Shoulder Impingement Treatments in Chicago
Conservative Care for Shoulder Impingement in Andersonville
Shoulder impingement can feel like a sharp pinch, ache, or catching sensation when you lift your arm, reach overhead, put on a jacket, or reach behind your back.
The term “impingement” means that sensitive tissues in the shoulder, often the rotator cuff tendons or bursa are being irritated or compressed during movement. But the bigger question is usually why that compression is happening in the first place.
At Ravenswood Chiropractic in Andersonville, we look at shoulder impingement as a movement problem, not just a painful spot. We evaluate how the rotator cuff, shoulder blade, upper back, neck, and posture are working together so we can build a conservative care plan that makes sense for your shoulder.
What Is Shoulder Impingement?
Shoulder impingement is a painful pinching or irritation pattern that can affect the rotator cuff tendons and bursa when the arm moves, especially overhead. It is often related to how the shoulder blade, rotator cuff, upper back, and posture are working together during movement.
Shoulder Impingement Is Not Always a “Space Problem”
Shoulder impingement is often described as a narrowing of the space under the acromion, the bony area at the top of the shoulder. That explanation can be helpful, but it is not the whole story. For many people, the problem is not simply that the shoulder has “too little space.” It is that the shoulder is not moving, rotating, or stabilizing well during activity. If the shoulder blade does not upwardly rotate well, the rotator cuff is overloaded, the upper back is stiff, or the neck is contributing to guarding, the shoulder can become irritated again and again. That is why two people with “impingement” may need very different care plans.
Treatment Options at Ravenswood Chiropractic in Chicago
A strong conservative plan should do more than temporarily calm pain. It should help identify why the shoulder is being irritated and gradually improve how it moves.
Care may include:
Chiropractic assessment of the neck, upper back, ribs, and shoulder mechanics
Physical therapy and progressive strengthening
Rotator cuff and shoulder blade control exercises
Posture and ergonomic guidance
Activity modification while symptoms calm down
Class IV Laser Therapy or shockwave therapy when appropriate
The goal is not just to “open the space” in the shoulder. The goal is to help the shoulder move with better timing, control, and tolerance.
Class IV Laser Therapy
Shoulder impingement occurs when one or more of the rotator cuff muscles, tendons, or bursa become pinched, irritated, or inflamed due to the narrowing of the sub-acromial space. This can happen when the body adds scar tissue to protect the joint during repetitive overhead movements like painting, tennis, or other similar repetitive movements. The scar tissue or inflammation takes up space reserved for the rotator cuff. As a result, individuals may experience muscle weakness, loss of movement, and pain in the affected shoulder because everything in the joint space is getting pinched (or impinged).
Class IV laser therapy is an effective treatment for shoulder impingement syndrome because it can dissolve scar tissue and reduce inflammation to the injured muscles, tendons, bursa, and nerves. This reduces the impingement.
Class IV Laser Therapy involves using light to penetrate the affected tissue deeply. It helps to loosen the joint by reducing inflammation and stimulating tissue repair. By addressing the root cause of the pain and scar tissue formation, patients can experience long-lasting relief from their symptoms. Class IV Laser Therapy is a non-invasive and safe treatment option for our shoulder impingement patients.
A Class IV Laser can have additional benefits in treating shoulder impingement. This therapy can improve blood flow and reduce swelling, and improve nerve function. Class IV Laser is also effective at suppressing pain signals and increasing the production of endorphins, resetting the chronic pain cycle. Overall, using a class IV laser can be a valuable addition to a comprehensive treatment plan for shoulder impingement.
Class IV Laser Therapy treatment is typically administered in a series of sessions, and many patients report significant improvement in their symptoms after just a few treatments. We offer free consultations. Talk to one of our chiropractic physicians to see if class IV laser therapy is a good option for you.
Physical Therapy
At Ravenswood Chiropractic in Chicago, physical therapy is an effective adjunct treatment option for shoulder impingement. We typically begin Physical therapy once your shoulder has started healing. Our physical therapy team will work with you to develop a personalized exercise program that can help improve your range of motion, strengthen the muscles around your shoulder, and reduce pain and inflammation. Therapeutic exercises are designed to restore complete control and strength of the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers. These exercises also aim to improve the mobility of the shoulder joint and the surrounding areas, such as the thoracic spine, ribs, and cervical spine. Depending on your level of function and goals, the exercises will be tailored to you to help you return to sport or work. The exercises are generally learned at our office or through telehealth and then worked on at home between visits.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic care is a very effective non-surgical, non-steroidal treatment option for shoulder impingement. A chiropractor can adjust the spine and shoulder to help improve joint mobility and reduce inflammation. Joint mobilizations are often used to decrease capsular tightness. Additionally, mobilizations of the scapula (shoulder blade) may be recommended to improve overall movement and alleviate pain.
