What it is
An umbrella clinical term for pain associated with loading the rotator cuff and subacromial structures. It does not necessarily represent a single anatomical “impingement”; tendon, bursa, tissue capacity and load may contribute together.
Typical clinical symptoms
- Lateral shoulder pain when raising the arm or working overhead
- A painful arc while lifting or lowering the arm
- Night pain or pain when lying on the affected side
- Pain-related weakness during elevation or rotation
Video
No video has been added for this condition yet.
Scientific literature
External publications selected for this topic. Their scope may cover a specific condition, population or intervention within this topic; they do not constitute an individual treatment plan.
Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of subacromial pain syndrome: a multidisciplinary review by the Dutch Orthopaedic Association.
Clinical guideline / consensus · 2014
Shoulder
When is medical assessment needed?
Deformity after trauma, sudden inability to raise the arm, loss of sensation or pulse, a hot red shoulder with fever, or pain with chest pressure or breathing difficulty require prompt medical assessment.
Descriptions are for orientation. Diagnosis follows history, clinical examination and, only when indicated, imaging or laboratory tests.
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