Impingement Syndrome: Prognosis | Impingement syndrome of the shoulder under physiotherapeutic aspects

Impingement Syndrome: Prognosis

The earlier the consequent medical and physiotherapeutic treatment of the impingement syndrome is started, the faster the success of the treatment and the chance of a complete cure of the problem. The majority of those affected experience a significant improvement in terms of symptom relief and functional improvement over the course of several weeks, which can be achieved even in advanced stages of the disease. The success of the treatment depends on the intensive and active cooperation of the patient, especially in addition to medication and passive physiotherapeutic techniques.

However, it can happen that an impingement syndrome that was thought to have been cured reoccurs (relapse) after a longer period of time due to resumed or unknown strain (sports, gardening, heavy physical work at work). In order to avoid a relapse, it is advisable to continue the exercises for another 2-3 months, even if no symptoms have been reported.If in the long run conservative therapy (medical treatment options without surgery) cannot achieve freedom from pain under stress, surgical treatment should be considered, which in most cases offers good prospects of success in the long run. However, in case of a relapse, even with surgery, the previous level of performance cannot always be achieved.