Shoulder Impingement Relief – Southampton Physio
Shoulder Impingement Relief – Southampton Physio
What is the fastest way to relieve shoulder impingement pain?
Physiotherapy offers the fastest relief for shoulder impingement: easing pain, restoring mobility and building lasting strength.
Introduction
Shoulder pain can feel like it takes over everything. Reaching for a cupboard, lying on your side or even putting on a jacket can become a sharp reminder that something isn’t right. For many people, this turns out to be shoulder impingement: one of the most common causes of shoulder discomfort.
The good news? In most cases, surgery or injections aren’t needed. Physiotherapy provides the quickest and most reliable way to calm pain, restore movement and stop the problem from coming back. At Southampton Physio, we see shoulder impingement every week and know how frustrating it can be – but we also know how to get you moving again.
What is shoulder impingement?
Shoulder impingement happens when the tendons of the rotator cuff – the small but powerful muscles that help lift and rotate your arm – become irritated as they pass through the space beneath the top of your shoulder blade (the acromion). This space is narrow to begin with, and when the tendons or the surrounding bursa are inflamed, certain movements can cause a painful “pinching” sensation.
It often shows up when you:
- Lift your arm overhead (like reaching up to a shelf or serving in tennis)
- Reach behind your back (such as fastening a seatbelt or bra strap)
- Lie on the affected shoulder at night
Symptoms and causes
The main symptom of shoulder impingement is a sharp or aching pain when you move your arm into certain positions. This can range from a mild nuisance to pain that disturbs sleep and limits daily tasks. Many people also notice stiffness or weakness if the problem has been ongoing.
There isn’t one single cause. Common contributing factors include:
- Repetitive overhead activity: swimming, throwing or heavy gym work
- Postural habits: long hours at a desk without movement breaks
- Muscle weakness or imbalance: particularly in the rotator cuff and shoulder blade stabilisers
- Age-related changes: gradual wear of the tendons and joint surfaces
- Lifestyle influences: stress, poor sleep and inactivity can all heighten pain sensitivity
How physiotherapy helps
Physiotherapy is the recommended first step for shoulder impingement, and for good reason. Research shows that most people improve with a tailored programme of movement and strengthening, without needing injections or surgery.
At Southampton Physio, we take a structured approach:
- Assessment and diagnosis: We confirm the cause of your pain and rule out other shoulder conditions.
- Education and reassurance: We explain what’s happening in plain English and set out a clear plan.
- Exercise therapy: Specific exercises restore strength and control in the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles.
- Manual therapy: Hands-on treatment can ease pain short-term, supporting your exercise progress.
- Lifestyle support: Desk set-up, sleep and stress can all be part of recovery.
Treatment options explained
When you’re in pain, it’s natural to wonder about injections or even surgery. Let’s break down the evidence so you know where physiotherapy fits in.
Physiotherapy (first-line care): Exercise and progressive loading consistently provide the best long-term results.
Steroid injections: Sometimes reduce pain for a few weeks, especially if pain is severe and blocking rehabilitation. Effects are short-lived; repeated injections are not recommended.
Surgery: Procedures such as subacromial decompression are far less common now. Research shows surgery often performs no better than structured physiotherapy in the long run.
For most people, the evidence is clear: physiotherapy should be the first choice.
Exercises and recovery timeline
Most people notice improvements within six to twelve weeks of consistent physiotherapy.
A typical programme includes:
- Mobility work: gentle stretches to restore movement without aggravation
- ator cuff strengthening: light resistance exercises to rebuild control
- Shoulder blade stability: targeted movements for overhead support
- Gradual load progression: safe increases in resistance or range over time
Just as important is knowing what to avoid. Pushing through sharp pain or making sudden training spikes usually slows recovery. With the right guidance, you can stay active and build back strength at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the best sleeping position for shoulder impingement?
Can I go to the gym with shoulder impingement?
Do I need imaging for shoulder impingement?
What’s the difference between frozen shoulder and impingement?
Call to Action
Shoulder pain doesn’t have to hold you back. Whether you’re struggling to sleep, worried about losing strength or desperate to get back to your sport, the right plan can make all the difference.
👉 Book your physiotherapy consultation in Southampton today and take the first step towards moving pain-free again.
