A shoulder impingement is common in both young athletes and middle-aged people. It results from pressure on the rotator cuff from part of the shoulder blade as the arm is lifted. Young athletes who use their arms overhead for swimming, baseball, and tennis are particularly vulnerable. Those who do repetitive lifting or overhead activities using the arm, such as construction or painting are also susceptible to shoulder impingement.
Most problems in the shoulder involve the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, rather than the bones. Athletes are especially susceptible to shoulder problems. In athletes, shoulder problems can develop slowly through repetitive, intensive training routines.
Some people will have a tendency to ignore the pain and “play through” a shoulder injury, which only aggravates the condition, and may possibly cause more problems. People also may underestimate the extent of their injury because steady pain, weakness in the arm, or limitation of joint motion will become almost second nature to them.
What Can Help Shoulder Impingement?
When nonsurgical treatment does not relieve pain, the doctor may recommend surgery. The goal of surgery is to remove the impingement and create more space for the rotator cuff. The surgeon may also treat other conditions present in the shoulder at the time of impingement surgery.
Depending on your situation Dr Grondel might recommend anti-inflammatory medication, steroid injections, immobilization, physical therapy, etc.
Proper diagnosis will lead to appropriate care and treatment. Shoulder disorders are degenerative and require treatment to alleviate pain and restore motion
Is Surgery Required for Shoulder Impingement?
Surgery may be required if the joint was damaged or to remove what is causing the impingement You should start to consider surgery when you have exhausted all other forms of treatment and your pain has started to interfere with everyday activities. In addition to helping your pain Dr Grondel will use digital imaging to determine if there is damage to your tendons and joints.
Success Story
My first encounter with Dr. R. Jeffry Grondel was after I had fallen in my home and went to the Emergency Room where they determined I had damaged my right shoulder, among other injuries, and needed to see a surgeon. Checking with friends for a recommendation I received several for Dr. Grondel.
On March 10, 2014, I had my initial appointment and brought in my X-rays from the emergency room. I was impressed with Dr. Grondel’s steps he took to completely understand the depth of my injuries, including additional X-rays, determine the procedure necessary to correct the problems and then explain them to me in a manner I could comprehend all that was involved.
Throughout the pre op visits, surgery and post op visits I found him to be professional, kind, reassuring and an amazingly understanding surgeon. He gave me his full attention, answered every question and reasoned with me when my expectations exceeded reality and guided me to the complete reuse of my injured arm.
I have had occasion, unfortunately, to revisit Dr. Grondel for his professional services and even when he determined I did not need surgery he maintained all the qualities that impressed me when he first became my surgeon and has guided me through the procedures necessary to regain the use of my injured area.
On a rating of 1-10 with 10 being the best – I rate Dr. Grondel a 10. – Joyce K