Shoulder Impingement and Subacromial Decompression Surgery

The Surgery Center of Winter Park (SCWP) is a progressive multi-specialty medical group dedicated to healing and excellence that offers patients access to quality, affordable, convenient outpatient surgical procedures, and doctors a stress-free and convenient surgery center experience. Our facility is equipped for almost any surgery and specializes in spine surgery, orthopedic procedures and pain management, and injections. We provide the latest in research, technology, treatments, and attentive staff. 

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What is Shoulder Impingement? 

There are many causes of shoulder pain but one familiar pain commonly known in swimmers or other athletes is shoulder impingement or swimmer’s shoulder. Your upper arm bone is attached to your shoulder through your rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that allow you a range of motion. The rotator cuff sits on top of your shoulder also known as the acromion. As your shoulder moves through its range of motion that joint ball can impinge on the top of the shoulder blade (acromion) which can cause pressure and inflammation in the area. This increased pressure irritates your rotator cuff and can cause bone spurs to develop. 

What are the symptoms?

If you find yourself going through daily activities with pain in your shoulder as you lift your arms overhead you might be experiencing shoulder impingement. Other symptoms include: 

• Weakness in the shoulder 

• Constant but minor pain in your arm

• Pain that runs through the front of your shoulder to the side of your arm 

Subacromial Decompression Surgery 

The procedure (also known as acromioplasty) is done through a scope, where a camera set inside the injury allows visibility, in which the surgeon makes small incisions to shave down bone spurs. Subacromial Decompression surgery allows the surgeon to remove the bursal tissue that is inflamed to release all the areas of external impingement on the rotator cuff. This opens up space and does a really good job at limiting pain for people.  

If you're an athlete that requires forceful over the head shoulder mobility you may be at risk for shoulder impingement. Common activities that could impose serious pain may include, softball, baseball, swimming, etc. It is always recommended to contact your local physician when experiencing painful symptoms, however here are a couple of recommendations to ease the pain until you are able to seek proper medical attention.

• Watch your posture: Keep your chest open and your shoulders back

• Stretching: Perform daily proper stretching before and after overhead movements are performed

• Train smart: Train at a reasonable rate and apply ice for 20 minutes after a tough workout

No matter the treatment plan, it is vital for you to take the necessary steps to find safe solutions for your pain. Your dedicated physician will then be able to develop a personalized plan that will enable you to feel good and move better.

To learn more about other procedures our center is equipped for, visit the procedure information page.

For more information about our facility and/or practicing physicians please visit aasc.com or give us a call at 407-339-7628, today!