Top 5 Effective Exercises and Stretches for Shoulder Impingement

Impingement of the shoulder, commonly referred to as shoulder tendinitis or rotator cuff tendinitis, is a painful condition caused by pinched rotator cuff tendons being pinched together repeatedly and leading to shoulder impingement syndrome. Impingement may also arise as a result of shoulder injury.

Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation (R.I.C.E) therapy and medication may provide initial relief of shoulder impingement symptoms; however, medical assistance may also be necessary depending on its cause and severity. Shoulder impingement treatment by your physician could also help decrease risk factors like torn rotator cuff rupture and eliminate surgical options altogether.

Additionally, corrective exercises and stretches performed at home or physical therapy for shoulder impingement can speed healing while restoring function more quickly.

What Is Shoulder Impingement? A better understanding of impingement comes from understanding its structure and function; your shoulder is composed of strong ball-and-socket joints that allow you to bear weight as well as perform range of motion. When impingement occurs, its mechanism becomes evident.

Impingement syndrome of the shoulder occurs when the rotator cuff becomes compressed under an acromion – a prominent bony protrusion at the tip of your shoulder joint.

Other bones composing the shoulder include the long bone of the upper arm (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula), and clavicle. Muscles, tendons, ligaments and bursa also comprise this joint; specifically the rotator cuff tendon located under an acromion serves as one form of bursa (a fluid-filled sac between two bones).

Underneath an acromion may be compressed the biceps tendon, ligaments or bursa (found between the rotator cuff tendon and the acromion).