Shoulder Impingement Vs Tendonitis

 The shoulder is a complex ball-and-socket joint that relies on a delicate balance of muscles and tendons for mobility and stability. Two common conditions that cause discomfort in this area are shoulder impingement and shoulder tendonitis. While they share similar symptoms, such as pain during overhead movements, their underlying causes differ. Differentiating between the two is a core aspect of physiotherapy sports rehabilitation.

physiotherapy sports

What is Shoulder Impingement?

Shoulder impingement, often called subacromial impingement, occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff or the bursa (a fluid-filled sac) become compressed or "pinched" during arm elevation. This usually happens within the narrow space beneath the acromion, a bony process of the shoulder blade.

  • Mechanics: It is often a structural or mechanical issue where the space for the tendons is reduced.

  • Symptoms: Pain is typically felt when reaching overhead or behind the back. There may also be a "catching" sensation.

  • Common Causes: Poor posture, bone spurs, or muscle imbalances that cause the humeral head to sit too high in the socket.

Defining Shoulder Tendonitis

Tendonitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon. In the shoulder, this most frequently affects the rotator cuff tendons or the long head of the biceps tendon. Unlike impingement, which is a space issue, tendonitis is a condition of the tissue itself.

  • Mechanics: This involves microscopic tears or inflammatory changes within the tendon fibers due to repetitive use or sudden strain.

  • Symptoms: A dull ache is common, often worsening at night. The area may feel tender to the touch.

  • Common Causes: Overuse from repetitive activities like swimming, throwing, or weightlifting.

How Rehabilitation Helps

In physiotherapy sports programs, the goal is to identify the root cause of the irritation. For impingement, physiotherapy sports interventions focus on improving scapular (shoulder blade) stability and opening the subacromial space. For tendonitis, physiotherapy sports protocols emphasize controlled loading to strengthen the tendon and promote tissue repair.

  • Activity Modification: Learning how to perform movements without further aggravating the tissue.

  • Strengthening: Targeted physiotherapy sports exercises to balance the muscles surrounding the joint.

  • Stretching: Improving flexibility in the chest and posterior shoulder capsule.

Care for Shoulder Recovery

Managing a shoulder injury is more effective when the path to care is clear. At many clinics in Sherwood Park, individuals can find support through direct billing, with most insurance plans covered. To further simplify the process, many facilities offer same-day appointments and do not require a physician's referral. Additional conveniences, such as welcoming walk-in patients, providing free parking, and ensuring full wheelchair accessibility, help make attending physiotherapy sports sessions more manageable for those with busy schedules or mobility constraints.

Both conditions require a patient-centered approach to restore function. By addressing the mechanical or inflammatory factors through a structured plan, individuals can return to their daily activities and athletic pursuits with a more stable and comfortable shoulder joint.

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