What Is Shoulder Impingement?
Shoulder impingement results when the tendons or bursa in your shoulder become irritated from repeated overhead movements. Those repeated movements cause the bones in the shoulder to impinge on the tendons or bursa. Examples of these movements include a swimmer's stroke or a tennis serve. Shoulder impingement can make your shoulder feel weak and painful, even when you are not using it.
Shoulder Impingement Causes and Risk Factors
Overhead movement of your arm causes stress on the tendons in your shoulder and rotator cuff. Any time you repeatedly move your arm overhead you risk developing shoulder impingement. Anyone old enough to participate in sports that involve overhead movement can develop shoulder impingement.
Shoulder Impingement Complications
Shoulder impingement limits everyday movement in the shoulder. Repeated stress from the irritation can ultimately lead to a torn rotator cuff.