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Shoulder impingement

What is shoulder impingement?

Shoulder impingement syndrome is a common condition that is most frequently found in active adults, particularly as they get older. It is closely related to bursitis of the shoulder, which can occur at the same time.

What causes shoulder impingement?

The shoulder is made up of muscles and tendons surrounded by bone, unlike most of the rest of the body which has bones surrounded by muscles and tendons. The rotator cuff – a group of muscles that is used to lift your arm above your head – sits at the top of your upper arm, joining it to your shoulder blade. When the muscles are inflamed from overuse or become dysfunctional, they can no longer keep the ball centred in the socket and the deltoid muscles overpowers them. This causes the rotator cuff muscles to be pinched between the humerus and the acromion process of the shoulder blade as you lift your arm.

Shoulder impingement

Shoulder and elbow consultants

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