Shoulder Impingement

If lifting your arm overhead causes sharp pain in your shoulder, you may be dealing with shoulder impingement syndrome. At Iowa Ortho, our shoulder specialists diagnose and treat impingement to relieve pain, restore mobility, and help you return to work, sports, and daily life.

What is shoulder impingement?

Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff or the bursa (a fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint) become pinched between the bones of the shoulder. This narrowing space leads to irritation, inflammation, and pain, especially with overhead activity.

Over time, untreated impingement can progress into rotator cuff tendinitis, bursitis, or even a rotator cuff tear.

Causes & risk factors

Shoulder impingement often results from repetitive overhead use and may be caused by:

• Sports like swimming, baseball, tennis, or weightlifting
• Repetitive overhead work or manual labor
• Bone spurs in the shoulder joint
• Poor posture or muscle imbalance
• Previous shoulder injuries

Common symptoms

Symptoms of shoulder impingement may include:

• Sharp pain when lifting the arm overhead or behind the back
• Aching pain in the front or side of the shoulder
• Pain that worsens at night or when lying on the affected side
• Weakness or difficulty lifting and rotating the arm
• Stiffness and reduced range of motion

Diagnosis

At Iowa Ortho, diagnosis begins with a detailed history and physical exam. Your provider may check for pain with specific arm movements. Imaging, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI, may be recommended to rule out rotator cuff tears or arthritis.

Treatment options

Non-surgical treatment

Most patients improve with conservative treatment, including:

• Rest & activity modification – avoiding overhead or repetitive motions
• Anti-inflammatory medication to relieve pain and swelling
• Physical therapy to strengthen the rotator cuff and improve posture
• Corticosteroid injections for longer-lasting pain relief

Surgical treatment

If symptoms persist despite non-surgical treatment, surgery may be recommended. Common options include:

• Arthroscopic subacromial decompression – removing inflamed tissue and bone spurs to widen the space around the rotator cuff
• Rotator cuff repair if a tear is also present

Recovery & outlook

• Many patients recover within weeks to a few months with non-surgical care.
• After surgery, recovery involves rest followed by a structured physical therapy program.
• With proper treatment, most patients return to full activity without pain.

Why choose Iowa Ortho?

• Specialized shoulder care from fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons
• Access to advanced imaging, diagnostics, and therapy all in one place
• Personalized treatment plans tailored to your lifestyle and goals
• Trusted care for athletes, workers, and patients across Central Iowa

Take the next step

Don’t let shoulder pain slow you down. If you think you may have shoulder impingement, early treatment can prevent worsening damage and get you back to the activities you enjoy.

Call Iowa Ortho at 515-247-8400 or schedule an appointment online with a shoulder specialist.