Subacromial syndrome

Subacromial syndrome is a shoulder condition characterized by pain, weakness, and limited shoulder movement. It is caused by inflammation of the subacromial space, a small cavity located beneath the acromion (a bony structure in the shoulder) that contains the tendons and ligaments that connect to the shoulder bone (humerus). Inflammation in this space can compress the tendons, causing shoulder pain and weakness.

Subacromial syndrome often develops due to repetitive strain on the tendons and ligaments, as may occur in sports that require repetitive arm movements, heavy lifting, or simply due to age-related wear and tear.

Symptoms of Subacromial Syndrome
Common symptoms of subacromial syndrome include shoulder pain, especially when raising or reaching back, shoulder weakness, and difficulty moving the arm at certain angles. Treatment includes rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, ultrasound-guided injections, specific exercises, and, in severe cases, surgery.

Causes of Subacromial Syndrome

• The cause of subacromial syndrome is multifactorial and related to several factors that contribute to compression and inflammation of the subacromial space.
• One of the most common causes is age-related wear and tear, due to the loss of elasticity of the tendons and ligaments and increased tissue degeneration.
• Another common cause is repetitive overload of the tendons and ligaments due to work or sports activities that require repetitive arm movements, such as lifting weights, throwing a ball, or playing a musical instrument.
• The way the shoulder moves is also an important factor. Improper posture or poor technique when performing an activity can increase the risk of developing subacromial syndrome.
• In addition, some injuries and other pathologies, such as a fracture in the shoulder bone, a dislocation, tendonitis, or bursitis, can contribute to the development of subacromial syndrome.

In summary, the origin of subacromial syndrome is complex and related to a combination of factors, such as age-related wear and tear, repetitive overload, posture and technique, and other pathologies or previous injuries.

Diagnosis of Subacromial Syndrome

The diagnosis of subacromial syndrome is based on a combination of symptoms, clinical history, physical findings, and the results of complementary studies (x-ray, ultrasound, and/or MRI) and is usually made by an orthopedic and trauma specialist.

• The first step in diagnosis is a detailed patient history, which includes questions about the patient's symptoms, the duration of symptoms, and any triggering factors or activities that may have contributed to the symptoms.
• A physical examination is essential for the diagnosis of subacromial syndrome. The doctor may assess shoulder mobility, shoulder strength, and the presence of shoulder pain or discomfort when moving the shoulder.
• X-rays and MRIs are also tests that help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
• The diagnosis of subacromial syndrome is based on a combination of symptoms, medical history, physical findings, and the results of additional tests (X-rays, ultrasound, and/or MRIs) and is usually made by an orthopedic and trauma specialist.

Treatment for Subacromial Shoulder Syndrome
Treatment is primarily conservative and focuses on relieving symptoms and improving shoulder function. Treatments include:

• Medications: Pain relievers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help relieve pain and inflammation.
• Ultrasound-guided injections: This is a medical technique used to treat musculoskeletal pain. It involves injecting medications (such as corticosteroids) into a specific area of ​​the body, guided by ultrasound. This allows for greater precision in injection placement, reduces the risk of side effects, and improves treatment effectiveness. They can be used to treat conditions such as subacromial shoulder syndrome, as well as arthritis, lower back pain, tendonitis, and others.
• Physiotherapy: Physical therapy is an essential treatment for subacromial shoulder syndrome. Strengthening and stretching exercises are essential for improving shoulder mobility and function. Massage techniques and manual therapy can also be used to relieve inflammation and tension in the tendons and muscles.
• Lifestyle changes: Avoiding or reducing activities that cause shoulder pain and discomfort, modifying poor posture or techniques, and ensuring good overall posture.
• In severe cases where conservative treatment has not been effective, surgical treatment may be necessary. However, surgery is only considered as a last resort, as most cases can be successfully treated with conservative treatments.

In summary, treatment for subacromial shoulder syndrome is based on a conservative approach that includes physical therapy exercises, medications, ultrasound-guided injections, and lifestyle changes to relieve symptoms and improve shoulder function. Surgery is only considered an option in severe cases where conservative treatment has not been effective.

Make an appointment with Dr. Jordi Jiménez. He will see you in the center of Palma and help you regain your quality of life.