Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement is the painful pinching of tendons and the bursa when you lift your arm. We ease the irritation and correct the mechanics causing it, restoring smooth, pain-free overhead movement at our Marple clinic.

Understanding Your Condition
Shoulder impingement happens when the tendons of your rotator cuff or the bursa above them get pinched in the narrow space under your shoulder blade as you lift your arm. The result is a characteristic 'painful arc' — pain as your arm passes through the middle of its range, often with a catching or pinching sensation.
It's one of the most common shoulder problems we see, and it responds very well to physiotherapy. At Complete Recovery Physiotherapy in Marple, we settle the irritated tissues and — crucially — correct the posture and movement faults that cause the pinching, so your arm moves smoothly and pain-free again.

What You Feel
- Pain in the middle of lifting your arm — the 'painful arc'
- A pinching or catching sensation reaching overhead
- Pain on the front or side of the shoulder
- Discomfort lying on the shoulder at night
- Pain reaching behind your back
- Weakness or reluctance to lift your arm fully
- Pain with repetitive overhead or throwing activities
- Aching after using the arm for prolonged periods
Common Causes
- Poor shoulder blade posture and control compressing the space
- Rotator cuff weakness failing to centre the shoulder joint
- Tight chest muscles pulling the shoulder forward
- Repetitive overhead activity in sport or work
- Bony shape or narrowing of the shoulder space
- Inflammation of the bursa increasing tissue bulk
- Sudden increase in overhead training or activity
- Poor technique in lifting, swimming or throwing
Who Physiotherapy Can Help
Shoulder impingement commonly affects people who work or train overhead — swimmers, tennis and badminton players, weightlifters, painters and decorators — as well as desk workers whose rounded posture gradually narrows the shoulder space. We see it in active people and sedentary people alike.
If you have a painful arc, night pain and a catching sensation overhead, impingement is likely. We assess the mechanics of your shoulder to identify why the pinching is happening and build a plan to fix it.
Struggling with Shoulder Impingement?
Book your assessment today. We'll find the root cause and start hands-on treatment in your first session.
Your Assessment
Your assessment identifies impingement and, importantly, why it's happening. We use specific clinical tests to reproduce the pinching, assess your shoulder blade posture and control, test the rotator cuff, and look for the tightness and weakness driving the problem.
Impingement is a symptom of poor mechanics, not a diagnosis in itself — so finding the underlying cause is essential. We'll explain what's pinching, why, and exactly what to do about it.
How We Treat It
Our hands-on treatment approach:
- Assessment to confirm impingement and identify its cause
- Hands-on treatment to ease pain and restore shoulder mobility
- Strengthening the rotator cuff to keep the joint centred
- Shoulder blade control and posture correction
- Stretching tight chest and shoulder muscles
- A graded return to overhead activity with technique correction
Expected Recovery
Most impingement improves significantly within 6–8 weeks of targeted treatment that addresses both the irritation and the mechanics. Faster-relief cases can ease within a few weeks, while longer-standing impingement takes a little longer to fully correct.
The key is fixing the cause — strengthening the cuff, improving shoulder blade control and correcting posture — so the pinching stops happening. We give you the exercises and habits to keep your shoulder moving freely long-term, not just settle the pain temporarily.
Everything You Need to Know Before Booking
No GP referral needed. Direct access appointments available — often same-day or within a few days.
What Happens at Your First Appointment
Your first session is a 45-minute comprehensive assessment. We start by listening — understanding your symptoms, your history, and what you want to get back to. We then carry out a thorough hands-on physical examination to identify the root cause of your problem. You'll receive a clear explanation of what's going on, a personalised treatment plan, and hands-on treatment begins in that very first session. You leave knowing exactly what's wrong, what we'll do about it, and how long recovery will take.
What Should I Wear?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area we're treating. For knee, hip, or leg problems, shorts are ideal. For shoulder, neck, or back issues, a loose top or vest works well. You'll never be asked to undress beyond what's necessary for examination and treatment, and you'll always be treated with dignity and respect in our private treatment room.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
This depends on your condition, how long you've had it, and your goals. Many patients feel significant improvement within 3–6 sessions. Acute injuries often resolve faster, while long-standing or complex conditions may need more. We'll give you a clear treatment timeline at your first appointment — and we only ever recommend sessions you genuinely need. Our goal is to get you independent and pain-free as quickly as possible, not to keep you coming back.
Can I Claim Through Insurance?
Yes. We are recognised by most major health insurance providers including AXA, Vitality, Bupa, WPA, and Healix. We can bill your insurer directly so you don't need to pay upfront — simply bring your insurance authorisation number to your appointment. If you're not sure whether you're covered, call us and we'll help you check before you book.
Treated by a Qualified, Experienced Professional

Rob Wood
Head Physio & Clinic Owner
Meet Rob, founder of Complete Recovery Physiotherapy in Marple.
Shoulder Impingement Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Complete Recovery Physiotherapy?
We Fix the Cause
Impingement is a symptom of poor mechanics. We find and fix the posture, control and strength issues causing the pinching, so it stops coming back.
Hands-On Plus Rehab
Manual therapy to ease the irritation, combined with a strengthening and posture programme to correct the mechanics — the combination that lasts.
Sport & Work Aware
We understand the overhead demands of swimming, racket sports, lifting and trades, and tailor your return to your specific activities.
Avoid Injections & Surgery
Most impingement resolves with physiotherapy. We help you avoid injections and surgery where possible, advising honestly if they're needed.
Clear, Progressive Plan
You'll know what to strengthen, what to stretch and how to progress — a clear roadmap back to pain-free overhead movement.
Free Parking in Marple
Easy visits at Bowden Hall with free parking right outside, making regular rehab appointments straightforward.
Related Conditions We Treat

Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain affects reaching, lifting, sleeping and sport. We assess the exact cause — from tendon problems to stiffness — and rebuild comfortable, confident movement with hands-on treatment and targeted rehabilitation at our Marple clinic.
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Rotator Cuff Pain
Rotator cuff pain comes from the group of muscles and tendons that stabilise and move your shoulder. We settle the irritation and rebuild the tendon's strength with a progressive loading programme, easing pain and restoring confident movement.
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Bursitis
Bursitis is inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joints, causing pain and swelling. We settle the inflammation and address the mechanics causing it at our Marple clinic.
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Tendinopathy
Tendinopathy is a painful tendon condition caused by overuse, affecting tendons throughout the body. We rebuild the tendon with a progressive loading programme at our Marple clinic.
Learn MoreRelated Services

Physiotherapy
At Complete Recovery Physio, everything we do is built around high-quality physiotherapy. Whether you're recovering from an injury, dealing with ongoing pain, or looking to move more freely, we're here to support you.
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Exercise Rehabilitation
Exercise rehabilitation is the structured, progressive programme that rebuilds your strength, movement and confidence after injury or surgery — turning short-term relief into lasting recovery, guided by physiotherapists at our Marple clinic.
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Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is the hands-on heart of physiotherapy — skilled joint mobilisation, soft tissue release and manipulation that reduces pain, restores movement and helps your body move freely again, delivered by experienced physiotherapists in Marple.
Learn MoreDon't Let Pain Hold You Back
Expert, hands-on physiotherapy in Marple. Free parking. Same-day and short-notice appointments often available.
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Book your assessment today and take the first step towards a pain-free, active life. Free parking at our Marple clinic.


