What is rotator cuff impingement?
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder joint that enable smooth shoulder motion. If one of the tendons in the rotator cuff gets damaged, it can swell and become pinched in the bony top of the shoulder joint. If this happens, blood flow can be impeded, causing the tendon to fray or split.
Rotator cuff impingement is most likely to occur in young athletes and older adults, as it’s typically the result of overuse. Athletes who perform the same shoulder motion repeatedly, such as baseball or softball pitchers, are at especially high risk. Older adults can be at risk simply due to general wear and tear.
Rotator cuff impingements can often be treated at home with a combination of rest and gentle restorative exercises, though in especially severe or persistent cases, surgery may be necessary. If left untreated, severe rotator cuff impingements can develop into torn tendons.
Source:
WebMD