Understanding Shoulder Impingement and the AMIT Solution

Shoulder impingement happens when the rotator cuff tendons and the bursa above them get pinched under the top of the shoulder blade (the acromion) as you raise your arm. It causes pain and tenderness at the front or side of the shoulder, pain when lifting the arm or reaching overhead, and pain that is often at its worst at night.

In most cases treatment starts without surgery, and many people gradually get back to normal, although full recovery can take several weeks to months. How well the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles are working decides how much room the tendons have.

Shoulder impingement is a frequent cause of shoulder pain, often resulting from tendons or bursa becoming pinched between the bones in the shoulder joint. This condition can lead to chronic discomfort and restricted movement if left untreated.

And it is one of the AMIT's shoulder and arm care that we address by restoring proper muscle activation instead of relying on surgery.

On This Page:

• Causes of Shoulder Impingement

• Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement

• Impingement vs. Frozen Shoulder vs. Rotator Cuff Tear

• How Long Does Shoulder Impingement Take to Heal?

• AMIT Explanation for Shoulder Impingement

Causes of Shoulder Impingement

Common causes include:

• Overhead Activities: Repeated overhead motions, such as swimming, tennis, or weightlifting, can lead to impingement.

• Rotator Cuff Inflammation: Inflamed or injured rotator cuff tendons may rub against the bones of the shoulder.

• Weak Shoulder Muscles: Imbalances in shoulder muscle strength can contribute to improper movement and irritation.

Rotator cuff pain is common in both young athletes and older adults. Young athletes who swim or play baseball, tennis, or volleyball are particularly at risk, and so are people whose work involves repeated lifting or overhead activity, such as construction, painting, or hanging wallpaper.

Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement

Signs and symptoms may include:

• Pain with Overhead Movements: Pain is often triggered when lifting the arm or reaching behind the back.

• Weakness in the Shoulder: The shoulder may feel weak or unable to support certain movements.

• Restricted Motion: Limited ability to move the shoulder past 90 degrees, causing everyday tasks to be difficult.

X-rays of a shoulder with impingement are usually normal or show only a small bone spur, because they do not show soft tissue like the rotator cuff. A normal X-ray does not rule impingement out.

Impingement vs. Frozen Shoulder vs. Rotator Cuff Tear

These three problems all cause shoulder pain and are often confused. The main differences:

• Shoulder impingement: Pain at the front or side of the shoulder that is triggered by raising the arm or reaching overhead, often worst at night. The shoulder still moves, but certain positions hurt.

• Frozen shoulder: The defining feature is stiffness. Movement is lost in several directions and goes through freezing, frozen, and thawing stages over months. It most commonly affects people between 40 and 60.

• Rotator cuff tear: Pain at rest and at night, especially lying on that side, weakness when lifting or rotating the arm, and sometimes a crackling sensation. A sudden tear from a fall can cause a snapping feeling and immediate weakness.

Our article on frozen shoulder vs. shoulder impingement goes deeper into telling them apart, and rotator cuff tear vs. tendinitis covers the other half of the question.

How Long Does Shoulder Impingement Take to Heal?

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons notes that with nonsurgical care, many patients improve gradually and return to function, though complete recovery may take several weeks to months. When surgery is done to make more space for the rotator cuff, it typically takes 2 to 4 months to achieve complete relief of pain and can take up to a year.

Many people wait before getting help, and the longer the shoulder moves around a painful position, the more the surrounding muscles adapt to protect it. That compensation is part of why some impingement lasts three months or more, as the AMIT explanation below describes.

AMIT Explanation for Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement can become a severe and chronic condition, with pain lasting three months or more in some cases. While some patients opt for surgery as a last resort, results can vary.

What Causes This Condition?

Clinical research indicates that shoulder impingement is often caused by a combination of factors:

• Muscle Inhibition: Injuries to the shoulder may lead to muscle inhibition, causing major imbalances and making the muscles "protect" themselves, resulting in dysfunction.

• Cervical Spine Issues: Restricted motion at the base of the skull or cervical spine can place stress on the vagus and spinal accessory nerves, contributing to the problem.

How Does AMIT Help?

The Advanced Muscle Integration Technique (AMIT) effectively addresses these issues by reactivating inhibited muscles, correcting functional imbalances, and relieving nerve stress. This treatment helps restore full shoulder mobility and reduce pain without surgery.

On a first visit we watch how your shoulder blade and arm move together as you lift, test the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles one at a time, and check the neck, since the original content notes the upper neck can contribute. If the exam suggests a tendon tear, we refer you for imaging first. The visit takes about 40 minutes; what to expect explains how to prepare. Pain at the front of the shoulder near the biceps groove can also be bicipital tendonitis, which often occurs along with impingement.

Steps to Take If You Have Shoulder Pain

1. Consult a Certified AMIT Physician: Contact our clinic today for an evaluation and non-invasive treatment.

2. Rehabilitation: After AMIT treatment, our team will guide you through exercises to restore shoulder function and prevent future injuries.

If you're experiencing shoulder pain, contact Advanced Muscle Integration Clinics in the Salt lake City Area for effective treatment using Advanced Muscle Integration Technique. A certified AMIT physician can help you recover faster and avoid surgery.

Shoulder Impingement Treatment in Draper and Kaysville

AMIT Clinics treats shoulder impingement at both Utah locations: Draper, at 12371 S 900 E Unit 101, and Kaysville, at 447 North 300 West Ste 5. We see swimmers, tennis players, lifters, and people whose shoulder started hurting from overhead work around the house or on the job. If yours keeps flaring up, read why shoulder pain won't heal in athletes and active adults.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Impingement

Call 801.544.2355 to be seen.