This condition is especially common in older patients. Impingement syndrome, like rotator cuff disease, is divided into three stages, depending on the severity of the damage. Regardless of the stage, the most significant symptom of impingement is pain, particularly, night pain. This pain may progress to discomfort during sport or activity, eventually affecting performance and interfering with sleep. The symptoms consist of an aching discomfort, often interfering with sleep and work, and may progress to interfere with activities of daily living.
Patients often admit to prolonged periods of pain, particularly at night.
Weakness may also be bothersome. I inflammatory tendinitis is reversible, when an appropriate rehabilitation program takes place. As symptoms improve, a stretching and strengthening program is added, prior to returning to a sport or occupation. As stage II symptoms become evident, a greater emphasis is placed on range of motion and flexibility. The goals are to control symptoms and maintain range of motion, allowing for reasonable function.