Impingement Syndrome

CAUSES

• Narrowing of the space beneath the acromion where the rotator cuff tendons pass
• Bony spurring or an abnormally shaped acromion
• Repetitive overhead activity
• Rotator cuff or bursa inflammation
• Trauma

SYMPTOMS

• A painful arc of motion, typically between shoulder height and overhead
• Pain with reaching overhead or behind the back
• Night pain
• A pinching sensation with specific movements

IMAGING

Ultrasound or MRI can assess the relationship between the tendons, bursa, and bones. A shoulder X-ray helps evaluate bony anatomy and rule out calcific tendinitis.

CAN PRP HELP?

A small dedicated study found meaningful pain, function, and range-of-motion improvement after a single PRP injection for shoulder impingement. Impingement may coexist with rotator cuff tendinosis and a subacromial PRP injection may be considered.

Leukocyte Preparation: Leukocyte-Rich

Dosing: Single Injection

Target Platelet Dose in Studied Protocols: 2–6.75 billion platelets, per the rotator cuff/subacromial evidence this indication shares.

ASPN 2024 CONSENSUS GUIDELINE

ASPN doesn’t list “impingement syndrome” as its own named row — it’s graded under “rotator cuff tendinopathy” (Level I, Grade B), which explicitly includes subacromial injections, the same target used for impingement. We think it’s fair to extend that grade here, since the anatomy and injection target overlap directly, but we’re flagging this as a reasonable extension rather than a literal, separately-tested indication.

Sources: D’Souza et al. (ASPN Consensus), Journal of Pain Research, 2024 · Saurav et al., Cureus, 2022

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can PRP help shoulder impingement?

Studies have shown real improvement in pain, movement, and range of motion after just one PRP shot.

What does shoulder impingement feel like?

You will often feel pain while reaching overhead. It can also hurt to reach behind your back or sleep on that side.

How many PRP injections for shoulder impingement?

Usually just one shot, placed in the space beneath the tip of the shoulder blade where the tendons get pinched.

How many PRP injections are typically needed for shoulder impingement?

Usually a single injection. A small dedicated study found meaningful pain, function, and range-of-motion improvement after one leukocyte-rich PRP injection for shoulder impingement.