What are the treatment options for rotator cuff impingement syndrome?
The treatment for rotator cuff impingement syndrome is similar to that for rotator cuff tendonitis. You should rest from any activity that involves repetitive movement of the shoulder. This particularly includes overhead activity such as that performed by plasterers or painters and decorators. This may mean that you have to modify or change your work activities. However, be careful to keep your shoulder mobile so that it does not stiffen up. Painkillers, anti-inflammatories, physiotherapy and steroid injections can help. If these treatments do not work, some people with rotator cuff impingement syndrome need to have an operation to ‘widen’ the subacromial space. This is usually referred to as a ‘decompression’ operation.
