What Is Shoulder Impingement?
Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons and bursa become compressed under the acromion (the top part of the shoulder blade). This leads to pain, inflammation, and difficulty with overhead movements.
It’s one of the most common reasons patients search for a shoulder surgeon in Perth, particularly when symptoms begin to interfere with sleep, sport, or work.
What Causes Shoulder Impingement?
Shoulder impingement is usually multifactorial. Common causes include:
- Repetitive overhead activity (gym, swimming, tennis, manual work)
- Poor posture (rounded shoulders, desk-based work)
- Muscle imbalance or weakness (especially rotator cuff and scapular stabilisers)
- Bone spurs or acromial shape variations
- Age-related tendon degeneration
Over time, untreated impingement can progress to rotator cuff tears, which may require shoulder surgery in Perth.
Common Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement
Typical features include:
- Pain when lifting the arm (especially between 60–120° — the “painful arc”)
- Pain reaching overhead or behind your back
- Discomfort lying on the affected shoulder
- Night pain affecting sleep
- Weakness or reduced range of motion
If these symptoms persist, early assessment by a shoulder surgeon in Perth can help prevent progression.
Best Exercises for Shoulder Impingement
Targeted exercises are often the first line of treatment and can be highly effective when done correctly.
1. Scapular Retraction (Postural Control)
- Pull your shoulder blades back and down
- Hold for 5–10 seconds
- Repeat 10–15 times
👉 Helps improve posture and reduce impingement space narrowing
2. External Rotation with Resistance Band
- Keep elbow tucked by your side
- Rotate forearm outward against resistance
- Perform 3 sets of 10–15 reps
👉 Strengthens the rotator cuff
3. Pendulum Exercises
- Lean forward and let the arm hang
- Gently swing in small circles
👉 Reduces stiffness and pain
4. Wall Slides
- Slide arms up a wall while maintaining good posture
- Avoid shrugging
👉 Improves shoulder mechanics and mobility
⚠️ Important:
Exercises should not significantly increase pain. Poor technique or the wrong program can worsen symptoms, so guided physiotherapy is often recommended.
When Is Shoulder Surgery Needed?
Most cases of shoulder impingement improve with non-surgical treatment. However, surgery may be considered if:
- Symptoms persist beyond 3–6 months
- Pain is severe or worsening
- There is significant functional limitation
- Imaging shows rotator cuff tearing or structural compression
- Non-surgical treatments have failed
What Does Shoulder Impingement Surgery Involve?
If required, surgery is usually performed arthroscopically (keyhole).
Common Procedures:
- Subacromial decompression
- Bursectomy (removal of inflamed tissue)
- Rotator cuff repair (if a tear is present)
These procedures aim to create more space, reduce pain, and restore function.
A specialist shoulder surgeon in Perth can determine whether surgery is appropriate based on your symptoms, examination, and imaging.
Recovery After Shoulder Surgery
Recovery depends on the procedure but generally includes:
- Sling for comfort (short-term)
- Physiotherapy rehabilitation
- Gradual return to activity over weeks to months
Most patients experience significant pain relief and improved function, particularly when surgery is appropriately indicated.
Can Shoulder Impingement Be Prevented?
In many cases, yes.
Simple strategies include:
- Maintaining good posture
- Strengthening the rotator cuff and scapular muscles
- Avoiding repetitive overhead strain
- Early treatment of shoulder pain
Final Thoughts
Shoulder impingement is common—but very treatable.
The key is early diagnosis and the right management approach.
If your symptoms are ongoing, worsening, or affecting your sleep or function, seeing a shoulder surgeon in Perth can help you get back to normal activity quickly and safely.
Book a Consultation in Perth
If shoulder pain is affecting your sleep or quality of life, you can arrange a consultation.
📞 +61 8 9489 8733
✉️ blakeney@wcortho.com.au
Patients across Perth seeking expert care for shoulder pains are welcome to attend for assessment.
