Shoulder Impingement

Do you suffer with shoulder pain when lifting your arm?  You may be suffering with shoulder impingement. 

Shoulder impingement is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain. It often affects people who lift weights, swim, play tennis, or spend long hours at a desk.

It may happen when the rotator cuff tendons or the bursa (a small fluid-filled cushion) gets “pinched” under the acromion (the bony roof of the shoulder blade). This usually causes pain when lifting the arm above shoulder height, especially over 90 degrees.

How does it Feel?

People with shoulder impingement often notice:

• Pain when reaching overhead (especially over 90°)

• Discomfort getting dressed, fastening a bra, or reaching behind the back

• Difficulty washing or brushing hair

• Pain lying on the affected shoulder at night

• Weakness or a “dead arm” feeling with lifting

Common Causes

• Acromion shape (bone structure):

  • Type 1 (flat): least likely to pinch tendons

  • Type 2 (curved): more narrowing of the space

  • Type 3 (hooked): highest risk of impingement

• Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, which normally cushions the joint.

• Rotator cuff tendonitis: Irritation or overuse of the stabilising shoulder tendons.

• Muscle imbalance: Tight chest/upper traps + weak rotator cuff and scapular muscles lead to poor shoulder blade control.

• Training load: Jumping too quickly in weight, reps, or overhead volume overstresses tendons.

How We Help Improve Pain & Movement

At our Maidstone Clinics we offer Chiropractic, Osteopathy and Massage Therapy. Our goal is simple: to get you moving and feeling better.

• Ease pain and stiffness: A hands-on treatment approach, including spinal mobilisation or manipulation to help reduce irritation and improve shoulder mobility. Improving movement through the thoracic spine (mid-back) in particular can free up shoulder range overhead. Massage can release tight chest, lats, and trap muscles, reduce discomfort, and improve blood flow. 

• Build strength and control: Guided rehab exercises gradually restore stability and reduce the risk of flare-ups.

• Support your lifestyle: Whether it’s training at the gym, playing sport, or just reaching overhead without pain, we help you get back to what matters most.

Every plan is tailored — because no two shoulders (or patients) are the same.

If things don’t improve, the next steps may include:

• Referral for imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI)

• Specialist assessment / second opinion

• In some cases, injection therapy or surgical opinion if conservative care fails.

Summary:

Shoulder impingement is common & treatable. Causes include bone shape, bursitis, rotator cuff tendonitis, and muscle imbalance. The good news: with the right care, hands-on treatment, thoracic mobility work, targeted rehab, and smart training and you can restore range of motion and get back to your normal activities.

If shoulder pain is stopping you, book an appointment in our Maidstone clinic where you will find Chiropractors, Osteopaths and Massage therapists to help you with your shoulder pain. 

Chiropractic & Osteopathy

Massage Therapy

by James Burgess, Chiropractor.