Yes, frequently. Many conditions-such as calcific tendonitis, bicep tendonitis, arthritis, early frozen shoulder, and overuse of the shoulder-can mimic impingement syndrome. The most effective way to get the right diagnosis is a careful history, a good physical exam, x-rays, and sometimes an MRI. This diagnostic term “impingement syndrome” made sense when first used more than 50 years ago. Since then, we have a better understanding of the shoulder and realized that the term “impingement syndrome” is a general term that simply describes patients who have pain when they raise up their arm. When a patient presents with this diagnosis, Dr. Romeo carefully examines the shoulder and reviews the radiology studies to better define the real cause of the pain and limited function.
This diagnostic term “impingement syndrome” made sense when first used more than 50 years ago. Since then, we have a better understanding of the shoulder and realized that the term “impingement syndrome” is a general term that simply describes patients who have pain when they raise up their arm. When a patient presents with this diagnosis, Dr. Romeo carefully examines the shoulder and reviews the radiology studies to better define the real cause of the pain and limited function.