Shoulder impingement
Pinching pain at the top of the shoulder when you lift or reach overhead.
By Andrew Ellis, AHPRA registered physiotherapist · Reviewed July 2026
What it is
Shoulder impingement, also called subacromial pain, is when tendons of the rotator cuff are compressed or irritated under the top of the shoulder. It typically causes a painful arc of movement when you raise the arm.
Signs and symptoms
Everyone is different, but these are common with shoulder impingement. You may have some and not others.
How physiotherapy helps
Impingement usually responds well without surgery. We assess the cause, settle the pain, and build a program that improves shoulder control and strength so the tendons are no longer pinched. We adjust your activity while it calms down.
- Shoulder and posture assessment
- Pain easing treatment
- Rotator cuff and control exercises
- Activity modification
How we treat it
The right mix depends on your assessment. These are the services we most often draw on for this.
Exercise and rehabilitation
Tailored programs to rebuild mobility, strength and confidence in the movements that matter to you.
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Soft tissue release
Skilled hands on work through muscles, tendons and ligaments to ease tension and restore flexibility.
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Trigger point dry needling
Fine needles into trigger points to release muscle tension and ease referred pain. A core focus at PACT.
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What you pay, with or without cover
Every appointment is a full, unhurried session with the time to work through complex, persistent problems. The fee is $165 for an initial visit and $142 for a follow up, and if you have Medicare, private health extras or an accepted claim, here is what you pay.
Paying privately
No referral or paperwork needed. Every visit is a full, unhurried session with the time it needs.
With a Medicare plan
A GP Chronic Disease Management referral rebates $61.80 on every visit, up to 5 a year.
With private health extras
Claim on the spot through HICAPS. The gap depends on your fund and level of cover. See all health funds
Workers comp & CTP
Accepted workers compensation and CTP claims are billed straight to your insurer, and we handle the paperwork.
Every bar is drawn to the same scale, from $0 to the standard fee. Private health gaps vary with your fund and your level of extras cover.
Other problems we help with
Pain rarely sits in one neat box. These are commonly linked, and we treat them all.
Good to know before you book
Should I rest my shoulder completely?
How much will it cost?
Do I need a referral?
Can it be managed by telehealth?
Read more on this
Plain English articles from our physiotherapist, written to answer the questions we get asked most.
Sources and further reading
Written and reviewed by Andrew Ellis, AHPRA registered physiotherapist. Last reviewed July 2026.
This page is general information about shoulder impingement, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an assessment. If you are concerned about your symptoms, book an appointment or see your GP.
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Same day appointments often available at our Miranda clinic, or by telehealth across Australia.