Rotator Cuff Disease / Impingement Syndrome Frequently Asked Questions What is the rotator cuff in the shoulder? What is impingement syndrome? How does impingement syndrome relate to rotator cuff disease? Why do some people develop impingement and rotator cuff disease and others do not? Other than impingement, what else can cause rotator cuff damage?

ANSWER

It's a shoulder problem that's most common in older adults and athletes. But 20% of all people will get it at some point in their lives. It can often be treated at home. In severe cases you may need surgery, though.

From: What Is Rotator Cuff Impingement? WebMD Medical Reference

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SOURCES:

Cleveland Clinic: “Impingement Syndrome,” “Arthroscopic Shoulder Decompression.”

Hospital for Special Surgery: “How To Avoid Injuries to Your Rotator Cuff: Impingement Syndrome.”

American Family Physician: “Management of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome and Rotator Cuff Tears.”

South Shore Hospital: “Rotator Cuff Impingement/Tendinopathy.”

Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre/NHS Trust: “Shoulder Impingement.”

SOURCES:

Cleveland Clinic: “Impingement Syndrome,” “Arthroscopic Shoulder Decompression.”

Hospital for Special Surgery: “How To Avoid Injuries to Your Rotator Cuff: Impingement Syndrome.”

American Family Physician: “Management of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome and Rotator Cuff Tears.”

South Shore Hospital: “Rotator Cuff Impingement/Tendinopathy.”

Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre/NHS Trust: “Shoulder Impingement.”

NEXT QUESTION:

What does rotator cuff impingement cause?

'ALEXA, ASK WEBMD'

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

ANSWER

If you have a rotator cuff impingement, you’ll notice pain in your shoulder. Reaching your arms behind your back or raising them overhead will make the soreness worse. So will twisting motions, such as trying to put on a coat.

Some people wake up at night because of the pain.

Your symptoms could come on quickly if an injury is to blame. If you’re older, the signs could show up slowly over a period of time.

From: What Is Rotator Cuff Impingement? WebMD Medical Reference

Reviewed by Sabrina Felson on February 15, 2017

SOURCES:

Cleveland Clinic: “Impingement Syndrome,” “Arthroscopic Shoulder Decompression.”

Hospital for Special Surgery: “How To Avoid Injuries to Your Rotator Cuff: Impingement Syndrome.” Layers of fear video game.

American Family Physician: “Management of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome and Rotator Cuff Tears.”

South Shore Hospital: “Rotator Cuff Impingement/Tendinopathy.”

Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre/NHS Trust: “Shoulder Impingement.”

SOURCES:

Cleveland Clinic: “Impingement Syndrome,” “Arthroscopic Shoulder Decompression.”

Hospital for Special Surgery: “How To Avoid Injuries to Your Rotator Cuff: Impingement Syndrome.”

American Family Physician: “Management of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome and Rotator Cuff Tears.”

South Shore Hospital: “Rotator Cuff Impingement/Tendinopathy.”

Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre/NHS Trust: “Shoulder Impingement.”

NEXT QUESTION:

How is rotator cuff impingement diagnosed?

'ALEXA, ASK WEBMD'

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.