Shoulder impingement pain is a frustrating condition that can transform simple daily activities like reaching for a seatbelt or brushing your hair into agonizing tasks. Whether you are an athlete dealing with a sports-related injury or someone experiencing age-related wear and tear, understanding the root of your discomfort is the first step toward relief. At City Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, we are a progressive orthopedic practice dedicated to providing excellent patient care for individuals across New Jersey and New York.
Our philosophy is shared across all staff levels, ensuring that from the moment you walk through our doors, you receive compassionate and expert attention. We specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of orthopedic conditions, including complex rotator cuff issues and shoulder dysfunction. Evidence-based medicine guides all our treatment decisions, ensuring you get the most effective shoulder pain treatment available.
Understanding Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become irritated and inflamed as they pass through the subacromial space, the narrow passage beneath the acromion bone. This inflammation can lead to pain, weakness, and a loss of motion.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
While shoulder pain from multiple causes exists, impingement is often the result of repetitive overhead motions or structural abnormalities.
- Sports Injuries: Athletes involved in swimming, baseball, or tennis are particularly susceptible. We treat sports injuries like ligament injuries and help patients remain active.
- Degenerative Conditions: As we age, bone spurs can develop, narrowing the space for the tendons. We treat degenerative joint disease and help manage chronic conditions.
- Upper Arm Dysfunction: Issues with upper arm pain and dysfunction often stem from untreated impingement that progresses over time.
Our physicians evaluate each condition thoroughly to pinpoint the exact cause of your symptoms.
Signs You Need a Specialist
Recognizing the symptoms early can prevent further damage to your rotator cuff. If you are experiencing any of the following, it is time to seek a comprehensive evaluation:
- Persistent pain when lifting your arm.
- Weakness in the shoulder or upper arm.
- Difficulty reaching behind your back.
- Pain that interferes with sleep.
We provide a complete diagnostic assessment and a clear explanation of all available options to address these symptoms.
Our Clinical Approach: The Patient-Centered Model
At City Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, we don’t just treat the injury; we treat the person. Our patient-centered care model ensures that your shoulder impingement pain is addressed with a plan unique to your life.
1. Listen and Evaluate
First, we listen to understand your concerns, goals, and lifestyle. Are you trying to get back to competitive sports, or do you just want to lift your grandchildren without pain? We then perform a comprehensive clinical and diagnostic assessment.
2. Educate and Plan
We believe in transparency. We provide a clear explanation of surgical treatment options and possible outcomes, as well as a detailed discussion of non-surgical treatment options. We collaborate with you to create customized treatment plans.
3. Treat and Monitor
Whether your path involves surgery or conservative care, we provide evidence-based, goal-oriented care. We also offer ongoing assessment and adjustment as needed to ensure your recovery stays on track.
Effective Shoulder Pain Treatment Options
We offer a full spectrum of treatments, ranging from conservative management to advanced surgical intervention.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Many cases of impingement can be resolved without surgery. We evaluate each patient individually and present all available options.
- Physical Therapy: Guided recovery protocols and exercise progressions are essential for rehabilitation. Physical therapy involves guided exercises designed to restore strength, flexibility, and function.
- Injections and Medication: These can help reduce inflammation, allowing you to participate more fully in rehabilitation.
- Activity Modification: We provide guidance on activity modification to prevent further irritation while you heal.
Surgical Solutions
If conservative methods fail, surgery may be recommended to create more space for the rotator cuff.
- Arthroscopic Decompression: A minimally invasive procedure to remove bone spurs and inflamed tissue.
- Rotator Cuff Repair: If the impingement has caused a tear, we can repair the damage. Dr. Babatunde is frequently mentioned for exceptional surgical skills and comprehensive patient care.
Surgical treatment involves a procedure to repair or address the underlying problem, and we discuss the pros and cons of this approach with you in detail.
Why Choose City Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine?
Finding the right provider for shoulder pain treatment is critical. Here is why patients in NJ and NY trust us.
Board-Certified Expertise
Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons provide informed, objective medical opinions. We adhere to high moral principles and professional standards through a commitment to honesty and trust.
Convenient Locations
We strive to exceed patients’ expectations for comfort and convenience. We have offices in:
- East Rutherford, NJ (Primary hub).
- Paramus, NJ (Bergen County).
- West Orange, NJ (Essex County).
Second Opinions
Unsure about a previous diagnosis? We provide comprehensive second opinion services, including a thorough review of outside medical records and analysis of prior imaging like MRI and X-rays.
Recovery and Return to Activity
Our goal is your return to normal routine activities. Recovery time varies depending on the condition and treatment, but we provide realistic timelines for your specific situation.
For Athletes: We specialize in sports medicine and work extensively with athletes at all levels. We understand athletic goals and help you return to competition safely, providing injury prevention guidance to keep you in the game.
Take the Next Step
Don’t let shoulder impingement pain limit your life any longer. Whether you need a customized physical therapy plan or expert surgical intervention, City Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine is here to help you regain your strength and mobility. We treat a wide range of orthopedic conditions and are ready to help you achieve your recovery goals.
Book your evaluation today:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main cause of shoulder impingement pain?
Shoulder impingement is often caused by repetitive overhead activities, sports injuries, or degenerative changes that narrow the space for the rotator cuff tendons. We evaluate these underlying causes to create an effective treatment plan.
How long does it take to recover from shoulder impingement?
Recovery time varies depending on whether you undergo surgical or non-surgical treatment. During your appointment, we will discuss realistic timelines and provide detailed recovery instructions to optimize your healing.
Can shoulder impingement be treated without surgery?
Yes, many conditions can be effectively managed non-surgically. We often recommend physical therapy, medications, and activity modification as a first line of defense before considering surgical intervention.
Do I need a referral to visit City Orthopaedics?
We accept both self-referrals and referrals from other healthcare providers. You can call any of our offices in NJ or NY directly to schedule your visit.
What if I have already seen another doctor for my shoulder pain?
We offer comprehensive second opinion services to review your diagnosis. Please send your medical records and prior imaging (MRI, X-rays) to our office for review before your appointment so we can provide informed recommendations.
Do you treat athletes with shoulder injuries?
Absolutely. We specialize in sports medicine and work with athletes to help them return to competition safely. We also assess injury risk factors and provide recommendations to help prevent future problems.
