Shoulder Impingement

Treating Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

For patients with jobs or activities involving frequent overhead reaches, shoulder impingement syndrome is a frequent complaint. Whether the impingement leads to rotator cuff tears, bursitis or other complications, shoulder impingement should not be ignored.

While arthroscopic surgery is sometimes indicated for severe cases, physical therapy is one treatment with proven results. Specifically, manual therapy can often be the most effective form of conservative treatment for shoulder impingement syndrome — especially when it is added to other physical therapy techniques.

Here at ProAction Physical Therapy, our therapists use unique techniques and equipment to help you recover from shoulder pain. Request an appointment at our Lansdale, PA clinic today!

Proven Results

A 2000 study in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy followed patients receiving two kinds of treatment for shoulder impingement syndrome. In the first, the patients were given supervised flexibility and strength training sessions over a six-week period. For the second group of patients, manual physical therapy was added to the strength and flexibility training.

When evaluated on the basis of improved function and decreased pain, the group with an added manual therapy component had significantly more improvement, compared to those with only stretching and strength training.

In addition, the manual therapy group saw significant improvement in strength after the six-week treatment, while those without the manual therapy component showed no significant improvement at all.

A more recent, 2008 study published in the Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy confirmed these results, with patients finding that manual therapy added to other treatment significantly boosted improvement.

What Patients Can Expect

Because flexibility and strength training can be done in the same physical therapy session as manual therapy moves, patients won’t experience any inconvenience by “adding” manual therapy to their treatment plan. Instead, they will be aided with specific manual therapy treatment, such as soft tissue massage and gentle maneuvering of the shoulder joint.

One typical movement for patients with shoulder impingement syndrome is the glenohumeral joint mobilization-with-movement technique. Therapists specially trained in these manual techniques are able to perform this seemingly simple maneuver, which utilizes several simultaneous movements, including a gliding motion combined with both an assisted flex and an overpressure motion.

Ready to get started?

Please don’t hesitate to contact our office in Lansdale, PA for more information about our shoulder impingement treatment program. We look forward to helping you feel the best in your sport or beyond!