What's behind shoulder impingement
Shoulder impingement happens when tendons or bursa get pinched during overhead movement, causing pain that's often worse reaching up, back, or overhead.
It shows up in desk workers reaching for a high shelf just as often as it shows up in lifters pressing overhead — the common thread is usually a mobility or stability gap somewhere in the shoulder blade, rotator cuff, or upper back that's letting the joint pinch under load.
Signs you might be dealing with it
- Pain reaching overhead, behind your back, or across your body
- A pinching or catching sensation in a specific arc of motion
- Weakness or fatigue with overhead pressing or reaching
- Pain that disrupts sleep, especially lying on the affected side
- Shoulder tightness that's limited your training or daily reach
The V-A-S-T Approach to get you out of pain
Vision
Discover the root cause: We check shoulder blade mechanics, rotator cuff strength, and upper back mobility together to find what's letting the joint pinch.
Alignment
Restore balance: Adjustments and soft tissue work to reduce pain and restore the range of motion you've lost.
Strength
Build lasting capacity: Progressive loading to rebuild rotator cuff and shoulder blade strength so the joint stops pinching under load.
Transformation
Live without limits: You reach overhead, throw, and lift again without that catch or pinch stopping you mid-motion.
What relief looks like
"I've been a patient of Dr. Mae Li for over 3 years and I highly recommend her - she is fantastic. Dr. Mae is professional, thorough, empathetic, and fun! She's gotten me through multiple injuries, always with a gentle touch, even keel, and appropriate sense of humor. I'm so grateful to work with her."
"Dr. Mae Li DC, cured my left shoulder pain in only four visits. I was blessed to have received such exceptional care which included spinal adjustments- manipulations, exercises to improve my posture and help control my stress. Thank you Dr. Li."
"Dr. Li is magnificent. Kind, smart, gentle. She diagnosed my problem correctly before the x-ray came in, and is teaching me how to take care of myself."
"Dr. Mae Li is great! She provided very specific guidance for a hamstring issue, which improved it materially in the first month. Thanks!"
"Visiting with Dr. Li is always a highly positive, multi-faceted experience. Not only was the issue for which I was visiting quickly and accurately diagnosed, we discussed diet and proper squat form as well. Though I often fail, Dr. Li, I promise to do the exercises you prescribed!"
"Dr. Mae Li is really wonderful. She is thorough, effective and a great listener. She gives great suggestions about stretches and preventative exercises. She also really gets to know her patients."
"When I was diagnosed with sciatica at age 50 my doctor sent me to see these incredible sports medicine experts so they could tailor my rehab and exercise to my very active lifestyle. I didn't have a sports injury but they helped me heal & rehab through prescribed activity (so I didn't need to go to a PT) and I got stronger than ever while healing! They also taught me how to prevent reoccurrence. Being in my late 50s now, I've contended with various issues -- radiculitis, broken foot, knee strain, back pain -- and I always feel relief even after one visit. The primary technique they use (Active Release) feels amazing! They really listen and explain everything and it's all very easy to understand. Dr Mae Li is brilliant, funny, and extremely effective. (I'm always a little sad when she says I don't need to come back.) I'd recommend this woman to anyone in a heartbeat."
"Dr. Mae Li is absolutely wonderful. I've been going to her for the better part of two years to manage my back and neck pain and stiffness and she's been a valuable part of my physical therapy and maintenance routine."
"I am a former collegiate tennis player, I have had knee tendinitis for the past 6 years. After seeing five physical therapists, I was almost convinced there was no fix for my ailment. In a matter of four visits, Dr. Li discovered a simple solution to the problem, involving a slight modification to my movement pattern while playing. This was without time-intensive rehabilitation exercises. I am forever grateful to Dr. Li for keeping me on the court."
"I love Mae! She's a fanatic listener and clinician. She's the best."
"Have a leg injury getting worse over time. Dr. Mae Li helped me first relieve the pain and then have been constantly helping me in recovering and getting better with PT homeworks! Highly recommended."
"Dr. Mae Li is caring, professional, friendly and knows how to apply the right technique at the right time. She takes the time to explain the details and her care is genuine."
"Dr. Li is the absolute best! She has taken care of my neck and more recently my broken elbow, she takes the time to understand what my issues are and works magic. I had been struggling to find help for my elbow and Dr. Li scheduled me in ASAP and has provided great care and I can see tremendous improvement with her!"
"Dr. Li was super-helpful with effective adjustments, exercises, and advice that kept me moving."
"Mae did a great job (again) getting a hurt part back in order. Good insights and advice on what to do as well as therapy."
"Mae listened carefully as I described my pain and worked with me through a series of questions and motions, to determine my flexibility. She quickly assessed the situation, and began treatment. After that, she gave me some "homework" exercises, so I could address my pain on my own at home. All the while, Mae was attentive, interested, and focused. I felt very comfortable with her, and I'm looking forward to my next treatment."
"Mae has done amazing work for me. I had a debilitating upper back issue that left me writhing in pain during a long run where I had to limp about two miles home. After three procedures I am back to nearly 100% normal, which I find remarkable. Thank you for the great work, Mae!"
Shoulder pain & impingement, answered
Click a question for the answer — or see the full FAQ for pricing, insurance, and what to expect.
What's the difference between shoulder impingement and a rotator cuff tear?
Impingement is pinching of tendons or bursa during movement, often from a mobility or stability gap; a tear is actual damage to the tendon tissue. Impingement is far more common and usually responds well to conservative care — if something suggests a tear, we'll refer you for imaging.
Can I keep lifting with shoulder impingement?
Usually yes, with modifications to the angles and loads that provoke it while we address the underlying mobility and stability gaps.
Will my posture affect my shoulder pain?
Often, yes — a rounded upper back and forward shoulders change how the shoulder blade moves, which is a common contributor to impingement.
How long does shoulder impingement take to resolve?
It varies, but many people notice meaningful relief within a handful of visits, with full return to overhead activity taking longer as strength rebuilds.