What Causes Shoulder Impingement?
- Repetitive overhead activities (e.g., badminton, tennis, swimming)
- Occupations requiring lifting or reaching overhead
- Shoulder bone spurs or structural abnormalities
- Weak or imbalanced shoulder muscles
- Associated conditions such as rotator cuff tears or bursitis
Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement
- Pain when lifting the arm overhead or behind the back
- Shoulder pain at night, especially when lying on the affected side
- Weakness or fatigue in the shoulder
- Decreased range of motion
- Clicking or catching sensation during movement
Diagnosis of Shoulder Impingement
Our specialists use:
- Physical examination (painful arc test, Neer’s test, Hawkins test)
- Imaging such as X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound to check for bone spurs, tendon tears, or bursitis
Treatment Options for Shoulder Impingement
Non-Surgical Management
- Rest and activity modification
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physiotherapy to strengthen shoulder muscles and restore mobility
- Corticosteroid injections for pain relief
- PRP injections to reduce inflammation and promote healing
If non-surgical treatments fail, arthroscopic subacromial decompression may be recommended.
- Removes bone spurs and inflamed tissue
- Creates more space for the rotator cuff tendons
- Minimally invasive with faster recovery
Recovery After Shoulder Impingement Treatment
- Non-surgical patients may recover within 6–12 weeks with physiotherapy.
- Arthroscopic surgery patients can return to light activity within 2–6 weeks, with full recovery in 3–6 months.
Why Choose Orthopedic Specialist Malaysia?
- Experienced shoulder surgeons trained in arthroscopic techniques
- Evidence-based physiotherapy programs for lasting recovery
- Modern biologic therapies (PRP, stem cells) for enhanced healing
- Comprehensive diagnosis and personalized care