How Sports Therapy Can Help Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain, especially among active individuals or those who perform repetitive overhead movements. Whether you're an athlete, a gym-goer, or someone who works at a desk for hours, shoulder impingement can significantly impact your daily life and restrict your movement.
Fortunately, sports therapy offers an effective, hands-on solution that not only eases the symptoms but targets the underlying cause to help prevent it from coming back.
What is Shoulder Impingement?
Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become irritated or compressed as they pass through the narrow space beneath the acromion (part of your shoulder blade). This can lead to pain, inflammation, and a reduced range of motion—especially when lifting your arm overhead or reaching behind your back.
Common signs include:
Sharp or aching pain in the front or side of the shoulder
Pain when lifting the arm or reaching overhead
Weakness in the shoulder or upper arm
Discomfort lying on the affected side
If left untreated, impingement can lead to more serious conditions such as tendonitis, bursitis, or even rotator cuff tears.
How Sports Therapy Can Help
Sports therapy takes a functional, movement-based approach to injury management. It not only treats the symptoms but identifies and addresses the root cause of the problem. Here's how it helps with shoulder impingement:
1. Hands-On Treatment
Sports therapists use a range of techniques, including deep tissue massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy to reduce muscle tightness and inflammation in the shoulder, neck, and upper back. This helps relieve pressure on the rotator cuff tendons and improves mobility.
2. Postural and Biomechanical Assessment
Many cases of impingement are made worse by poor posture or faulty movement patterns. Sports therapists assess your posture, scapular (shoulder blade) control, and shoulder mechanics to identify dysfunctions that may be contributing to your pain.
3. Corrective Exercise Prescription
Targeted rehabilitation exercises are prescribed to restore balance, strengthen the rotator cuff and scapular stabilisers, and improve shoulder movement. This helps reduce the risk of recurring injury and supports long-term recovery.
4. Education and Prevention
You’ll also receive guidance on ergonomics, training modifications, and daily habits to avoid aggravating the condition. Whether it's advice on lifting techniques, desk set-up, or sleeping positions—sports therapy covers it all.
Don’t Ignore Shoulder Pain
If you're experiencing persistent shoulder discomfort, it's important not to ignore it. Shoulder impingement is highly treatable—especially when caught early—and sports therapy offers a safe, non-invasive route to recovery.
By addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes, sports therapy helps restore movement, reduce pain, and get you back to doing what you love—without restriction.
📩 Ready to book a session or have questions about your shoulder?
Get in touch with Wimborne Wellness Centre today and let’s start your journey towards pain-free movement.