Impingement and Rotator Cuff Tendonitis are common overuse conditions in the shoulder. These conditions can cause pain in the shoulder with certain range of motion and with certain activities. Some cases of rotator cuff tendonitis can be exacerbated by bone spurs on the underside of your shoulder blade. These bone spurs form over time from arthritis and overuse, and generally reside in the area of the acromioclavicular joint. Most of the time, Impingement and Rotator Cuff Tendonitis can be treated nonoperatively; treatment involves anti-inflammatory medications (advil, alieve, etc) or cortisone injections in conjunction with a course of physical therapy. About 80% of patients will get better with this treatment. Those patients who continue to have symptoms after an appropriate nonoperative course may be candidates for surgery. Dr. Walker will discuss your options with you.
Shoulder Impingement