Dealing with shoulder impingement syndrome can be frustrating, painful, and can easily lead to limitations in movements and activities that you enjoy. Shoulder impingement syndrome, also known as swimmer’s shoulder or impingement syndrome, is a condition where your rotator cuff tendons are compressed or pinched between the bones of your shoulders. This results in inflammation, pain, and limited shoulder function. Many people who suffer from this condition wonder if it is possible to live a long life with shoulder impingement syndrome. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the options available.
Understanding Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder impingement syndrome can develop due to a variety of reasons including poor posture, repetitive overhead movements, or an injury. The condition usually manifests as sharp or dull pain in the shoulder region, limited shoulder movement, and swelling or inflammation in the area. The first step in living a long life with shoulder impingement syndrome is to understand the condition.
Seeking Professional Help
The good news is that shoulder impingement syndrome is treatable. The best way to manage the condition is by seeking professional help from qualified chiropractors or physiotherapists to reduce the longevity of shoulder impingement syndrome. These professionals are trained to assess your situation and develop a personalized treatment plan that will help to manage pain and restore shoulder function. While it is possible for shoulder impingement syndrome to go away on its own, with their guidance, you can find a treatment that works for you and continue living your life with less pain and discomfort.
Lifestyle Changes and Coping Mechanisms
In addition to professional help, there are many practical steps you can take to manage shoulder impingement syndrome, including making lifestyle changes and implementing coping mechanisms that will help you cope with the pain and discomfort. You may need to limit certain movements that cause pain and inflammation in the shoulder, such as overhead lifting, swimming, or weightlifting. Additionally, time-tested methods that help reduce stress such as meditation, yoga, and massage could be integrated into your coping process. As well, you should make sure that you are sleeping enough for shoulder impingement syndrome to heal, as sleep is the time when our bodies take on natural healing.
Exercise and Stretching
Although it may seem counterintuitive, exercising and stretching can also help to reduce pain and improve shoulder function for people with shoulder impingement syndrome in some cases. Exercise can help to keep your shoulder muscles mobile, avoid stiffness, and strengthen your rotator cuff to prevent future occurrence. A qualified physiotherapist can recommend exercises that target the affected area and provide proper techniques to ensure minimal injuries happen.
Surgical Options
Surgery is typically a last resort or an option for people with severe or chronic shoulder impingement syndrome that have not responded to non-surgical treatments. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the inflamed or damaged tissue and repairs the rotator cuff muscles. Afterward, the patient undergoes a rehabilitation process that involves physiotherapy to help achieve optimal shoulder function.
Living with shoulder impingement syndrome is never easy, but with proper treatment and care, it is possible to manage the condition and enjoy a long life free from crippling discomfort. Remember to seek professional help, implement practical coping mechanisms that suit your lifestyle, and engage in physical activities that help strengthen your shoulder and keep it mobile over a period. Keep up regular visits to your chiropractor or physiotherapist, and you will be well on your way to enjoying the life you deserve.
