78660
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano
4700 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Round Rock
300 University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Sunnyvale
231 S Collins Rd , Sunnyvale, TX, 75182
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple
2401 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Waxahachie
2400 N Interstate 35E , Waxahachie, TX, 75165
Baylor Scott & White Orthopaedic Trauma Associates - Dallas
3409 Worth St Ste 300, Dallas, TX, 75246- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopaedic Trauma Associates - Grapevine
1631 Lancaster Dr Ste 230, Grapevine, TX, 76051- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopaedic Trauma Associates - McKinney
5220 W University Dr POB II, Ste 220, McKinney, TX, 75071- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas
3900 Junius St Ste 500, Dallas, TX, 75246- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Centennial
4401 Coit Rd Ste 203, Frisco, TX, 75035- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Flower Mound
1110 Parker Sq , Flower Mound, TX, 75028- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Grapevine
1631 Lancaster Dr Ste 230, Grapevine, TX, 76051
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - McKinney
5220 W University Dr POB II, Ste 300, McKinney, TX, 75071- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - North Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 325, Garland, TX, 75044
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Park Cities
9101 N Central Expy Ste 300, Park Cities, TX, 75231
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd POB II, Ste 600, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Sunnyvale
341 Wheatfield Dr Ste 290, Sunnyvale, TX, 75182
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas at The Star
3800 Gaylord Pkwy Ste 810, Frisco, TX, 75034- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Outpatient Rehabilitation - Hewitt
511 N Hewitt Dr Ste 10, Hewitt, TX, 76643- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Roney Bone and Joint Institute - Temple
2401 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Southwest Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics
140 Hillcrest Medical Blvd 2nd Floor, Waco, TX, 76712- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Killeen Hemingway
2405 S Clear Creek Rd , Killeen, TX, 76549- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Marble Falls
800 W State Hwy 71 , Marble Falls, TX, 78654- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Sports and Orthopedic Center
140 Hillcrest Medical Blvd , Waco, TX, 76712- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation - South College Station
1280 Arrington Rd Ste 200, College Station, TX, 77845- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Sports Medicine and Concussion Center - Park Cities
9101 N Central Expy Ste 450, Dallas, TX, 75231- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Hours of Operation
Hours of Operation
Office Hours
Frequently asked questions
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What does an impinged shoulder feel like?
Shoulder impingement pain can feel like it’s coming from the front of your shoulder and radiating down your arm. Your shoulder might even feel tender to the touch.
You might notice that your pain is worse when you extend your arm above your head to grab an item off a shelf or reach behind your back to grab your wallet out of your back pocket.
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Does shoulder impingement go away?
Shoulder impingement usually does not go away without some form of treatment. Fortunately, the condition is very treatable with rest, physical therapy and medications, but it can take a few months for your shoulder to heal completely.
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How long does shoulder impingement last?
Shoulder impingement often starts improving within a few weeks with rest and physical therapy. Full recovery can take three to six months, though more severe cases may take up to a year to fully heal.
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Can shoulder impingement cause neck pain?
Yes, shoulder impingement can lead to neck pain. The muscles and nerves in your shoulder and neck are connected, so pain from the shoulder can spread to your neck. Poor posture and limited shoulder movement can also strain your neck muscles, causing discomfort. Treating the shoulder impingement can help ease neck pain.
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Is frozen shoulder the same as shoulder impingement?
Frozen shoulder and shoulder impingement are different conditions. Frozen shoulder primarily causes stiffness, making it hard to move your arm and leading to pain. Shoulder impingement happens when the rotator cuff gets irritated, causing pain, especially when lifting your arm. Both can cause discomfort, but they have different causes and treatments.