Subacromial Impingement

 

 

Specialist Shoulder Assessment and Treatment in Rochdale

 

Subacromial impingement is a common cause of shoulder pain, particularly when lifting the arm or reaching overhead. It often develops gradually and can significantly affect work, sport and sleep.

Mr Robin Seagger is a fellowship-trained shoulder surgeon in Rochdale, specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of subacromial impingement and related shoulder conditions.

 

 

What is subacromial impingement?

 

Subacromial impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become irritated or compressed as they pass through the space beneath the acromion (the bone at the top of the shoulder).

 

This can be caused by:

 

• Inflammation or thickening of the rotator cuff tendons

• Bony spurs on the acromion

• Reduced space within the shoulder

• Poor shoulder mechanics or muscle imbalance

 

Over time, repeated irritation can lead to persistent pain and, in some cases, progression to a rotator cuff tear.

 

 

Common symptoms

 

Symptoms of subacromial impingement often include:

 

• Pain when lifting the arm, especially above shoulder height

• Pain when reaching behind the back

• Discomfort when lying on the affected shoulder

• Shoulder pain during or after activity

• Gradual loss of movement or strength

 

Symptoms are often worse with overhead activity and may fluctuate over time.

 

 

How is subacromial impingement diagnosed?

 

Diagnosis is based on:

 

• A detailed history of your symptoms

• Careful shoulder examination

• Imaging such as ultrasound or MRI, if needed

 

The aim is not only to confirm impingement, but also to assess the health of the rotator cuff and rule out associated problems such as tendon tears.

 

 

Is surgery always needed?

 

No. The majority of patients improve without surgery.

 

Non-surgical treatment may include:

 

• A targeted physiotherapy programme to improve shoulder mechanics

• Activity modification

• Anti-inflammatory medication

• Corticosteroid injection into the subacromial space, where appropriate

 

Treatment is tailored to the individual, and many patients experience significant improvement with the right rehabilitation approach.

 

 

When is surgery considered?

 

Surgery may be considered when:

 

• Symptoms persist despite appropriate non-surgical treatment

• Pain continues to limit daily activities or sleep

• There is associated rotator cuff damage

 

If surgery is recommended, it is usually performed arthroscopically (keyhole surgery) and may involve:

 

• Removal of inflamed tissue

• Smoothing of bony spurs to increase space for the tendons

• Assessment and treatment of any associated rotator cuff pathology

 

 

Why see a specialist shoulder surgeon?

 

Subacromial impingement can overlap with other shoulder conditions, particularly rotator cuff problems.

Mr Robin Seagger completed additional fellowship training specifically in shoulder surgery after qualifying as an orthopaedic surgeon.

 

His practice is focused almost entirely on shoulder conditions, allowing:

 

• Accurate diagnosis

• Avoidance of unnecessary surgery

• Identification of related shoulder problems

• Use of modern arthroscopic techniques when surgery is required

 

This specialist focus helps ensure treatment is appropriate, proportionate and evidence-based.

 

 

Local specialist shoulder care in Rochdale

 

Mr Seagger treats patients from Rochdale, Bury, Oldham, Heywood and North Manchester, offering specialist shoulder care locally without the need to travel into central Manchester.

 

Consultations and surgery are carried out at The Highfield Hospital, Rochdale, with access to imaging, physiotherapy and comprehensive aftercare.

 

 

Arrange a consultation

 

If you are experiencing ongoing shoulder pain, particularly with lifting or reaching, a specialist assessment can help determine whether subacromial impingement is the cause and what treatment is most appropriate.

 

📍 Consultations available in Rochdale

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