Shoulder Pain
Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement is one of the most frequent causes of shoulder pain and disability. The pain is cause by the compression of the soft tissues in the subacromial space (The space between the undersurface of the acromion and the superior surface of the humerus- see anatomy photo below) These soft tissues include the rotator cuff tendons, the long head of the biceps and the subacromial bursa. Some of the risk factors for impingment include: bone spurs, toght anterior chest musculature, and glenohumeral and/or scapulothoracic joint instability.
There are two types of impingement syndrome. The first is primary impingement. This is described as pinching of the soft tissues from anatomical crowding (your body just doesn't have enough space for the tissues to move), posterior capsule tightness (non-muscular soft tissue in the back of the shoulder is tight), and/or excessive superior migration of the humeral head (the arm bone shift upward). Often, this is usually treated operatively.
Secondary shoulder impingement is defined as mechanical instability from impairment of muscle coordination during movement, repetitive strain, decreased vascularization of the rotator cuff, structural symmetry, degenerative changes of the acromioclavicular joint, posterior capsule tightness and general muscle fatigue of the scapular stabilizers and rotator cuff muscles. Primary impingement syndrome often leads to secondary impingement syndrome if not treated in a timely matter. If you have shoulder pain that has lasted more than a week, go and have a medical professional check it out. It is imperative to have the appropriate diagnosis to provide the correct treatment.
Rotator Cuff Muscles
The rotator cuff is imperative for maintaining shoulder joint stability. Think of it as the "core" of the shoulder region. It consists of these four muscles: 1) Supraspinatus, 2) Infraspinatus, 3) Teres minor and 4) Subscapularis. (see diagrams above) During arm movement, these muscles work together to keep the humeral head in the center of the glenoid fossa (see anatomy above). Any disruption of this force increases the potential of the humeral head to translate and possibly sublux or dislocate. Unfortunately, the exercises specific to these muscles are ignored. Most people focus on what I call the "beauty muscles" such as the lats, pecs, biceps and triceps. While these muscle groups are still important, they cannot provide the required stability to the shoulder and therefore injury may occur.
Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement is one of the most frequent causes of shoulder pain and disability. The pain is cause by the compression of the soft tissues in the subacromial space (The space between the undersurface of the acromion and the superior surface of the humerus- see anatomy photo below) These soft tissues include the rotator cuff tendons, the long head of the biceps and the subacromial bursa. Some of the risk factors for impingment include: bone spurs, toght anterior chest musculature, and glenohumeral and/or scapulothoracic joint instability.
There are two types of impingement syndrome. The first is primary impingement. This is described as pinching of the soft tissues from anatomical crowding (your body just doesn't have enough space for the tissues to move), posterior capsule tightness (non-muscular soft tissue in the back of the shoulder is tight), and/or excessive superior migration of the humeral head (the arm bone shift upward). Often, this is usually treated operatively.
Secondary shoulder impingement is defined as mechanical instability from impairment of muscle coordination during movement, repetitive strain, decreased vascularization of the rotator cuff, structural symmetry, degenerative changes of the acromioclavicular joint, posterior capsule tightness and general muscle fatigue of the scapular stabilizers and rotator cuff muscles. Primary impingement syndrome often leads to secondary impingement syndrome if not treated in a timely matter. If you have shoulder pain that has lasted more than a week, go and have a medical professional check it out. It is imperative to have the appropriate diagnosis to provide the correct treatment.
Rotator Cuff Muscles
The rotator cuff is imperative for maintaining shoulder joint stability. Think of it as the "core" of the shoulder region. It consists of these four muscles: 1) Supraspinatus, 2) Infraspinatus, 3) Teres minor and 4) Subscapularis. (see diagrams above) During arm movement, these muscles work together to keep the humeral head in the center of the glenoid fossa (see anatomy above). Any disruption of this force increases the potential of the humeral head to translate and possibly sublux or dislocate. Unfortunately, the exercises specific to these muscles are ignored. Most people focus on what I call the "beauty muscles" such as the lats, pecs, biceps and triceps. While these muscle groups are still important, they cannot provide the required stability to the shoulder and therefore injury may occur.