Chiropractic treatment for shoulder impingement at our office, often involves a functional movement assessment and therapies which focuses on enhancing the scapula’s ability to rotate upwards. This rotation is necessary to allow for total shoulder elevation without impingement. By addressing the underlying neuro-muscular imbalances, our chiropractors can help relieve your shoulder pain and improve your range of motion.
In addition to shoulder adjustments and manual therapy, chiropractors may recommend activity modifications to help alleviate symptoms. This can include analyzing posture, changing daily activities to reduce impingement, and adjusting sleeping positions to promote healing and prevent further injury. In addition, chiropractors can provide advice on ergonomics and proper body mechanics.
Shoulder impingement can be painful and debilitating, but our chiropractors have over 20 years experience and effective treatment strategies for relief. At Ravenswood Chiropractic in Chicago our chiropractors are experts at treating bones, muscles, and joints and use this knowledge to develop personalized shoulder treatment plans for each patient.
Shoulder impingement syndrome can cause persistent pain and limit daily activities such as reaching behind the back or overhead. If left untreated, it can lead to inflammation and even tears in the rotator cuff tendons, potentially requiring surgery. Therefore, seeking treatment early on is crucial, and various options are available. Consider speaking with a chiropractor or other sports medicine doctor near you to explore your options for managing shoulder impingement. We offer free consultations to discuss your shoulder pain with one of our chiropractic physicians and see which treatment options might be best for you.
Can Shockwave Therapy Help Shoulder Impingement?
Shockwave therapy may be considered when shoulder impingement overlaps with chronic tendon irritation, rotator cuff tendinopathy, or persistent soft tissue sensitivity. It is not a stand-alone fix for shoulder mechanics, but it may support a broader plan focused on reducing irritation and improving function.
Home Care for Shoulder Impingement
REST
If you’re experiencing shoulder impingement, giving your body time to rest and recover is essential. Continuing activities that cause pain can worsen the injury and prolong healing time. It’s best to avoid or minimize activities that aggravate shoulder pain, such as reaching, lifting, throwing, and swimming. These movements can compress your shoulder tendons and exacerbate the problem. Listen to your body and stop any activity that causes discomfort. Rest is critical to allowing your body to heal.
ICE
If you’re experiencing shoulder impingement, using ice can be a helpful way to reduce inflammation and pain. Ice is a natural anti-inflammatory, and applying it to the affected area can help to soothe the discomfort. To use ice for shoulder impingement, apply an ice pack for about 15 minutes three times a day. If you don’t have an ice pack, you can use ice from your fridge wrapped in a cloth. This icing method effectively reduces inflammation without causing any damage to your skin.
FOLLOW PRESCRIBED PHYSICAL THERAPY
Shoulder impingement can be relieved through exercises that promote joint mobility and flexibility. Strengthening exercises will also be done to correct imbalances in weak muscles that affect shoulder movement control. One effective exercise is standing arm swings, which involves swinging your arms forward and back to increase blood flow to the shoulder joint. Another exercise is the shoulder pass-through, which requires holding a long stick and raising it above your head to engage the surrounding shoulder muscles. Lastly, high-to-low rows challenge the upper back and thoracic muscles, providing stability to the shoulder joint. This exercise requires a resistance band and involves pulling the band towards your body while keeping your torso and arm straight. Incorporating these exercises into your routine can improve shoulder mobility and reduce impingement pain.
How Does Shoulder Impingement Happen?
Shoulder impingement is common when the space between the acromion and rotator cuff narrows, causing the acromion to rub against the tendon and bursa. This increases friction, causing pain and discomfort, most significantly when raising your arm to shoulder height. Repetitive overhead activities, such as swimming, baseball, tennis, lifting, and painting, often cause it. In addition, various factors, including muscle imbalances, poor posture, and overuse, can cause it. Sometimes, it may result from a minor injury, while for others it may occur without apparent cause. Regardless of the reason, treatment options are available to help alleviate the pain and improve mobility.
Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement often causes pain with lifting the arm away from the body or reaching overhead. Some people feel a sharp pinch near the front or outside of the shoulder, while others notice a dull ache after activity.
Common symptoms may include:
Pain when reaching overhead
Pain reaching behind the back
Pain putting on a coat or shirt
Pain lying on the affected shoulder
Weakness or fatigue with lifting
A catching, pinching, or painful arc sensation
Pain that overlaps with rotator cuff irritation or bursitis
If symptoms include numbness, tingling, or pain traveling down the arm, the neck or nerves may also need to be evaluated.
