Extremities & Joints
Shoulder Impingement
A painful arc of shoulder movement, usually in the mid-range of lifting the arm.
Also called: Subacromial pain syndrome, Impingement syndrome.
Impingement describes a pattern of pain when the arm is raised, typically through a specific portion of the movement. Current understanding treats it as a load and movement problem more than a purely structural one, where soft tissue becomes compressed or irritated during certain arm positions.
The pattern is usually identifiable by how and when the pain occurs during arm movement. An examination looks at shoulder blade timing, posture, and how the joint moves through its range.
Why this matters
It tends to limit exactly the movements people use most: reaching up and out, which makes it hard to work around. Simple tasks like putting away dishes or reaching for a seatbelt can become uncomfortable reminders.
Because the pain is movement-dependent, identifying which positions or activities aggravate it helps guide what to modify while the shoulder settles.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
Shoulder-blade timing and neck function both influence the mechanics of raising the arm. When that timing is off, the space available for tendons and soft tissue during overhead movement can be reduced.
Because this timing is a nervous-system controlled pattern, an evaluation looks at coordination between the neck, shoulder blade, and arm rather than treating the shoulder joint in isolation.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Some symptoms need medical evaluation first. If anything in your history or examination suggests that, we will say so and help point you in the right direction.
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Joint Pain & Staying Active — Shoulders, hips, knees, ankles — extremity function matters as much as the spine.
- Achilles Tendinopathy — Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, usually load-related.
- Ankle Instability — A repeatedly rolling or unreliable ankle, usually following earlier sprains.
- Ankle Pain — Pain or restriction at the ankle, often after an old injury.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.