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Shoulder Impingement Physio in Sydney CBD

Our Sydney CBD physiotherapists will find what's irritating your shoulder and build a plan to get you lifting, training and sleeping comfortably again.

If lifting your arm out to the side or overhead sets off a sharp, pinching pain, or you wake up aching after sleeping on your shoulder, you could be dealing with shoulder impingement. It’s a common type of shoulder pain we see, and it responds well to the right mix of treatment and exercise. Shoulder impingement, also called subacromial pain syndrome, is thought to account for around 44% to 65% of all shoulder pain complaints, making it the most common cause of shoulder pain.

What is shoulder impingement?

Shoulder impingement happens when the tendons of the rotator cuff and the bursa (a small fluid-filled cushion) become irritated in the narrow space beneath the bony tip of the shoulder (the acromion). Raising your arm reduces that space, so overhead movement can pinch and aggravate the sore tissue. You may also hear it called subacromial pain syndrome or rotator cuff related shoulder pain. These terms describe a very similar problem.

Common signs and symptoms

  • Pain at the front or outer shoulder – Often spreading down the upper arm, but not usually past the elbow.
  • Pain lifting the arm – Often sharpest when raising the arm out to the side somewhere between about shoulder height and overhead (a “painful arc”).
  • A dull ache at the front or outside of the shoulder – Sometimes spreading down the upper arm.
  • Pain reaching overhead or behind your back – Putting on a jacket, hanging washing or reaching into the back seat can all be sore.
  • Night pain – Aching when lying on the shoulder or in certain sleeping positions.
  • Weakness or fatigue – The arm tiring quickly when working at or above shoulder height.

Causes and who gets it

  • Repetitive overhead work or sport – Swimming, tennis, cricket, weights, painting or overhead work.
  • A sudden increase in load – Doing a lot more than the shoulder is used to.
  • Reduced shoulder blade control and a stiff upper back – Less movement through the upper back and shoulder blade can leave less room for the tendons.
  • Prolonged desk posture – Rounded shoulders and sustained mouse or keyboard use can contribute.
  • Age-related tendon changes – Tendons become more easily irritated as we get older.

Our approach at Bend + Mend

  • Careful assessment to confirm impingement and to distinguish it from a rotator cuff tear, frozen shoulder, or neck-related pain, which can feel similar
  • Load management: practical advice on which movements to modify and which to keep doing, so you don’t need to stop training altogether
  • Progressive strengthening of the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles, since graded exercise is the foundation of treatment
  • Manual therapy to ease pain and improve upper back and shoulder mobility
  • Workstation and sleeping position advice, with access to our Ergonomic Assessments service if your desk setup is part of the picture

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between shoulder impingement and a rotator cuff tear?

Impingement is irritation of the tendon and bursa, while a tear is damage to the tendon itself. They can overlap and feel similar, which is why an assessment of your strength and movement is important.

Do I need surgery or a cortisone injection for shoulder impingement?

Most people improve with hands-on and exercise-based physiotherapy and don’t need surgery.

Can I keep training with shoulder impingement?

Often yes, with modification. Overhead pressing, swimming and racquet sports may need adjusting for a period, while we keep the rest of your training going where we can.

How long does shoulder impingement take to settle?

It varies, but most people notice improvement over several weeks of consistent treatment and exercise, with a full strengthening programme often running for a few months.

Why does my shoulder hurt when I lie on it at night?

Lying on the shoulder compresses the irritated tissue, and the arm position during sleep can pinch it further. We’ll suggest pillow support and positions that take the pressure off while you recover.

Book Your Shoulder Impingement Assessment Get a clear plan to move and train without pain from our Sydney CBD team.

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