Shoulder impingement typically feels like a sharp pain when lifting your arm overhead, reaching behind your back, or lying on the affected side. Many people experience a painful arc of movement between 60–120 degrees, night shoulder pain, and weakness in the arm. The pain is usually felt at the front or outer side of the shoulder.
Shoulder impingement, also known as subacromial impingement syndrome, is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain when lifting the arm. It occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become compressed in the subacromial space, leading to inflammation and discomfort.
If you are unsure whether your symptoms match shoulder impingement, understanding how it typically feels can help.
At Alton Pain Clinic, we provide ultrasound-guided cortisone injections for shoulder impingement to reduce inflammation and relieve persistent pain.
Common Sensations of Shoulder Impingement
1. Sharp Pain When Lifting the Arm
Pain is often triggered when raising your arm above shoulder height, such as reaching into a cupboard or putting on a coat.
2. A Painful Arc of Movement
Many patients feel pain between roughly 60 and 120 degrees when lifting the arm. This is known as the painful arc, a classic sign of subacromial impingement.
3. Night Shoulder Pain
Shoulder impingement frequently causes discomfort when lying on the affected side. Night pain is a key symptom and may disturb sleep.
4. Ache at the Front or Side of the Shoulder
The pain is usually localised to the outer shoulder and may radiate slightly down the upper arm, but not typically past the elbow.
5. Weakness or Reduced Strength
You may notice difficulty lifting objects or reduced power in the arm due to rotator cuff inflammation.
How the Pain May Progress
In early stages, shoulder impingement may feel like a mild ache after activity. Over time, if inflammation worsens, pain may:
- Become sharper
- Occur more frequently
- Interfere with daily activities
- Persist even at rest
Persistent symptoms may indicate ongoing rotator cuff irritation that requires treatment.
When to Seek Treatment
You should consider assessment if:
- Pain lasts more than 2–3 weeks
- Sleep is regularly disturbed
- Lifting the arm remains painful
- Weakness develops
At Alton Pain Clinic, we offer ultrasound-guided cortisone injections in Alton to reduce inflammation in the subacromial space and restore comfortable movement.
Key Takeaway
Shoulder impingement typically feels like:
- Sharp pain when lifting the arm
- A painful arc of movement
- Night discomfort
- Weakness in the shoulder
- Pain at the front or outer shoulder
If symptoms persist, targeted treatment such as a cortisone injection for shoulder impingement in Alton can significantly reduce inflammation and restore function.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I exercise with shoulder impingement?
You should avoid painful overhead exercises. Continuing aggravating movements may worsen inflammation.
Why does shoulder impingement hurt more at night?
Lying on the affected side compresses inflamed tissues, increasing pain.
How long does shoulder impingement take to heal?
Mild cases may improve within weeks, but persistent inflammation may require treatment.
Are cortisone injections effective for shoulder impingement?
Yes. Ultrasound-guided cortisone injections effectively reduce inflammation and relieve pain.