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    3. Orthopaedics
    4. Shoulder Impingement

    Shoulder Impingement

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in central London, our orthopaedic specialists provide expert assessment and care for shoulder impingement. If you have shoulder pain, especially when lifting your arm, our team will work with you to understand the cause of your symptoms and recommend a treatment plan that fits your needs.

    Shoulder impingement occurs when tendons or other soft tissues around the rotator cuff become irritated or compressed as they move through the shoulder joint. Early assessment may help reduce pain, improve movement and support recovery.

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    • Shoulder impingement is a condition where the tendons of the rotator cuff become irritated or compressed as they pass through a narrow space in the shoulder called the subacromial space.

      The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help stabilise and move the shoulder joint. When these tendons become inflamed or compressed, it can lead to pain and restricted movement.

      Shoulder impingement is sometimes referred to as rotator cuff tendinitis or subacromial pain syndrome.

    • Symptoms of shoulder impingement often develop gradually and may worsen with certain movements or activities. Some people describe these as symptoms of an impinged shoulder.

      You may experience:

      • Pain when lifting your arm, especially above shoulder height
      • Pain when reaching behind your back
      • Discomfort when lying on the affected shoulder
      • Weakness in the shoulder or arm
      • Reduced range of movement
      • A dull, persistent ache in the shoulder, particularly after activity
      • Pain that may extend from the shoulder down the upper arm

      Symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as dressing, reaching overhead or lifting objects.

    • Shoulder impingement can develop for several reasons, often related to repeated movement or strain on the shoulder.

      Common causes include:

      • Repetitive overhead movements (such as lifting or sport-related activity)
      • Poor posture affecting shoulder mechanics
      • Age-related changes in the shoulder tendons
      • Muscle weakness or imbalance around the shoulder
      • Previous shoulder injury
      • Bone spurs that reduce the space for tendons to move
      • Inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons or bursa

      Your consultant will consider your symptoms, activity level and medical history to understand what may be contributing to your condition.

    • Diagnosis begins with a detailed consultation and physical examination.

      Your assessment may include:

      • A discussion about your symptoms and how they affect daily activities
      • Examination of shoulder movement, strength and range of motion
      • Specific clinical tests to assess pain during certain shoulder positions

      If further information is needed, your consultant may recommend additional tests, including:

      • X-ray, to look for bone changes such as spurs or arthritis
      • Ultrasound, to assess inflammation or irritation of the rotator cuff tendons
      • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to provide detailed images of soft tissues such as tendons and muscles

      Different people need different tests, and your diagnostic pathway will be tailored to your symptoms and clinical findings.

    • Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and how long you have been affected.

      Many people improve with non-surgical treatment.

      Your treatment plan may include:

      Activity modification

      Reducing or adjusting activities that trigger pain, particularly overhead movements, can help relieve irritation.

      Pain relief

      Anti-inflammatory medicines may help reduce pain and inflammation where appropriate.

      Physiotherapy

      Physiotherapy is a key part of treatment and focuses on:

      • Strengthening the rotator cuff muscles
      • Improving shoulder posture and mechanics
      • Restoring range of movement
      • Reducing strain on irritated tendons

      Corticosteroid injections

      In some cases, a corticosteroid injection may be recommended to reduce inflammation and help improve shoulder movement.

      Surgery

      Surgery is only considered if symptoms do not improve with non-surgical treatment. If required, your consultant will discuss the most appropriate option for you.

      Although Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London does not offer surgery, we collaborate with leading healthcare professionals who are able to carry out these procedures.

    • Patients choose Mayo Clinic Healthcare for access to experienced orthopaedic specialists and coordinated care for shoulder and upper limb conditions.

      Our approach includes: 

      • Consultant-led assessment and diagnosis
      • Access to advanced diagnostic testing
      • Personalised treatment plans based on your symptoms and lifestyle
      • Collaboration with specialists in orthopaedics, physiotherapy, and diagnostic imaging
      • Evidence-based care informed by international clinical expertise

      As part of the globally recognised Mayo Clinic network, we are committed to helping you understand your condition and supporting you throughout your care.

    Private health insurance

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.

    Book a shoulder impingement appointment 

    If you are experiencing symptoms of an impinged shoulder, including pain when lifting your arm or reduced shoulder movement, our specialists can help assess the cause and guide appropriate treatment.

    Request an appointment today or call +44 (0) 207 871 2575 to speak with our team. 

     

    Medically Reviewed by

    Mr Karthik Karuppaiah, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

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