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July 26th, 2022: Dr. Noah Aksu

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SHOULDER


Impingement


syndrome

 

Whether you sit in front of a desk for hours or out in the sun doing labour work all day, you are prone to shoulder pain. Shoulder issues affect the daily life activities of many! It may range from constant aching/ nagging pain, to sudden sharp stabbing sensation during specific movements. Read on the find out the causes and what YOU can do to avoid and/ or relieve your shoulder pain. 

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Shoulder impingement syndrome results from a vicious cycle of rubbing the rotator cuff muscles between your humerus and the top outer edge of your shoulder. The rubbing leads to more swelling and further narrowing of the space, which results in pain and irritation. The Rotator cuff muscles consist of four smaller muscles; supraspinatus, infrspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor. These four muscles work together to allow proper shoulder movement and function. Trauma such as falling onto an outstretched arm or as simple as lifting barbells at the gym, may cause one of these muscles to become pinched inflamed. 

What is SHOULDER impingement syndrome?

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Sciatica 
COMMON CAUSES

Primary impingement

  • Increased subacromial loading

  • Acromial morphology (A hooked acromion, presence of an os acromiale or osteophyte, and calcific deposits in the subacromial space make patients more predisposed to primary impingement.)

  • Acromioclavicular arthrosis (inferior osteophytes)

  • Coracoacromial ligament hypertrophy

  • Coracoid impingement

  • Subacromial bursal thickening and fibrosis

  • Prominent humeral greater tuberosity

  • Trauma (direct microtrauma or repetitive microtrauma)

  • Overhead activity (athletic and nonathletic

Secondary impingement

  • Rotator cuff overload/soft tissue imbalance

  • Eccentric muscle overload

  • Glenohumeral laxity/instability

  • Long head of the biceps tendon laxity/weakness

  • Glenoid labral lesions

  • Muscle imbalance

  • Scapular dyskinesia

  • Posterior capsular tightness

  • Trapezius paralysis

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The three stages of Shoulder impingement syndrome?

The three stages of shoulder impingement syndrome

  • Stage 1: commonly affecting patients younger than 25 years, is depicted by acute inflammation, edema, and hemorrhage in the rotator cuff. This stage usually is reversible with nonoperative treatment.

  • Stage 2: usually affects patients aged 25-40 years, resulting as a continuum of stage 1. The rotator cuff tendon progresses to fibrosis and tendonitis.

  • Stage 3: commonly affects patients older than 40 years. As this condition progresses, it may lead to mechanical disruption of the rotator cuff tendon and changes in the coracoacromial arch with osteophytosis along the anterior acromion.

How can Chiropractic care help?

The diagnosis of shoulder impingement syndrome will involve the doctor doing a physical examination, palpation, orthopaedic tests, muscle tests, range of motion assessment, functional tests, neurovascular exam, and diagnostic imaging such as an ultrasound.

Once the acute pain starts to recede and mobility and function return, our team will ensure the continuing care to prevent another such injury in the goal to improve your overall long term musculoskeletal health.

 

Your chiropractor will assist in:

  • Carefully and accurately diagnose your condition

  • Perform soft or deep tissue massage to alleviate muscular tension and pain

  • Implement spinal manipulative techniques to enforce joint movement and ease disc-related symptoms

  • Prescribe stretches and rehabilitative exercises

  • Recommend advice and lifestyle changes

 

Treatment options for shoulder impingement syndrome?

Conservative and physical therapy such as Chiropractic therapy is the first line of treatment for shoulder impingement syndrome. This will result in the reduction of pain and inflammation alongside restoring your range of motion. The Chiropractor will also provide the patient with the necessary rehab to aid in the process and provide a longer-lasting effect of relief. Other forms of treatment include subacromial injections, analgesic and anti-inflammatory medication, high-intensity laser, and lastly, surgical interventions.

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Sources

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    • Bigliani LU, Morrison DS, April EW. The morphology of the acromion and rotator cuff: importance. Orthopedic Trans. 1986. 10:228.

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    • Dogu B, Yucel SD, Sag SY, Bankaoglu M, Kuran B. Blind or Ultrasound-Guided Corticosteroid Injections and Short-Term Response in Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Prospective Study. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2012 May 2.

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    • Santamato A, Solfrizzi V, Panza F, et al. Short-term effects of high-intensity laser therapy versus ultrasound therapy in the treatment of people with subacromial impingement syndrome: a randomized clinical trial. Phys Ther. 2009 Jul. 89(7):643-52.

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    • Ketola S, Lehtinen J, Arnala I, et al. Does arthroscopic acromioplasty provide any additional value in the treatment of shoulder impingement syndrome?: a two-year randomised controlled trial. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2009 Oct. 91(10):1326-34.

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