Rotator Cuff Impingement Syndrome

A rotator cuff impingement is a condition that affects the muscles and

tendons

 between the arm bone and the top of the shoulder. These muscles and tendons are called the rotator cuff and they allow you to move and raise your arms. Impingement happens when one of these tendons is harmed and trapped by the bony top of the shoulder. This entrapment causes pain and weakness in these tendons.
Rotator cuff impingement is common in athletes that engage in

overhead activities

. It also occurs in older adults as a result of

wear and tear

.
Symptoms

Shoulder pain

  • At night

  • In one shoulder

  • When laying down

  • With overhead activities

  • Gradual onset

or Joint pain

  • Shoulder pain that doesn't radiate

  • Pain often wakes the patient from sleep

  • Improved with rest

  • Recurrent

  • Occurs or worsens when joint is used or stressed

common

Joint is sore to touch

  • Shoulder sore to the touch

common

Difficulty moving shoulder

common

Risk factors

Overuse of shoulder

Treatment
Treatment of rotator cuff impingement is a combination of rest, ice packing, pain killers, injections, and physiotherapy. When all of these treatments fail, your surgeon might suggest undergoing surgery.
Recommended specialist

If you have Rotator Cuff Impingement Syndrome, then a visit to an orthopedic surgeon is recommended.

Contact an

Orthopedic surgeon

Products

Collaborator

Cowriter

Coder

Book a demo

Research

Research at Avey

Research projects

Benchmarks

Publications

APIs

APIs overview

Company

Who we are

Careers

Media center

Support

Contact us

Copyright © Avey 2025

HIPAA Compliant