{"id":11481,"date":"2026-07-26T09:33:30","date_gmt":"2026-07-26T09:33:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/?p=11481"},"modified":"2026-07-26T09:33:31","modified_gmt":"2026-07-26T09:33:31","slug":"impingement-syndrome-shoulder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/impingement-syndrom-schulter\/","title":{"rendered":"Impingement Syndrome: When Your Shoulder Gets Pinched \u2013 Causes and Solutions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Impingement syndrome<\/h3>\n
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A quick reach for the coffee cup on the top shelf or putting on your jacket in the morning \u2013 and suddenly a Stabbing pain in the shoulder<\/b>. If every overhead movement becomes agony and feels like something is pinching, the diagnosis is often: Impingement Syndrome (Pinched Nerve Syndrome)<\/b> - <\/span>Shoulder Impingement Syndrome<\/b><\/p>\n

Many patients fear at this moment that structures are irreparably damaged and surgery is inevitable. But we can reassure you: In the vast majority of cases, the problem is not structural damage, but a functional imbalance that can be very well treated.<\/p>\n

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Shoulder Impingement Syndrome Wipkingen Zurich<\/h3>\n
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Impingement syndrome of the shoulder is when the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles and the bursa become compressed or pinched in the subacromial space (the space between the acromion, a bone in the shoulder blade, and the head of the humerus, the upper arm bone). This compression can occur during arm movements, especially when lifting the arm overhead or to the side.\n\nHere's a breakdown of what happens:\n\n* **Tendonitis\/Bursitis:** The repeated friction and compression can cause inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons (tendonitis) and the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between the tendons and the bone (bursitis).\n* **Pain:** This inflammation leads to pain, often felt in the front or side of the shoulder, which can radiate down the arm. The pain is typically worse with overhead activities, reaching behind the back, and lying on the affected side.\n* **Limited Range of Motion:** The pain and inflammation can restrict the normal movement of the shoulder joint, leading to a decrease in the ability to lift or rotate the arm.\n* **Weakness:** Over time, chronic impingement can lead to weakening of the rotator cuff muscles, further contributing to pain and dysfunction.\n* **Potential for Tears:** In severe or long-standing cases, the constant rubbing and friction can lead to fraying or even tearing of the rotator cuff tendons.\n\n**Causes of Impingement Syndrome:**\n\n* **Repetitive Overhead Activities:** Sports like swimming, tennis, baseball, or occupations involving frequent overhead lifting are common culprits.\n* **Poor Posture:** Slouching can narrow the subacromial space.\n* **Bone Spurs (Osteophytes):** These abnormal bony growths on the acromion can reduce the space and increase pressure on the tendons and bursa.\n* **Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy:** Degenerative changes in the rotator cuff tendons can make them more susceptible to impingement.\n* **Weakness of Shoulder Blade Stabilizers:** Muscles that control the scapula (shoulder blade) play a role in maintaining proper shoulder mechanics. If they are weak, the acromion can move closer to the humerus, increasing impingement.\n\nIn essence, impingement syndrome is a mechanical issue within the shoulder joint where soft tissues are getting squeezed, causing pain, inflammation, and reduced function.<\/h2>\n

Imagine your shoulder as a tunnel. The shoulder roof forms the ceiling, and the head of the upper arm bone forms the floor. Through this narrow tunnel run important tendons of the rotator cuff and a bursa, which acts like a soft cushion for smooth movements.<\/p>\n

At Stenosis<\/b> this already narrow space will become even tighter. If you now raise your arm, the head of the upper arm will hit the acromion. \"ShoulderThe tendons and the bursa are compressed. The result: irritation, inflammation, and Shoulder pain when lifting arm<\/b>. The cause of this is rarely the bone itself, but often missing muscle control<\/b>. The shoulder blade is no longer optimally stabilized on the rib cage, causing the tunnel to \"collapse\" during movement.<\/p>\n

The holistic view: Why the shoulder is often just the victim<\/h2>\n

In modern physiotherapy, we never consider isolated pain in isolation from the rest of the body. The shoulder is a highly complex joint that is significantly dependent on its base. If this base wobbles, the shoulder has to compensate.<\/p>\n

The following regions play a role in Impingement<\/a> a central role<\/p>\n