Aligned Integrated Health
Shoulder Impingement: Pain When Raising Your Arm
Why Your Shoulder Hurts When You Reach Up
Shoulder impingement happens when the rotator cuff tendons or the small fluid sac above them get pinched as you raise your arm, which is why the most common complaint is shoulder pain when raising your arm out to the side or overhead. It is one of the most frequent reasons people look for shoulder pain treatment in Scottsdale, and it is often tied to posture and how the shoulder blade moves.
Here is how to recognize shoulder impingement symptoms, what usually causes them, and how Dr. Dan approaches impingement at Aligned Integrated Health.
- An exam that looks at your posture, upper back and shoulder blade
- Gentle care with no cracking or popping
- Corrective exercise to help the shoulder move with more room
A Shoulder That Runs Out of Room
When you lift your arm, the top of the upper arm bone glides under a bony shelf at the top of the shoulder. If the shoulder blade does not rotate and tilt the way it should, that space narrows, and the tendons underneath can get squeezed with every reach.
Key Features:
- Painful Arc: Pain often appears in the middle of the lift, roughly between shoulder height and overhead, then eases at the top.
- Reaching and Lifting: Putting on a jacket, reaching into a cabinet or lifting weights overhead can all bring it on.
- Night Ache: Lying on the sore side can make the shoulder throb.
Shoulder Impingement Symptoms and Causes
Knowing the pattern helps you describe what you feel and helps us find where it is coming from.
Shoulder Impingement Symptoms
Common shoulder impingement symptoms include pain at the front or outer side of the shoulder, pain when lifting the arm, a catching feeling in the middle of the movement, and discomfort reaching behind your back. Some people notice mild weakness because the movement hurts, even when the tendon itself is still strong.
What Causes Shoulder Impingement?
Rounded shoulders and a stiff upper back are common contributors, because they tip the shoulder blade forward and shrink the space the tendons need. Repetitive overhead work, sports like swimming, tennis and weightlifting, and weakness in the muscles that steady the shoulder blade also play a part. Long days at a desk can set the stage, which is why impingement and neck pain often show up together.
Shoulder Impingement vs Rotator Cuff Tear
Impingement usually hurts in certain motions while you can still lift the arm. A rotator cuff tear is more likely after a fall or a sudden heavy lift, or when real weakness means you cannot raise the arm at all. Those signs need imaging or a referral to an orthopedic provider, and Dr. Dan will tell you if that is the right next step.
Simple Habits That Give Your Shoulder More Room
How you sit and reach during the day matters as much as what happens in the office. Set your screen at eye level so your head and shoulders are not pulled forward, keep frequently used items within easy reach instead of overhead, and take short breaks to roll the shoulders back and open the chest. When lifting, keep the load close to your body. These habits help the shoulder blade sit and move the way it should, giving the tendons more space.
How a Shoulder Impingement Chiropractor Can Help
Care starts with a full exam of the shoulder, neck and upper back. Your plan may include gentle Pro Adjuster adjustments to restore motion in the upper back, chiropractic with rehabilitation exercises that teach the shoulder blade to rotate and stay stable, and massage therapy for tight chest and shoulder muscles. We also look at the habits that keep pinching the shoulder, so you are not starting over every week.
Related Conditions We Treat in Scottsdale
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chiropractor help with an impinged shoulder?
Often, yes. Impingement is commonly tied to how the upper back and shoulder blade move, which chiropractic care and corrective exercise address. Dr. Dan will check for signs of a tear or anything that needs another provider first.
What should you not do with shoulder impingement?
Avoid repeatedly pushing through painful overhead movements, heavy lifting overhead, and sleeping on the painful side. Rest from aggravating moves, not from all movement.
Why does my shoulder hurt when I lift my arm but not at the top?
That pattern, called a painful arc, is typical of impingement. The tendons are pinched most in the middle of the lift and less once the arm is fully overhead.
Are you accepting new patients for shoulder impingement in Scottsdale?
Yes. We are welcoming new patients, and walk-ins are welcome. Call (480) 661-1977.
Start Shoulder Care in Scottsdale, AZ
Aligned Integrated Health is at 10752 North 89th Place, Suite C130 in Scottsdale. Dr. Daniel J. Gerwig, D.C. has been practicing since 2001 and sees patients here himself. Most insurances are accepted and walk-ins are welcome.
New Patient Special. Includes the consultation, exam, report of findings and X-rays. See the current offer. Not valid for use with federally sponsored programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid.