Impingement Syndrome

[Dave Louis]

In the last couple of days there has been some posts by Crosstrainer users with shoulder injuries. Therefore I will put some information up for you all.....

Impingement Syndrome is defined as 'pinching' of the [i:8c96a3d5]supraspinatus[/i:8c96a3d5], the long head of the biceps tendon.

Impingement is treated with conservative treatment or in some cases surgery.

Factors that require surgery include anatomic or bone abnormalities,

Factors that may be altered include muscle imbalances, poor posture, scapular control, poor exercise technique and overuse of shoulders (e.g baseball pitchers, swimmers). Thankfully many cases can be altered and do not need surgery.

After reducing inflamation physical therapists will focus on education and exercises to improve range of motion, muscular imbalances and scapular control and posture. Once physical therapy has ended Personal Trainers have the job of continuing rehabilitation and getting the client pain free and back to normal strength and stability in the shoulder joint.

People who have had Impingement Syndrome should concentrate on continued rotator cuff and scapular exercises. Multiple types of rowing exercise targeting the rhomboids and middle and lower trapezius are recommended. Shoulder press, all forms of bench press should be used cautiously; Decline bench press is the least stressful fir this area and could be used as reintroduction to the bench press. The upright row should also be used with caution as if done incorrectly could aggrevate.

Cardio and various sports can also pose a problem so do not attempt until you have been cleared by a specialist and are symptom free. Basically anything overhead, racket sports can increase the likelihood of impingement.

[bradyg]

Thanks for the information Dave, I have between 20-30% of my left shoulder strength when my arm is over my head (no power serves in tennis for me) but at least I can throw a paper airplane again :) Can't get a doctor to operate on it because its been a few years since I smashed the shoulder. Any info on strengthening the shoulder is greatly appreciated.

Greg