Subacromial impingement syndrome

Subacromial impingement is a common cause of shoulder pain, felt when the tendons under the tip of the shoulder are irritated or compressed — often with reaching overhead, lifting, or lying on the shoulder at night. It can build gradually and make everyday tasks frustrating.

Physiotherapy is the recommended first-line treatment, using progressive exercises to strengthen the shoulder, improve movement, and settle the irritated tissues. In this guide we cover assessment and evidence-based loading progressions for subacromial impingement — practical protocols for clinicians and clear explanations so patients understand why exercise, rather than rest alone, is the key to recovery.