Shoulder Impingement
Most impingement resolves with movement-quality work and progressive strengthening.
Shoulder impingement is pain from compression of soft tissues (rotator cuff tendons, bursa) in the subacromial space. It's usually a movement-quality issue rather than a structural one — and most cases resolve completely with PT.
Understanding
What is Shoulder Impingement?
When the shoulder mechanics are off — usually from scapular dyskinesis, posterior capsule tightness, or rotator cuff weakness — overhead movements compress soft tissues against the acromion bone. Repeated compression produces the characteristic painful arc.
Our PT Approach
How we treat Shoulder Impingement
Evidence-based treatment progressed at your pace, with the goal of durable improvement — not just short-term symptom relief.
Typical Recovery Timeline
Most cases resolve in 6–10 weeks of focused PT.
Therapists who treat Shoulder Impingement
Services we use to treat Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder Impingement — FAQs
Why does it hurt to reach overhead?
Overhead reach narrows the subacromial space. If the shoulder mechanics are off, soft tissues get pinched in that narrowed space — that's the impingement.
Related Conditions
Rotator Cuff Tears
Rehabilitation for partial and complete rotator cuff tears, both surgical and non-surgical approaches.
Frozen Shoulder
Progressive mobilization and stretching programs to restore range of motion in adhesive capsulitis.
Labral Tears (Shoulder)
Targeted strengthening and stabilization for superior and inferior labral tears of the shoulder.
Get expert PT for Shoulder Impingement
One-on-one care with a doctor of physical therapy. Same-week new patient slots typically available.