19/01/2013
Know about your shoulder Pain due to Impingement Syndrome...
What is impingement syndrome?
Impingement Syndrome occurs when there is an inflammation in the subacromial space in the shoulder as result of inflamed tendons of the rotator cuff muscle. One of these tendons passes through a space that if narrowed can cause squashing of the tendon. This causes a loss in the normal sliding motion between soft tissues of the tunnel between the
arch and top of the humerus in the shoulder joint. This sometimes follows a frozen shoulder as certain muscles weaken due to underuse.
Who suffers from it?
The most common cause of this syndrome is a combination of overuse and faulty mechanics of the shoulder, often caused by a postural or muscle imbalance. Research suggests there are two main groups who suffer from Impingement Syndrome. One group found is young athletic patients who participate in sports that involve repetitive motions such as throwing (tennis, bowling, baseball, cricket etc) where the onset of impingement usually shows up before 25 years of age and the second group consists of older patients where the symptoms appear spontaneously, in sporting activities or due to occupational injury.
What are the symptoms?
Traditionally, the impingement is characterized by a sharp pain associated with abduction, (raising the arm sideways from the body) of 70-120 degrees, external rotation of 20-30 degrees and an internal rotation greater than 30 degrees. A full range of motion is usually still present albeit painful. An MRI scan may show changes in the supraspinatus tendon and it is common to see evidence of swelling and fluid.
Picture of the painful arc here
How can it be treated?
This depends on the severity of the disorder, how often it occurs and what other abnormalities have been associated with it. Chiropractors are well trained in the treatment and management of shoulder complications and after spinal care this is generally seen as the leading type of treatment by Chiropractors. Treatment for the complication will usually involve ultrasound, spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapy and a variety of home exercises prescribed to the patient. Chiropractic care early on can deter the risk of surgery in the long-term and can lead to a full recover using a natural approach to healing the injury.
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