Subacromial shoulder pain
Shoulder pain, often during arm elevation; symptoms alone do not establish a specific structural lesion.
Pain is relatively limited and function is fully or partly preserved.
Loading or trauma that exceeds the tissue's current capacity. The exact cause varies by injury type.
Common contributing factors
- •Rapid increase in load
- •Insufficient recovery
- •Limited recovery
- •Previous symptoms or injury
Increase training load gradually and plan recovery. Adjust training according to symptoms and function.
- •Gradual load progression
- •Regular strength and control training
- •Adequate recovery
- •Respond early to increasing symptoms
Modify loading according to symptoms. Avoid activities that clearly worsen symptoms and use pain-free movement as tolerated.
Load management and symptom control
Reduce provoking load while maintaining appropriate controlled activity.
Goals
Reduce symptoms and maintain mobility, strength and general physical capacity.
Progression criteria
Daily activities and relevant football movements are possible without clear symptom aggravation.
- Daily activities without clear pain increase
- Relevant football tasks are tolerated
- Load can be increased gradually without worsening
The information in the Injury Center is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
Subacromial shoulder pain
Shoulder pain, often during arm elevation; symptoms alone do not establish a specific structural lesion.
Mild — Varierar från dagar till månader beroende på skadans art och omfattning.
Symptoms
Pain is relatively limited and function is fully or partly preserved.
Acute Treatment
Modify loading according to symptoms. Avoid activities that clearly worsen symptoms and use pain-free movement as tolerated.
Rehabilitation
Reduce provoking load while maintaining appropriate controlled activity.
Goals
Reduce symptoms and maintain mobility, strength and general physical capacity.
Progression criteria
Daily activities and relevant football movements are possible without clear symptom aggravation.
Return to Play
- ☐ Daily activities without clear pain increase
- ☐ Relevant football tasks are tolerated
- ☐ Load can be increased gradually without worsening
Moderate — Varierar från dagar till månader beroende på skadans art och omfattning.
Symptoms
Pain is relatively limited and function is fully or partly preserved.
Acute Treatment
Modify loading according to symptoms. Avoid activities that clearly worsen symptoms and use pain-free movement as tolerated.
Rehabilitation
Reduce provoking load while maintaining appropriate controlled activity.
Goals
Reduce symptoms and maintain mobility, strength and general physical capacity.
Progression criteria
Daily activities and relevant football movements are possible without clear symptom aggravation.
Return to Play
- ☐ Daily activities without clear pain increase
- ☐ Relevant football tasks are tolerated
- ☐ Load can be increased gradually without worsening
Severe — Varierar från dagar till månader beroende på skadans art och omfattning.
Symptoms
Pain is relatively limited and function is fully or partly preserved.
Acute Treatment
Modify loading according to symptoms. Avoid activities that clearly worsen symptoms and use pain-free movement as tolerated.
Rehabilitation
Reduce provoking load while maintaining appropriate controlled activity.
Goals
Reduce symptoms and maintain mobility, strength and general physical capacity.
Progression criteria
Daily activities and relevant football movements are possible without clear symptom aggravation.
Return to Play
- ☐ Daily activities without clear pain increase
- ☐ Relevant football tasks are tolerated
- ☐ Load can be increased gradually without worsening
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek care for severe pain, clear deformity, significant trauma, neurological symptoms or lack of improvement.
- Numbness or sensory loss
- Marked functional loss
- Suspected fracture or dislocation
- Rapidly worsening symptoms
References
- 1177 Healthcare Guide — 1177 Vårdguiden (https://www.1177.se/)
- British Journal of Sports Medicine — British Journal of Sports Medicine (https://bjsm.bmj.com/)