By Dr. Skye Lee, DScPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, CMTPT — a Fellowship-trained physical therapist (fewer than 1% of PTs hold these credentials) practicing one-on-one in Columbia, MD.
Shoulder impingement — pinching pain when you raise your arm — comes from the rotator cuff or bursa being compressed during movement. Shoulder impingement treatment in Columbia, MD restores the mechanics so you can reach overhead pain-free.
Why your shoulder pinches
Impingement usually reflects how the shoulder moves — poor scapular control, rotator-cuff weakness, or posture — narrowing the space tendons pass through. It's a mechanics problem, which is good news, because mechanics are trainable.
How PT treats impingement
- Calm the irritated tissue and modify aggravating loads.
- Restore shoulder-blade and rotator-cuff control.
- Progressive strengthening through full range.
- Return to overhead work and sport.
What the evidence shows
Exercise-based rehab focused on the rotator cuff and scapular control is first-line and effective for most impingement, often avoiding injections or surgery.
Recovery timeline
Many people improve over 6–12 weeks as control and strength return.
Self-care you can start today
- Modify, don't eliminate, overhead tasks.
- Begin gentle rotator-cuff and shoulder-blade activation.
- Avoid prolonged rounded-shoulder posture.
- Support the arm in bed to reduce night pain.
What I'll assess at your first visit in Columbia
I'll assess shoulder-blade and rotator-cuff control, range and strength, and posture — then start targeted control and loading work.
Related care at SKYE: Shoulder impingement in Columbia, MD often responds well to manual physical therapy and corrective exercise. You may also find my guides on rotator cuff tears and frozen shoulder helpful.