Shoulder impingement syndrome involves one or a combination of problems, including inflammation of the lubricating sac (bursa) located just over the rotator cuff, a condition called bursitis; inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons, called tendinitis; and calcium deposits in tendons caused by wear and tear or injury. A torn rotator cuff is a potential outcome of shoulder impingement.

What is it?

• Bursitis: Frequent extension of the arm at high speed under high load (i.e., pitching a baseball) can cause bursitis. Nonsports activities such as painting, hanging wallpaper or drapes or washing windows also can cause it. Medical research shows that the older you get, the more likely you are to develop bursitis.

• Tendinitis: Tendinitis develops over time and is likely to occur when a person whose muscles are not in good condition starts an overly aggressive training program. In younger athletes, the causes of tendinitis are similar to those of bursitis.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Patients frequently try to ignore the first signs of shoulder problems. There is usually no single episode of the shoulder giving way and, at first, a person may notice only minor pain and a slight loss of strength. Loss of range of motion, especially the ability to lift the arm overhead, may be ignored for awhile.

• Bursitis: Symptoms of shoulder bursitis include mild to severe pain and limited movement.

• Tendinitis: Inability to hold the arm in certain positions indicates tendinitis is present. Recurrent episodes of tendinitis may indicate a rotator cuff tear.

What is initial treatment?

• Bursitis: Once bursitis is diagnosed, rest is the recommended treatment. If necessary, icepacks can also be prescribed, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid injections and ultrasound therapy. Some patients require temporary use of a sling. After inflammation subsides, the patient should do shoulder strengthening exercises.

• Tendinitis: Acute tendinitis usually passes if the activity which caused it is avoided long enough to give the shoulder sufficient rest. Later, a patient can gradually resume the activity incorporating gentle heat and prescribed stretching beforehand and icepacks afterward. More severe cases may require anti-inflammatory drugs or a cortisone injection.

If initial treatment doesn’t work, what’s next?

• Bursitis: Severe bursitis can require surgery.

• Tendinitis: A physician may perform additional diagnostic tests to rule out other conditions before surgery is advised.

How can further injury be prevented?

Overuse injuries require attention. However in many cases, people do not seek medical care for their shoulder inflammation and think they can "work through the pain."

Don’t play tennis or golf in an attempt to "loosen up" tightness. When a shoulder injury is ignored, it can become the source of chronic problems.

If your shoulder is sore after you use it actively, especially at the limits of your reach, give it some rest. If pain persists or worsens, consult your orthopaedist.

April 2000

For More Information:
Shoulder Pain
Rotator Cuff Tear