I received my first COVID-19 vaccine on 1/25/21. By that evening, and especially the next day, my shoulder was quite sore. If my arm just rested at my side, it wasn’t too bad, just a mild soreness. But, if I tried to lift my arm, especially to the side, the pain intensified. This got me thinking, “Is this what impingement syndrome of the shoulder feels like?”

Shoulder impingement is a common condition, one I have helped numerous people overcome. An oversimplification of shoulder impingement is that tissues, often rotator cuff tendon(s) are being pinched between the arm bone (humerus) and part of the shoulder blade bone (scapula). (It is worth noting there are multiple forms of shoulder impingement). As with most conditions, the causes for shoulder impingement can be diverse and multifactorial. Often times there is a subtle postural aspect, such as the shoulder blade being tilted poorly. People can also have bone spurs on the shoulder blade that further reduce space the rotator cuff tendons need to occupy. If not addressed in a timely manor, impingement syndrome can contribute to a rotator cuff tear, which may or may not require surgery.

If you have shoulder pain and do not think it is due to something like a recent COVID-19 injection, we encourage you to schedule a FREE Health & Goals Strategy Session. During this conversation our doctor of physical therapy can help you decide the next best steps to overcome your shoulder pain and likely avoid surgery.

Also, for more information on the risk of ignoring persistent pain, click here to read one of our earlier blogs.

cdotson@dotsonphysiotherapy.com

(509) 350-2506