Shoulder Impingement – Sports Injury Rehabilitation

Common Causes of Shoulder Impingement in Athletes

Shoulder impingement is one of the most frequent sports-related shoulder injuries, especially in athletes who rely on repetitive arm movements. It often develops from repetitive overhead activity—such as swimming, tennis, cricket bowling, weightlifting, or functional fitness training—which places continuous stress on the rotator cuff and surrounding structures. Poor shoulder blade (scapular) control can further increase this strain, preventing the shoulder from moving smoothly and leading to painful pinching during movement. Many athletes also experience muscle imbalances around the shoulder, where certain muscles become overworked while stabilising muscles weaken, making the joint more vulnerable to injury.

Incorrect or inefficient sports technique, particularly during overhead or throwing movements, is another major contributor, placing abnormal forces on the shoulder joint. A sudden increase in training load or intensity—for example, ramping up weightlifting volume or returning to sport too quickly—can overload the tissues before they adapt. Athletes with a history of shoulder problems, such as a previous rotator cuff strain, are also at a higher risk of developing shoulder impingement due to lingering weakness or altered movement patterns.