Shoulder Impingements

Common Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement

Symptoms often appear gradually and may include:

• Pain when lifting the arm overhead or behind the back
• Discomfort that worsens at night or when lying on the affected side
• Stiffness or loss of range of motion
• Weakness when reaching or lifting objects
• A clicking or catching sensation with shoulder movement

Because these symptoms overlap with other shoulder conditions, accurate assessment is key to proper treatment.

Root Causes and Contributing Factors

Shoulder impingement doesn’t usually stem from a single cause. It develops due to a combination of:

• Bone structure — natural wear and tear of the join can cause a narrower acromial space in some individuals
• Poor posture — forward head and rounded shoulders narrowing the joint space
  
• Repetitive overhead activity — common in swimmers, tennis players, or manual laborers may irritate and cause compensatory changes in the area
• Muscle imbalances — weak rotator cuff or scapular stabilizers allowing the shoulder overly stress the joint
• Inflammation — from injury, overuse, or systemic imbalances

At Aligned Modern Health, we separate true causes from triggers to build a care plan that prevents recurrence.

How Shoulder Impingement Is Diagnosed

Our providers begin with a full musculoskeletal exam, including orthopedic tests that reproduce impingement pain. When needed, we may recommend:

• Imaging (X-ray, MRI) to rule out rotator cuff tears or bone spurs
• Posture and movement analysis to identify biomechanical contributors
• Functional medicine testing to assess systemic inflammation that may slow healing after starting physical rehab

Unlike conventional approaches that often stop at pain medication or injections, we look at the whole body to support lasting recovery.

Our Treatment Approach

Treatment is designed to reduce pain, restore movement, and correct underlying imbalances:

• Chiropractic Care: Improves joint alignment in the spine and shoulder, reducing compression.
• Functional Rehabilitation: Strengthens rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers, restores range of motion.
• Acupuncture: Reduces pain and inflammation while promoting circulation in the shoulder.
• Soft Tissue Therapy: Manual techniques to release tight muscles and improve shoulder mechanics.
• Nutrition & Functional Medicine: Support healing with anti-inflammatory diet and supplements if needed.

Your plan is personalized to your activity level and long-term goals—whether that’s returning to sport, improving posture, or restoring pain-free daily movement.

Conditions Commonly Linked to Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement is often confused with or linked to:

• Rotator cuff injuries
• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
• Arthritis
• General shoulder pain
• Neck pain

What to Expect From Care

Here’s how we guide you through recovery:

1. Initial Visit – A provider listens to your history, reviews your symptoms, and performs movement testing.
2. Diagnostics – Imaging or lab work if needed to confirm impingement and rule out other causes.
3. Personalized Care Plan – A tailored plan of chiropractic, rehab, acupuncture, and lifestyle support.
4. Follow-Up Support – Regular visits to track healing and progress exercises as you regain strength.

We offer both in-person care at our clinics and virtual support for nutrition and functional medicine. All services are insurance-eligible and FSA/HSA friendly.

Is Shoulder Impingement Affecting You?

If shoulder pain is limiting your mobility, sleep, or workouts, there is a path to lasting recovery. With personalized, root-cause care, you can restore comfort and function. Book a visit today and take the first step toward healing shoulder impingement and regaining full strength.