This can take the form of being unable to lift something overhead or having trouble putting on a coat. If left untreated, shoulder impingement wears down the tendons or bursa in the shoulder, causing a tear to occur in the rotator cuff often requiring surgery to repair it.

Is a shoulder impingement bad?

If left untreated, a shoulder impingement can lead to more serious conditions, such as a rotator cuff tear. Physical therapists help decrease pain and improve shoulder motion and strength in people with shoulder impingement syndrome.

What happens if shoulder impingement is left untreated?

If left untreated, impingement syndrome can lead to inflammation of tendons (tendinitis) and/or bursa (bursitis). If not treated correctly, the rotator cuff tendons will begin to thin and tear.