A painful condition of the shoulder. Impingement syndrome is caused by repeated overhead movement of the arm, abnormal anatomy of the shoulder, or a combination of the two. Symptoms of impingement syndrome may include pain, stiffness, and a pinched feeling when the arm is raised. If bursitis (inflammation of the bursa in the shoulder) is involved, there may be pain at rest or during sleep.
The compromise of soft tissues in the subacromial space, causing pain with overhead motions or rotational motions with an abducted arm (e.g., throwing). This syndrome is seen in repetitive overhead activities. It is treated with rotator cuff strengthening exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, and subacromial steroid injection. If conservative management fails, subacromial decompression (acromioplasty) is used.