What should a patient with Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (Subacromial Impingement Syndrome) know about their condition and treatment plan, including management of symptoms and potential interventions like ibuprofen (ibuprofen) and corticosteroid injection?

Patient Education for Subacromial Impingement Syndrome

Patients with Subacromial Impingement Syndrome should understand that their condition typically responds well to conservative treatment including rest, NSAIDs, and physical therapy, with surgery rarely being necessary for most cases. 1

What is Subacromial Impingement Syndrome?

• Subacromial impingement syndrome occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become irritated and inflamed as they pass through the narrow space between the acromion (part of your shoulder blade) and the head of your humerus (upper arm bone) 2
• Your symptoms of pain in the front and side of your shoulder that worsens with overhead activities are classic signs of this condition 2
• The decreased range of motion and pain you're experiencing during certain movements are due to inflammation in the subacromial space 2

Understanding Your Treatment Plan

Immediate Management

• Rest from aggravating activities, particularly overhead movements, for approximately 4 weeks is essential to allow inflammation to subside 1
• Ice application for 15-20 minutes several times daily will help reduce inflammation 1
• Ibuprofen 600mg three times daily with food will help manage both pain and inflammation 3, 4

Physical Therapy

• Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treatment and has been shown to significantly improve pain and function 1
• Your twice-weekly sessions will focus on:
  • Strengthening the rotator cuff muscles to better stabilize your shoulder 2
  • Improving scapular (shoulder blade) movement patterns 2
  • Gradually restoring range of motion 1
• Consistent home exercise program between sessions is crucial for recovery 1

What to Expect During Recovery

• Most patients see significant improvement within 4-6 weeks with proper adherence to treatment 4
• Pain typically decreases gradually rather than immediately 3
• You may experience some discomfort during the initial phases of physical therapy as your shoulder begins to move more normally 1

Warning Signs

• Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:
  • Sudden increase in pain or swelling 1
  • New weakness in the arm 2
  • Fever or redness around the shoulder (rare but could indicate infection) 5

Long-Term Outlook

• With proper treatment, most patients recover well without needing surgery 1, 4
• If symptoms persist despite 4-6 weeks of conservative treatment, additional options may include:
  • Subacromial corticosteroid injection, which can provide significant short-term pain relief 6
  • Ultrasound-guided injections have shown good results in reducing pain and improving function 7
• Untreated impingement can potentially lead to rotator cuff tears over time 2
• Maintaining proper shoulder mechanics and strength after recovery is important to prevent recurrence 2

Activity Modifications

• During recovery, avoid:
  • Overhead lifting and reaching 1
  • Sleeping on the affected shoulder 2
  • Activities that cause pain 1
• Gradually return to normal activities under guidance of your physical therapist 1
• Long-term, focus on proper form during any repetitive shoulder activities 2

Follow-Up Care

• Your follow-up appointment in 4 weeks will assess your progress 4
• If significant improvement hasn't occurred, we may consider a corticosteroid injection to help reduce inflammation 3, 6
• Most patients with subacromial impingement syndrome improve with conservative treatment, and surgery is rarely needed 1