Shoulder Impingement vs Frozen Shoulder - Understanding the Difference

Although shoulder impingement and frozen shoulder have similar symptoms, they are different. Shoulder impingement is caused by a swollen, thickened, or torn rotator cuff tendon that rubs against or catches in the acromion while the cause of frozen shoulder is often unknown. Knowing the features can help you differentiate between the two.

 

Frozen Shoulder:

• Causes: Often unexpected, but can be linked to immobility or trauma
• Gradual onset of pain and stiffness, leading to decreased range of arm movement. At the end stage can present with a very stiff and weak shoulder.
• Difficulties in lifting your arm above your head and extending your arms across your body or behind your back in most directions
• Stiffness more than muscle weakness
• Pain duration tends to be long (months to years)

 

Shoulder Impingement:

• Causes: Repetitive overhead activity, bone spurs, inflammation of tendons. - Shoulder pain tends to worsen with movement, especially overhead activities. The pain can come on suddently or gradually - Difficulties in overhead movement or reaching behind your back
• Muscle weakness more than stiffness
• Pain duration varies, often shorter 

 

Feature	Frozen Shoulder	Shoulder Impingement
Pain Pattern	Very sharp pain during movement in most directions; often constant dull, aching pain	Sharp pain, especially with movement
Onset	Gradual; At the end stage can present with a very stiff and weak shoulder	Can be sudden or gradual
Possible Causes	Often unexpected, but can be linked to immobility or trauma	Repetitive overhead activity, bone spurs, inflammation of tendons
Range of Motion	Significantly limited in all directions	Mainly limited in overhead movement
Weakness	Stiffness more than muscle weakness	Muscle weakness more than stiffness
Duration	Long (months to years)	Varies, often shorter

 

To properly diagnose your shoulder's pain, you should make an appointment to seek advice from a professional physiotherapist or medical expert.

 

Further reading:

• Frozen Shoulder Demystified: Uncover the Causes and Symptoms

• 3 Simple Exercises to Improve Frozen Shoulder - Reclaim Your Range of Motion