Shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) is a common condition that affects many people, particularly athletes and those who use their arms for repetitive motions, such as painters, carpenters, and office workers. The condition occurs when the rotator cuff tendons in the shoulder become compressed or pinched between the bones of the shoulder joint. This can cause pain, weakness, and restricted movement in the shoulder.
Physical therapy is an effective treatment for shoulder impingement syndrome. A physical therapist can work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific symptoms and needs. Here are some of the ways that physical therapy can be beneficial for shoulder impingement syndrome:
- Pain Relief: Physical therapy can help reduce the pain associated with shoulder impingement syndrome. Your physical therapist may use various techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, and stretching to alleviate pain and improve joint mobility.
- Strengthening Exercises: Weakness in the rotator cuff muscles is a common contributing factor to shoulder impingement syndrome. A physical therapist can design a strengthening program to target these muscles and improve their function. These exercises may include resistance band exercises, shoulder presses, and scapular strengthening exercises.
- Posture Correction: Poor posture can contribute to shoulder impingement syndrome. A physical therapist can evaluate your posture and provide exercises to improve it. This can help reduce stress on the shoulder joint and prevent future injuries.
- Range of Motion Exercises: Shoulder impingement syndrome can cause limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. A physical therapist can use exercises such as pendulum swings and wall walks to improve your shoulder’s range of motion.
- Patient Education: A physical therapist can educate you about your condition and teach you how to perform exercises at home to manage your symptoms. This can help you take an active role in your treatment and prevent future injuries.
Overall, physical therapy is an effective and non-invasive treatment option for shoulder impingement syndrome. It can help reduce pain, improve strength and flexibility, and prevent future injuries.
A recent study examined the effect of implementation of manual therapy in patients experiencing shoulder impingement syndrome. The study found decreased pain and increased function in patients who received manual therapy compared to those who did not (Bang, 2000).
If you are experiencing shoulder impingement syndrome, or any pain in your shoulder, contact the Respire PT Team today by phone at 703-671-1871 or click here to request an appointment with a Physical Therapist. Let us help you get back to your favorite activities without pain!
References
- Bang, Michael. Comparison of supervised exercise with and without manual physical … (2000). Retrieved March 30, 2023, from https://www.jospt.org/doi/abs/10.2519/jospt.2000.30.3.126
Tags: pain free living, Respire Physical Therapy, health blog, Shoulder Pain, pt education, physical therapist, shoulder impingement syndrome, choosept, arlingtonva, alexandriava, fallschurchva, ptworks, Physical Therapy
