The shoulder joint is comprised of the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collar bone). The primary joint of the shoulder is a ball and socket joint known as the glenohumeral joint. The Acromio-clavicular Joint (ACJ) is a small joint formed between the summit of the shoulder blade (acromion) and the collar-bone (clavicle). Shoulder impingement is one common cause of generalized shoulder pain. This condition occurs when the bursa that lies between the supraspinatus tendon and the acromion or the hooked shaped part of the scapula an area known as the subacromial space becomes inflamed. This can result in pain in the side of the upper arm which becomes sharp with over head motions, reaching behind back, and pain with reaching out the side of the body. Weakness can be noted with rotation of the shoulder particularly with external rotation, a motion needed to reach up and scratch the back of your head. In some cases, an SAD (subacromial decompression) surgery may be needed to relieve the pain. It involves cutting the ligament and shaving away part of the acromion bone. This increases the space of the subacromial area and reduces the pressure on the muscle and bursa allowing them to heal.
After surgery, you will be sent to PT for ROM and strengthening exercises. Once you have become familiar with your exercises and treatments that are involved in your physical therapy sessions you will be assigned a special HEP or home exercise program. This HEP is probably the most vital part of any physical therapy episode. Your physical therapist will develop and provide written instructions on which exercises you should be performing at home between physical therapy treatments and will be very similar to the exercises performed in the clinic. Performance of home exercise programs greatly improves speed and effectiveness of all physical therapy interventions.
If you are experiencing any kind of shoulder pain or have been diagnosed with impingement syndrome, contact us for a free consultation. To request an appointment, click here, or call directly to one of our three locations during regular business hours:
Cool Springs: 615-224-9810
Shelbyville: 931-684-0027
Spring Hill: 931-489-2022
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is intended to be informational only, and is not intended to be used in lieu of medical care. Consult a doctor or a physical therapist before attempting treatment on your own.
