Impingement syndrome is a shoulder condition that is commonly seen in both athletes and aging adults. If you are experiencing shoulder pain in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, or another nearby Florida community, the orthopaedic specialists at Tampa Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group can help you get to the bottom of it. We offer progressive, patient-focused care for athletes, weekend warriors, senior citizens, and everyone in between.
Impingement syndrome often arises due to the unique arrangement of the shoulder region. Unlike most other areas of the body, in which bones are surrounded by muscles, the muscles in the shoulder are surrounded by bone. The rotator cuff muscles are sandwiched between the bone at the top of the shoulder (acromion) and the arm bone (humeral head). This elegant design provides an extensive range of motion, but in some individuals the space is very narrow and the rotator cuff tendon and lubricating tissue (bursa) can become compressed when the arm is raised in a forward position.
When this type of movement occurs repeatedly – such as when a baseball player pitches a game – the tendons and bursa can become painfully inflamed and swollen. This condition is known as impingement syndrome, and is sometimes referred to as thrower’s shoulder. Symptoms include pain when the arms are extended above the head, difficulty reaching behind the back, and weak shoulder muscles.
After diagnosing your impingement syndrome and ruling out arthritis, bone spurs, and other conditions, the sports injury specialists at Tampa Orthopaedic can create a specialized regimen to provide relief. Treatment typically begins conservatively with:
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Physical therapy
- Temporary avoidance of activities requiring overhead movement
If your impingement syndrome symptoms persist, or if a rotator cuff tear is confirmed, surgery might be recommended. You can discuss your surgical options with our Board-certified surgeon, Dr. Daniel Murphy, who has extensive experience in performing various types of orthopaedic surgeries, including shoulder arthroscopy.
To learn more about impingement syndrome or to schedule a consultation with an orthopaedic specialist, contact Tampa Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group today. We see patients from South Tampa, New Tampa, Westchase, Brandon, Riverview, Oldsmar, and all other nearby FL communities.
