Shoulder Impingement

Authors

Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Primary vs Secondary

Primary Impingement

• Constant narrowing of the subacromial space due to tension from structures of the shoulder¹

Secondary Impingement

• Dynamic narrowing of structures in the subacromial space due to instability of the shoulder joint¹
• “Alterations involving the serratus anterior and lower trapezius are a common source of dysfunction, especially in cases of secondary impingement”²

Examination of Secondary Impingement

• GIRD²
• PST²

References

1.

Allegrucci M, Whitney SL, Irrgang JJ. Clinical implications of secondary impingement of the shoulder in freestyle swimmers. The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy. 1994;20(6):307-318. doi:10.2519/jospt.1994.20.6.307

2.

Dutton M. Dutton’s Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, and Intervention. 5th ed. McGraw Hill Education; 2020.