Subacromial impingement syndrome

Subacromial impingement is a common cause of shoulder pain, felt when the tendons under the tip of the shoulder are irritated or compressed, often with reaching overhead, lifting, or lying on the shoulder at night. It can build gradually and make everyday tasks frustrating.

Physiotherapy is the recommended first-line treatment, using progressive exercises to strengthen the shoulder, improve movement, and settle the irritated tissues. In this guide we cover assessment and evidence-based loading progressions for subacromial impingement, practical protocols for clinicians and clear explanations so patients understand why exercise, rather than rest alone, is the key to recovery.