After many internet searches and speaking to a couple of sports trainers, I have what Ibelieve to be Impingement Syndrome. Anyone out there with impingement syndrome with any tips or advice? Mine started in the right shoulder and then after a few months it is in both shoulders. It goes from bad to worse. I have a a good range of motion but it is very painful when I lift my arms ove rmy head, when I shoot a basketball, or throw a football. Also, can't sleep on my side due to discomfort. I am 40 y/o and diabetic. I have also read a few articles on line that suggest that this condition could be related to circulation problems, which could be a result ofbeing diabetic for 20 years. Thoughts????
The following user gives a hug of support to 5ccccc: MountainReader (02-22-2012)
I developed Shoulder impingement syndrome in 2008. Basically, I ended up with bursitis and tendonitis. When the impingement happens things in the shoulder stay inflammed and swollen. I tried a couple months of treatment with a PT which really didn't help. I finally saw a shoulder orthopedic specialist. He gave me a cortizone shot that really helped for a while. It was really diagnostic though. Eventually I lost a bunch of range of motion and decided to have surgery in April 2008. It is called arthroscopic subacromial decompression. They "cleaned up" the debris in my shoulder and shaved down a bit of bone under the clavical. Within months, my ROM returned and I was back to "normal".
You can try some PT, but I recommend seeing a shoulder specialist before it gets too bad. Left untreated, it can lead to rotator cuff tears due to the constant irritation.
Do not let the impingement go too long before getting it fixed. The longer you wait the more damage will be done and a longer recovery.
You may also have bone spurs in the shoulder, if so, they will continue chewing up the area until it looks like shag carpet. I allowed this to happen with my left shoulder and it took a year to get well. Had the right shoulder sooner and it has recovered in 6 months.
I had impingement that went on for 9 months before I had decompression surgery. It was from overuse in karate/martial arts. I had 4 cortisone shots before surgery and tried PT. Nothing worked. I have had no issues since the surgery, but I do not do karate anymore either. The surgery wasn't too bad and I'm glad I finally opted to have it done. I looked like a T-Rex for months before surgery because I had no ROM in my shoulder.
Impingement Syndrome? 
