Ultrasound Treatment for Shoulder Impingement

Impingement is one of the most common forms of shoulder pain. Stemming from the rotator cuff, impingement commonly occurs in athletes and individuals required to lift their arms overhead frequently, as in basketball, swimming, construction, painting or cleaning.

Anatomy

• The rotator cuff is a tendon that stabilizes the muscles surrounding the ball of the shoulder socket joint. These muscles lift and rotate the arm and shoulder. Impingement occurs when there is swelling or tearing of the rotator cuff.

Ultrasound

• Ultrasound is a common therapy for impingement as well as other forms of tendinitis and muscle injury. Ultrasound waves increase blood flow to the injured area, stimulating the tissue and generating heat.

Phonophoresis

• Ultrasound is also used to administer medications non-invasively through phonophoresis. This technique uses ultrasound waves to move topical applications below the surface of the skin deep into the tissue. Phonophoresis is most commonly used to send cortisone into inflamed tissue.

Other Treatments

• Ultrasound is one therapy option but many impingement cases are treated with simple rest and anti-inflammatory medications. Other options include localized anesthetic injections, physical therapy, or surgery in more extreme cases or if pain persists over time.

Prevention

• Regular stretching and exercises to strengthen the muscles supported by the rotator cuff can help greatly to prevent injury. Proper sports technique, optimum back and body support, good nutrition and sufficient hydration can also aid in injury prevention.