Shoulder Impingement: How to Fix That Nagging Pinch for Good at Fit2Go Clinics Near Nottingham

Brodie Howatson
2 days ago
4 min read

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: Integrated Management and Functional Recovery at Fit2Go -

Learn how Fit2Go Clinics in Nottinghamshire use TECAR, Shockwave, and customised physiotherapy to treat Shoulder Impingement Syndrome and prevent recurrence through functional monitoring and rehabilitation.

Painful shoulder — Painful Shoulder - What To Do

A Modern View of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome Shoulder Impingement Syndrome (SIS), also known as Subacromial Pain Syndrome, is among the most frequently encountered causes of shoulder dysfunction in both athletic and non-athletic populations. While once understood primarily as a result of structural narrowing beneath

the acromion, it is now recognised as a multifactorial condition involving soft tissue dysfunction, neuromuscular imbalance, postural misalignment, and motor control deficits.

At Fit2Go Clinics, located in West Bridgford and East Leake, we approach SIS through a holistic and evidence-based lens. By combining cutting-edge physical therapies, progressive strengthening protocols, and preventive movement monitoring, we aim not only to resolve pain but also to re-establish functional capacity and biomechanical integrity.

Clinical Presentation and Functional Implications

Patients with Shoulder Impingement typically report:

• Pain during arm elevation (especially overhead)

• Discomfort lying on the affected side

• Decreased strength and shoulder endurance

• Loss of range of motion, particularly in abduction and flexion

• Weakness in daily or sports-specific activitiesThese symptoms often stem from compression or irritation of the rotator cuff tendons or subacromial bursa, aggravated by repetitive overhead movement, static postures, or improper shoulder mechanics.

The Underlying Mechanisms of Dysfunction

Research highlights a number of factors contributing to SIS:

• Poor scapulohumeral rhythm: Delayed or altered scapular movement alters acromiohumeral space.

• Rotator cuff fatigue: Weakness in stabilising muscles permits superior translation of the humeral head.

• Postural adaptations: Kyphotic posture or forward head carriage impairs scapular alignment.

• Functional overload: Repeated use or return to activity without proper conditioning exacerbates tissue stress.

Addressing these factors requires more than pain management - it demands comprehensive biomechanical correction and neuromuscular retraining.

Prevention First: Body Screen for Movement Insight

Fit2Go incorporates Body Screen technology as a non-diagnostic but essential tool for general musculoskeletal health monitoring.

This system allows physiotherapists to:

• Track joint range and symmetry

• Assess muscle activation patterns during key movements

• Identify compensatory strategies or load imbalances

• Monitor rehabilitation progression over time

When used as a preventive tool, the Body Screen offers valuable insights that can flag dysfunctional movement patterns before injury manifests, enabling targeted exercise and conditioning strategies.

TECAR Therapy: Enhancing Tissue Healing and Mobility

One of the cornerstones of our shoulder care pathway is TECAR Therapy (Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive) - a modality that enhances tissue regeneration through deep radiofrequency stimulation. For SIS, it is used to:

• Increase local microcirculation

• Decrease muscle tone and joint stiffness

• Accelerate healing in inflamed tendons or bursae

• Support fascial mobility and neuromuscular responsiveness Applied early, TECAR prepares the shoulder for manual techniques and exercise therapy by reducing resistance in the affected area.

Shockwave Therapy: Addressing Chronic Tendinopathy

In patients with persistent pain or structural degeneration (such as rotator cuff tendinosis), Shockwave Therapy may be indicated. This high-energy sound wave therapy:

• Triggers neovascularisation

• Stimulates collagen remodelling

• Reduces chronic inflammation and pain signalling It is often used as a non-invasive adjunct for cases that do not respond to conservative care alone and fits within a multimodal rehabilitation strategy.

Advanced Manual Therapy for Shoulder Kinetics

Our manual therapy protocol focuses on:

• Thoracic mobilisation: Improving spinal extension to optimise scapular positioning

• Glenohumeral joint mobilisation: Increasing capsular flexibility

and reducing anterior restriction

• Myofascial release: Targeting overactive structures (upper trapezius, levator scapulae, pectoralis minor) Manual interventions are never stand-alone. They are strategically integrated to enhance movement quality before neuromuscular retraining.

Personalised Physio Exercise Programmes

At Fit2Go, exercise is not generic - it is tailored, progressive and grounded in movement science. Rehab phases could comprehend:

Early Phase (Pain Management and Mobility)

• Pendulum exercises

• Isometric rotator cuff activation

• Scapular setting with tactile feedback

Mid Phase (Motor Control and Strength)

• Closed-chain scapular loading

• Resistance-based cuff strengthening

• Scapulothoracic coordination drills

Late Phase (Functional and Return to Activity)

• Overhead patterning with proprioceptive input

• Sport- or task-specific loading

• Plyometric or kinetic chain reintegration for athletes Each exercise block is reviewed and progressed based on movement efficiency, not just symptom improvement.

Education and Ergonomics: Empowering Recovery

A key part of long-term success is patient understanding. At Fit2Go, all patients receive:

• Postural education for home, work, and training

• Ergonomic advice for office or manual occupations

• Guidance on pacing and load management

By fostering ownership and behavioural change, we reduce reliance on therapy and promote self-regulated prevention.

Ongoing Screening and Class Integration

Post-recovery, many patients benefit from periodic Body Screen check- ups and group sessions such as:

• Stretch & Strength classes targeting shoulder mobility and control

• Functional movement conditioning

• Joint care workshops and posture clinics

These services act as a bridge from rehab to performance, particularly for active adults, workers, and older individuals seeking to preserve shoulder health.

A Precision-Based Approach to Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder Impingement is no longer viewed as a structural problem alone. Instead, it reflects complex dysfunction in shoulder mechanics, posture, and neuromuscular control. At Fit2Go Clinics in West Bridgford and East Leake, our integrated care model delivers effective, evidence-based solutions using the best of modern physiotherapy.

Whether you're an athlete, desk worker, or manual labourer, our goal is to resolve your pain, restore your function, and prevent your symptoms from returning - backed by the science of movement and the power of

personalisation.