“What is the difference between frozen shoulder and shoulder impingement?”

Shoulder impingement is typically less severe and shorter in duration with physical therapy and chiropractic intervention.

An impingement is when a structure is rubbing or putting pressure on an adjacent structure such as a tendon or nerve. A frozen shoulder is the common name for adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder because is limits the range of motion of the shoulder. The first can be a cause of the second.

Frozen shoulder causes a person to not be able to turn their arm out and can be quite painful even when motionless and especially at night. While there is some overlap in symptoms, *shoulder
impingement is caused by a swollen rotator cuff*. It causes pain in a certain range of motion. You got questions, I got answers!

*Dr. Elra A. Morgan*
*Chiropractor* | *American Chiropractic Medical Services (AMCS)*
W: 810-420-0801 | F: 810-420-0805
A: 621 Chartier Rd, Ste B, Marine City, MI 48039
E: acms2020@gmail.com
W: www.acmsclinics.com

A frozen shoulder means you can't lift your arm above your head. That is generally a problem with the subscapularis muscle. Shoulder impingement can relate to muscle, tendon, ligament or bone problems that generally cause pain with the movement depending on the reason for the problem.

Frozen shoulder is also known as adhesive capsulitis. It is more common in women and may be associated with thyroid disease or diabetes. It results in pain and decreased range of motion. Shoulder impingement, on the other hand, happens when the biceps tendon is pinched by the shoulder joint. Some people have an anatomic difference that makes them more prone to impingement. These explanations are simplified, but I hope that helps. If you think you have one of these conditions, please see a health care professional for a full exam and workup so that the problem can be addressed appropriately.