The shoulder complex is one of the most elaborated joints of our body, as it is formed by several bones (clavicle, scapula, humerus and sternum) that constitute different joints (sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, glenohumeral, scapulothoracic). The humerus connects with the glenoid of the scapula to form the glenohumeral joint, and above it, there is the acromioclavicular joint, constituted by the acromion of the scapula and the clavicle. Shoulder impingement syndrome is a condition in which pain is caused by a “conflict” between the humerus and the acromion in which different structures present in the subacromial space (supraspinatus tendon and subacromial bursa) are compressed. The development of this condition is multifactorial, however, some predisposing factors, such as the specific anatomical configuration of the acromion (e.g.: hooked or convex), poor shoulder biomechanics, and exposure to extensive overhead activities to name some, exist. Patients affected by this condition typically report pain localised in the subacromial area that can radiate to other structures that increases with overhead- and internal rotation- related activities, weakness, clicking sensation and limited shoulder functioning.
