Shoulder impingement syndrome, more commonly known as swimmer’s shoulder, is a type of shoulder tendinitis in which the sufferer’s muscle tissue becomes inflamed, causing chronic pain. Specifically, swimmer’s shoulder affects the tendons of the rotator cuff, or the soft tissue surrounding the shoulder joint. Oftentimes, the condition warrants seeing a doctor for swimmer’s shoulder treatment. According to Cleveland Clinic, symptoms include:
- Shoulder pain
- Swelling and bruising on the shoulder area
- Muscle fatigue
- Limited shoulder movement
Impingement occurs when the bone on the top of your shoulder impinges, or rubs, against the inflamed or injured tendon and bursa of the shoulder. In addition to the pain, the affected area will often feel warm to the touch. Together, it is classified as a syndrome for these reoccurring symptoms from repetitive use of the shoulder joints when performing daily, high-intensity jobs and activities.
What Causes Impingement?
Swimmers and tennis players, construction and factory workers, and many more that use repetitive arm motions, specifically reaching and lifting motions, gradually become subject to developing the condition. As an athlete, one should stretch and warm up properly before practicing sports that require repeated reaching and lifting. And when working in physical labor jobs, resting when one feels the pain coming on is advised.
Avoidance of making conditions worse altogether is even better. Of course, these tips are only applicable within reason. It is important to remember that any severe and worsening symptoms prohibiting one from working, exercising, and is affecting the overall quality of life are cause to seek professional treatment. Especially if worker’s compensation is necessary and provided but does not fully cover loss of wages.
How Swimmer’s Shoulder Symptoms Persist
For shoulder impingement syndrome, inflammation, swelling, limitation of range of motion and pain are the main symptoms. Inflammation and swelling are important parts of the healing process.
Whenever the body’s soft or connective tissue is damaged these symptoms are part of a series of important steps taken by the body’s defense system to complete the healing process. So if the defense or immune system is responsible for these symptoms existing, why do they persist?
Certain factors may be responsible according to an article published by Johns Hopkins Medicine. The article notes the millions that suffer from “chronic wounds,” where the immune system’s ability to finish or even start the healing process is debilitated. It goes on to say that “one of the most dramatic factors is reduced or inadequate blood supply to the wound.”
Successful wound healing requires the nutrients a new blood supply can provide for the affected area. It also is necessary to clot surface wounds. In the case of swimmer’s shoulder, the tissue under the skin needs more circulation. Unfortunately, it is unable to do so, leaving many sufferers to deal with the continual state of pain and disability.
With priorities, disuse of the arms is out of the question, making this a vicious, ongoing struggle for the body to contain the condition. With a severe form of the syndrome, one may feel the pain spreading. Those with severe symptoms they may also feel as though their shoulders are dislocated, or even broken. Over time, it could be difficult reaching behind oneself or even using the arm at all.
Thankfully, services exist that targets the crux of the problem. Flagstone Medical is represented by a group of professionals specializing in many orthopedic services. Their methods on how to treat shoulder impingement involve acoustic wave therapy, a scientifically proven way to treat all ailments involving severe pain, limitation of range of motion and inflammation.
How To Treat Swimmer’s Shoulder with Acoustic Wave Therapy
Acoustic pressure wave therapy (APWT) is a supplemental therapy available to enhance for the body’s natural healing process. This technology stimulates blood flow and circulation to damaged tissues. This process penetrates the surface of the skin to do so in a painless way. This is especially useful when moving the arm is limited, preventing exercise is another way to stimulate blood flow by dilating the blood vessels.
Acoustic wave therapy promotes angiogenesis and reduces inflammation in the process. Bypassing expensive surgery, drugs, and shots, specialists will handle the process step-by-step to ensure patients are informed and comfortable.
If you miss being as active and productive as you were before, APWT will aid you in your pursuit of reestablishing your standard of health. If interested, survey the form below, or ask for more information on Flagstone Medical’s shoulder impingement treatment.
