From the name, you would think that shoulder impingement syndrome definitely can’t be good. However, with a name like this, it’s hard to tell exactly what this condition is! 

Shoulder impingement means that you are suffering from some sort of inflammation or degeneration in your shoulder.  This could include several different parts of your shoulder or just one, including:

· The rotator cuff muscles
· The subacromial bursa (also known as the liquid sac that surrounds your shoulder joint)
· The soft tissues of your shoulder joint

Inflammation and degeneration results mainly from a certain part of the shoulder simply being overused or used repetitively until irritation occurs.  These parts of your shoulder can even become pinched in your shoulder blade, causing inflammation and thus shoulder impingement.

The main area of the shoulder that suffers from shoulder impingement problems, in most cases, is the long head of the bicep tendon as well as the tendon of the supraspinatus.  The supraspinatus is a small muscle that is part of your rotator cuff muscles.

In addition to the shoulder area simply being used too much, you may develop shoulder impingement due to a direct injury or trauma to the area.  You may also develop a bone spur on the actual joint that causes inflammation or you might tear the rotator cuff muscles.

Shoulder instability is another cause for shoulder impingement condition.  However, the main cause tends to be the repetitive use of the shoulder’s tendons, especially if you work in an industry where you have to work with your arms extended above your head for a prolonged period of time.

Most people first realize they are suffering from shoulder impingement syndrome when they experience pain when performing an activity that involves working overhead or reaching overhead.  They may also hear a popping or clicking noise as well as feel muscle weakness and joint stiffness, particularly at night. You know the pain is real; the next step is to do something about it.