the act or fact of encroaching or infringing: This is an impingement on the fundamental right of free speech. the act or fact of striking or touching something, or the effect produced by this: The impingement on the diamond's hard crystal surface is due to oxygen in the air.

What does muscle impingement mean?

Impingement syndrome describes a condition in which the tendons of the rotator cuff of the shoulder are pinched as they pass between the top of the upper arm (humerus) and the tip of the shoulder (acromion).

Is an impingement the same as a tear?

It differs from subacromial impingement syndrome where swelling due to repetitive or traumatic compression of structures causes pain and shoulder dysfunction, instead torn fibres of the muscle directly inhibit muscle function due to loss of structural integrity.