Subacromial pain syndrome
Subacromial pain syndrome
If you have new or ongoing symptoms, you should visit a doctor for advice.
Subacromial pain syndrome is a term used to describe pain that starts in your shoulder and can spread towards your neck or down your arm. It is the most common reason for shoulder pain.
Your shoulder joint is the most mobile joint in your body. It is a ball and socket joint that allows your shoulder to move very freely, supported by the rotator cuff muscles and tendons. Often, with subacromial pain syndrome, these tendons can be weakened.
The condition can develop due to:
- age related changes
- repetitive strain
- injury or trauma
However, it can sometimes appear without any clear reason.
Other factors that can affect the health of your tendons include:
- smoking
- obesity
- high fat diet
- high cholesterol levels
- diabetes (Type 1 and 2)
Common Symptoms
Symptom information is not available for this condition yet.
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Diagnosis
To diagnose subacromial pain syndrome, a doctor will need to assess you.
The doctor will first ask you questions about your shoulder problem and then carry out a physical exam. This might include checking your range of movement and strength.
You may sometimes need a further exam to rule out other possible health conditions.
Treatment
Your treatment options depend on how severe your symptoms are. Although most cases of subacromial pain syndrome get better on their own, some can take time to clear up.
Your arm may feel very painful, but it's important to keep moving your shoulder. To help manage your pain, break activities you normally do down into smaller amounts.
These should be short-term measures to help your pain. As soon as you're able, try to get back to your normal activities, as this is the best way to help your recovery.
Exercise
Targeted shoulder exercises to help you move, along with stretching and strengthening exercises, can help improve your arm movement and ease your pain.
Read about exercises for shoulder problems
Pain treatments
Painkillers can help you move more comfortably, which can help your recovery.
More about taking painkillers
Corticosteroid Injections
If painkillers aren't helping to control the pain, your doctor may discuss having a corticosteroid injection into your shoulder joint.
Corticosteroids are medicines that help reduce pain and inflammation. They may also be given with a local anaesthetic.
Injections won't cure your condition or reduce shoulder stiffness, they are used to help with the pain.
Read more about corticosteroids
Work
Subacromial pain syndrome can sometimes mean you need to take some time off work to help your recovery. How long you're off will depend on your condition and your role at work.
You don't need to be free of symptoms before you consider returning to work. Continuing to go to work, or returning to work as soon as you can, will help your recovery.
Gradually getting back to your normal daily activities can help build up your strength and stamina.
Help and support
Following this advice, you should see gradual improvements over time.
Talk to a doctor if:
- your symptoms haven't improved within 6 weeks following this advice
- your symptoms get worse
Find out how to access MSK services in your area.
When dealing with any health condition, it's important to also look after your mental wellbeing. This can impact your recovery.
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