Impingement Syndrome occurs when the rotator cuff tendons and bursae rub against the front edge of the shoulder blade (the acromium) and the coracromial ligament, especially when the arm is lifted.

Common to swimmers, baseball and tennis players, who often use their arms overhead during activity, Impingement Syndrome is indicated by both sharp pain accompanying lifting movements and radiating pain that travels from the front of the shoulder to the side of the arm.

Rest, anti-inflammatory medication and physician-supervised physical therapy is the usual prescription for mild cases, though more serious instances may demand cortisone injection or arthroscopic surgery.