Shoulder pain affects a lot of people and gets worse over time, making it hard to do basic tasks. Shoulder impingement syndrome is one of the most frequent causes of shoulder pain. The soft tissues in the shoulder joint are impacted by this condition. Chiropractic care is a useful and non-invasive way to manage this condition.
What is Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?
Shoulder impingement syndrome occurs when the subacromial bursa or rotator cuff tendons get compressed between the shoulder bones. Inflammation may arise from these tissues rubbing or impinging on the bone each time the arm is raised.
What are the Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?
People with this condition usually experience the following symptoms:
- A sharp pain along the top or outer side of the shoulder
- Pain that worsens over time with movements
- Weakness when lifting objects
- Pain when lying on the affected side
- Catching or clicking sensations within the joint
What are the Causes of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?
Shoulder impingement usually comes by poor posture, muscular imbalances, repetitive shoulder use, or structural problems with the joint. Tennis, baseball, swimming, and weightlifting athletes are particularly susceptible to this condition.
But it also affects people who work repetitive manual labor or spend a lot of time at desks. Shoulder impingement can evolve into severe conditions, such as rotator cuff tears or persistent pain and weakness, if left untreated.
What is Shoulder Impingement Syndrome Treatment?
If you struggle with shoulder impingement, you can reach out to a Chiropractor in HK at Agape Chiropractic Hong Kong. Chiropractors focus on musculoskeletal health and biomechanics – how the body functions and moves. When it comes to shoulder impingement, this approach benefits are multiple. Here are some ways to relieve shoulder impingement syndrome with chiropractic care:
- Improving Shoulder Joint Mechanics
The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in there body, relying on precise coordination among bones, muscles, and tendons. Chiropractors help in reducing friction and allowing tendons and soft tissues to move freely.
- Correcting Postural Imbalances
Many people develop forward head posture and rounded shoulders due to prolonged desk work or poor ergonomic habits. Poor posture narrows the space where the rotator cuff tendons sit, increasing the risk of impingement. Chiropractors work to correct these imbalances using mobilization and targeted exercises.
- Soft Tissue Therapy
Chiropractors incorporate soft tissue therapies, including physical agents like shockwave therapy to enhance tendon healing and reduce pain, but also trigger point therapy or myofascial release. These are some ways to relieve shoulder impingement syndrome and restore flexibility in the muscles surrounding the shoulder.
Using Active and Passive Movement to Diagnose Shoulder Pain
Assessing a shoulder’s active (movement you perform yourself) and passive (movement done for you) range of motion is a key way to distinguish between common pathologies.
- Painful & Limited Active Motion, but Full Passive Motion
This typically indicates arotator cuff tear or severe tendonitis. The muscles are too weak or painful to move the arm, but the joint itself is not stiff.
- Limited Both Active and Passive Motion
This is the classic sign of afrozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis). The joint capsule itself is stiff and inflamed, restricting all movement.
- Painful Arc During Active Motion
Pain when lifting your arm between 60 and 120 degrees,but otherwise good motion, often points to shoulder impingement or rotator cuff tendonitis.
How Long Does Shoulder Impingement Syndrome Take to Heal?
The healing time for shoulder impingement syndrome can vary based on the severity of the condition, how early it’s treated, and how consistently the recommended exercises are followed. Most people start noticing improvement within a few weeks, but full recovery might take some time.
Will Shoulder Impingement Syndrome Heal on Its Own?
Mild shoulder impingement may heal on its own with rest, but most cases benefit from treatment. Without proper care, pain can persist, and the condition can become chronic.
Conclusion
Shoulder impingement syndrome can interfere with long-term health if left untreated. Chiropractors at Agape Chiropractic Hong Kong offer a natural way to relieve pain. Through soft tissue therapy, postural correction, and rehabilitative exercises, chiropractic treatment supports healing.
We discuss many more cases in our blogs. Curious to know whether sciatica heals naturally? You can read our previous blog for more information.
