Shoulder Impingement

What is shoulder impingement?

Why do I have pain In the front of my shoulder when I do pushups?

Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons and nearby tissues become compressed in the space beneath the acromion, the bony roof of the shoulder.

Normally, the tendons have enough room to glide as you raise your arm. With impingement, that space can become narrowed or the tissues can become irritated, causing pain during movement.

Common symptoms:

• Pain at the top or front of the shoulder

• Pain when raising the arm overhead

• Pain with reaching behind your back

• Shoulder weakness

• Pain at night, particularly when lying on the affected shoulder

• Sometimes clicking or a catching sensation

What can contribute to it?

Common contributing factors include:

• Repetitive overhead activity or sports

• Rotator-cuff or shoulder-blade muscle weakness

• Reduced shoulder mobility

• Postural or movement-pattern issues

• Age-related changes in the shoulder

Important: “Shoulder impingement” is a clinical description rather than a single definitive diagnosis. Similar symptoms can occur with rotator-cuff tendinopathy, bursitis, frozen shoulder, arthritis, or a rotator-cuff tear.

Typical treatment

Most cases are initially managed without surgery, commonly with activity modification and physical therapy focused on restoring mobility and strengthening the rotator cuff and shoulder-blade muscles. Ice or appropriate pain-relief medication may also help. Massage therapy will help with tight muscles, and to improve mobility. Persistent symptoms may warrant evaluation by a clinician.