Nerve Pain Treatment in Chicago
What is Shoulder Impingement?
Shoulder impingement is common when the rotator cuff’s tendons and bursa become pinched between the upper arm bone (humerus) and the top of the shoulder blade. This can cause pain and discomfort, especially when lifting your arm above your head. Therefore, seeking treatment early is essential to prevent further damage and improve your chances of full recovery.
The first signs of shoulder impingement may be mild, and patients may not seek treatment immediately. These symptoms can include pain when lifting the arm, weakness in the shoulder, and difficulty reaching behind the back. At this stage, treatment options for shoulder impingement may consist of physical therapy, chiropractic care, rest, and ice. If left untreated, shoulder impingement symptoms may worsen. Class IV laser therapy is indicated in these cases, and symptoms usually improve after several treatments. However, if Shoulder Impingement is left without treatment, the damage will continue to occur, which may lead to thinning of the tendon and subsequent rupture, which requires surgery to correct. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical attention if you are experiencing any symptoms of shoulder impingement.
How Impingement, Rotator Cuff Pain, and Bursitis Are Connected
Shoulder impingement often overlaps with rotator cuff irritation and shoulder bursitis because these structures sit very close together.
When the shoulder is not moving well, the rotator cuff tendons and bursa can become irritated during lifting, reaching, or overhead movement. Over time, this can contribute to tendinitis, bursitis, or worsening shoulder pain.
That does not mean every case of impingement is a tear or a serious injury. But it does mean the shoulder should be evaluated as a system, especially if symptoms are persistent or keep coming back.
Rotator Cuff Treatment Chicago
Shoulder Bursitis Treatment Chicago
Do You Think You Have Shoulder Impingement?
The first step in treating shoulder pain or impingement is to get an accurate diagnosis. Choosing a chiropractor or other qualified healthcare professional who is experienced in treating shoulder pain and specializes in functional assessments, physical therapies, and advanced therapies like Class IV Laser for moderate to severe cases is essential.
The first thing your chiropractor will do is gather your medical history and conduct a physical examination. This helps your chiropractor determine the cause of your shoulder impingement and develop the best treatment plan.
During your physical exam, your chiropractor may test the range of motion in your shoulder, check for tenderness or swelling, and assess the strength of the muscles surrounding the joint. In addition, imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans may be recommended by your chiropractor to evaluate your shoulder further and identify injuries.
When Shoulder Impingement Symptoms Should Be Checked Promptly
Most shoulder impingement symptoms can be evaluated conservatively, but some symptoms deserve prompt medical attention. Seek care quickly if shoulder pain begins after a fall or injury, if you suddenly cannot lift your arm, if you notice significant weakness, rapidly worsening numbness, fever, redness, swelling, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath.
These symptoms do not always mean something serious, but they should be evaluated to rule out a major tendon injury, fracture, infection, nerve involvement, or non-shoulder causes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Impingement
What does shoulder impingement feel like?
Shoulder impingement often feels like a sharp pinch, ache, or catching sensation when lifting the arm, reaching overhead, reaching behind the back, or lying on the affected side.
Is shoulder impingement the same as a rotator cuff tear?
No. Shoulder impingement can irritate the rotator cuff tendons, but it does not always mean a tear is present. Some cases involve tendon irritation, bursitis, or movement mechanics rather than a full tendon tear.
Can shoulder impingement improve without surgery?
Many cases improve with conservative care focused on reducing irritation, improving shoulder mechanics, strengthening the rotator cuff, and improving shoulder blade control. More severe or persistent cases may need medical evaluation.
Why does shoulder impingement keep coming back?
Shoulder impingement can return if the underlying movement pattern is still present. The shoulder may keep getting irritated if the rotator cuff, shoulder blade, upper back, posture, or activity habits are not addressed.
Can shoulder impingement cause pain down the arm?
It can sometimes cause pain into the upper arm, but numbness, tingling, or pain traveling farther down the arm may suggest neck or nerve involvement and should be evaluated.
Shoulder Impingement Care in Andersonville
Ravenswood Chiropractic is located on Ravenswood Avenue in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood. We work with patients from Andersonville, Ravenswood, Lincoln Square, Edgewater, Uptown, and nearby North Side neighborhoods who are looking for conservative shoulder pain care.
If your shoulder pain is limiting reaching, lifting, workouts, sleep, or daily movement, we can help evaluate what may be contributing and whether conservative care is appropriate.
Shoulder Pain Treatment in Chicago
Call or Text Us at 773.878.7330 to Schedule A Same Day Appointment for Shoulder Pain or Schedule On-Line.
