Understanding Shoulder Impingement and How Chiropractic Care May Help

Non-Surgical Treatment Options at The GOAT Sport Medicine Clinic in Sherwood Park, Alberta.

If reaching overhead, lifting weights, or even putting on a jacket causes sharp or lingering shoulder pain, shoulder impingement may be the underlying issue. This common condition affects athletes, tradespeople, and desk workers alike — and when ignored, it can limit strength, mobility, and performance.

At The G.O.A.T. Sport Medicine Clinic in Sherwood Park, Alberta, we help patients manage shoulder impingement using conservative, movement-based care designed to restore function and prevent long-term damage.

So how can chiropractic care support shoulder recovery?

What Is Shoulder Impingement?

Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become irritated or compressed as they pass through the narrow space beneath the shoulder blade.

Repetitive motion, poor mechanics, or muscular imbalance can reduce that space, leading to pain and inflammation.

Common signs include:

• Pain when lifting the arm overhead

• Discomfort during pressing or throwing movements

• Weakness or fatigue in the shoulder

• Pain when sleeping on the affected side

  
  

Left untreated, impingement can progress into tendon degeneration or rotator cuff injury.

How Chiropractic Care May Help Shoulder Impingement

At The G.O.A.T. Sport Medicine Clinic, chiropractic care focuses on improving joint mechanics and reducing stress on irritated tissues — not just at the shoulder, but throughout the upper body.

Here’s how chiropractic care may support recovery:

1. Shoulder and Joint Mobilization

Chiropractors use specific mobilizations to improve movement at the shoulder joint and surrounding structures, helping restore proper mechanics during arm motion.

2. Thoracic Spine Adjustments

Restricted movement in the upper back can alter shoulder positioning and reduce overhead range of motion. Improving thoracic mobility often reduces shoulder strain.

3. Soft Tissue Treatment

Tight muscles in the chest, upper back, and rotator cuff can contribute to impingement. Techniques such as myofascial release, ART, or Graston help reduce tension and improve tissue quality.

4. Movement Retraining and Rehab

Rehab exercises are used to strengthen stabilizing muscles and retrain shoulder movement patterns, reducing irritation during daily and athletic activities.

5. Supportive Modalities

Depending on your presentation, therapies like laser or shockwave may be recommended to help manage inflammation and support tissue healing.

What Does the Research Suggest?

Conservative care is widely recommended as a first-line treatment for shoulder impingement. Many patients experience:

• Reduced pain with movement

• Improved overhead mobility

• Increased strength and endurance

• A return to work or sport without symptoms

  
  

Addressing mechanics early often helps prevent progression to more serious injury.

Why Choose The G.O.A.T. Sport Medicine Clinic in Sherwood Park?

Our clinic takes a collaborative, patient-focused approach to care. Located in Sherwood Park, Alberta, The G.O.A.T. Sport Medicine Clinic combines chiropractic care with physiotherapy, massage therapy, and sports rehab to deliver comprehensive treatment plans.

Whether you’re recovering from training, repetitive work, or an old injury, our team focuses on long-term results — not quick fixes.

Final Thoughts

Shoulder impingement doesn’t have to sideline you. With the right conservative care approach, many people can regain pain-free movement without injections or surgery.

Book an assessment at The G.O.A.T. Sport Medicine Clinic in Sherwood Park

, and take the first step toward stronger, healthier shoulders.