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 . 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" sensat...