Populations Prone to Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement can occur over time due to regular participation in activities that involve repetitive shoulder movements. While individuals who are young and athletic are more susceptible to shoulder impingement due to overuse, advanced age is also a contributing factor. The longer a person lives, the more they have used their shoulder, which can lead to accumulated damage and impingement in populations that engage in excessive shoulder usage. Various activities that can contribute to shoulder damage and impingement include:
Diagnosis
Shoulder impingement can be diagnosed through various methods employed by doctors. Initially, a physical examination is conducted to detect any indications of injury. This entails manipulating the arm in its socket and requesting the patient to perform specific movements. For a more precise diagnosis, physicians may employ x-rays or ultrasound scans. Among these options, ultrasound scans are considered the most effective, although x-rays can identify bone spurs or other abnormalities that may contribute to the condition. While MRI scans are useful in detecting rotator cuff tears, they typically do not reveal impingement.