Can the physiology experts please help explain a shoulder "impingement"?
My frustruated interpretation is that it's not torn, not arthritis, but something ain't quite lined up correctly. I think I jammed it on a sprint finish and a few weeks off have not lessened the pain (arm raised 90 degrees laterally = ouch). Friend therapist says don't start anything remedial until the pain stops. Slowly going postal and gaining weight being out of the water.....
I have an appointment with an orthopedist who has a sports leaning but am interested in other's experiences, too.
Thanks,
DV
Parents
Former Member
David, it certainly could be acute tendinitis (supraspinatus) in the setting of chronic impingement. In the short term, ice and antiinflammatory agents (I prefer Aleve) reduce the inflammation. Long term, I believe (as did my orthopedist) that a trial of physical therapy may be warranted before opting for surgery (he recommended a minimum of six months). However, I had an MRI which did not show any tears. I think the key is being evaluated and treated by an orthopedist and a physical therapist who specialize in sports medicine. I had tried rest alone, staying out of the pool for several weeks, but the problem resurfaced (pardon the pun) as soon as I got back in the water.
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Former Member
David, it certainly could be acute tendinitis (supraspinatus) in the setting of chronic impingement. In the short term, ice and antiinflammatory agents (I prefer Aleve) reduce the inflammation. Long term, I believe (as did my orthopedist) that a trial of physical therapy may be warranted before opting for surgery (he recommended a minimum of six months). However, I had an MRI which did not show any tears. I think the key is being evaluated and treated by an orthopedist and a physical therapist who specialize in sports medicine. I had tried rest alone, staying out of the pool for several weeks, but the problem resurfaced (pardon the pun) as soon as I got back in the water.
