You may have shoulder impingement if you experience pain when lifting your arm overhead, reaching behind your back, or lying on the affected side. The pain is often sharp during movement and may ache at night. Weakness and a painful arc (pain between 60–120 degrees of lifting the arm) are common signs. A clinical assessment confirms the diagnosis.
Shoulder pain is common, but not all shoulder pain is the same. One of the most frequent causes is shoulder impingement, also known as subacromial impingement. This condition occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become irritated or compressed as they pass through the narrow space at the top of the shoulder.
At Alton Pain Clinic, we provide ultrasound-guided cortisone injections for shoulder impingement to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
What is Shoulder Impingement?
Shoulder impingement happens when the rotator cuff tendons or bursa are compressed between the arm bone and the top of the shoulder blade during movement. Over time, this leads to inflammation, pain, and restricted function.
Common causes include:
- Repetitive overhead activity
- Poor posture
- Age-related tendon wear
- Previous shoulder injury
Signs Your Shoulder May Be Impinged
1. Pain When Lifting Your Arm
Pain typically worsens when raising the arm overhead, reaching into a cupboard, or putting on a coat.
2. Painful Arc of Movement
You may feel pain between shoulder height and just above it (approximately 60–120 degrees).
3. Night Pain
Shoulder impingement often causes discomfort when lying on the affected side, disturbing sleep.
4. Weakness
The arm may feel weak when lifting or carrying objects.
5. Pain at the Front or Side of the Shoulder
The discomfort is usually localised to the outer shoulder and may radiate slightly down the upper arm.
How Is Shoulder Impingement Diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves:
- Clinical examination
- Specific movement tests
- Ultrasound imaging if needed
At Alton Pain Clinic, ultrasound assessment helps confirm inflammation and guides precise treatment.
Treatment for Shoulder Impingement
Treatment aims to reduce inflammation and restore comfortable movement.
Ultrasound-Guided Cortisone Injection
A cortisone injection delivered under ultrasound guidance targets the inflamed area precisely. Benefits include:
- Rapid pain relief
- Reduced inflammation
- Improved movement
- Minimal downtime
Early treatment can prevent progression to more severe rotator cuff problems.
When Should You Seek Treatment?
You should seek assessment if:
- Pain persists for more than two weeks
- Sleep is regularly disturbed
- You struggle with daily activities
- Pain worsens despite rest
Prompt treatment improves outcomes and speeds recovery.
Key Takeaway
You may have shoulder impingement if you experience:
- Pain lifting your arm
- A painful arc of movement
- Night discomfort
- Weakness
If symptoms persist, a clinical assessment is recommended. At Alton Pain Clinic, we offer targeted ultrasound-guided cortisone injections to reduce inflammation and restore shoulder comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does shoulder impingement feel like?
It feels like sharp pain when lifting the arm, often with aching at night and weakness in the shoulder.
Can shoulder impingement heal on its own?
Mild cases may settle with rest, but persistent symptoms often require medical treatment to reduce inflammation.
How effective are cortisone injections for shoulder impingement?
Ultrasound-guided cortisone injections are highly effective in reducing inflammation and providing pain relief.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery varies, but many patients notice improvement within days to weeks after injection.