Medically reviewed by: Mark A. Yaffe, MD, certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, subspecialty certified in hand surgery. Last reviewed: October 5, 2026
SHOULDER IMPINGEMENT & BURSITIS TREATMENT IN Schaumburg
Chicago's Premier Shoulder Impingement & Bursitis Treatment
Dr. Mark Yaffe(opens in a new tab) is an orthopedic specialist who treats upper extremity conditions, including shoulder impingement and shoulder bursitis. When tendons and the cushioning bursa in the shoulder become pinched or irritated, reaching overhead, getting dressed or sleeping on your side can become painful. Dr. Yaffe’s goal is to calm the irritation and restore comfortable shoulder movement with the least invasive approach that will work for you.
Whether your shoulder pain started after a new activity or has built up gradually, Dr. Yaffe offers a thorough evaluation to find the source of the pain and a plan matched to your symptoms. As part of his broader shoulder care(opens in a new tab), he starts with non-surgical treatment, including biologic injections, and offers arthroscopic surgery when it is the right next step.
Dr. Yaffe takes the time to listen to your concerns and explains your options so you can decide what fits your goals. If you are ready to find relief with one of the orthopedic doctors serving Schaumburg(opens in a new tab), Buffalo Grove(opens in a new tab), and Elk Grove Village(opens in a new tab), request your first appointment with Dr. Yaffe today.
Shoulder Pain When Reaching Overhead & at Night
Signs and Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement and Bursitis
Impingement happens when the rotator cuff tendons and the bursa, a small fluid-filled cushion, get squeezed in the narrow space under the bony roof of the shoulder. Over time this can inflame the bursa and irritate the tendons. Common signs include:
- Pain when lifting the arm: A pinching or aching pain at the front or side of the shoulder, especially when raising the arm overhead or out to the side.
- Pain often worsens with overhead reaching, throwing, swimming, painting or lifting.
- Night pain: Shoulder pain that is worse when lying on the affected side or that wakes you from sleep.
- Pain reaching behind the back: Discomfort when fastening a bra, tucking in a shirt or reaching into a back pocket.
- Tenderness and swelling: A sore or puffy spot at the front or outer edge of the shoulder.
- Weakness and stiffness: A shoulder that feels weak or does not move as freely as it used to.
- Left untreated, impingement can irritate or wear on the rotator cuff tendons, so persistent shoulder pain is worth evaluating.
THERAPY, PRP INJECTIONS & ARTHROSCOPIC SHOULDER SURGERY
Shoulder Impingement and Bursitis Treatment Options
The right treatment depends on what is irritating the shoulder, how long symptoms have been present, and how much they limit your daily life. Most patients begin with non-surgical care. Dr. Yaffe’s options include:
- Non-surgical care: Rest and activity changes, ice, physical therapy to improve shoulder mechanics and strengthen the muscles around the joint, anti-inflammatory medication, and biologic injection therapy using platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a non-cortisone injection. These measures can be effective, particularly when the problem is caught early.
- Arthroscopic shoulder surgery: For impingement or bursitis that does not improve with non-surgical care, arthroscopic surgery is performed through small portal sites to treat the source of the irritation inside the shoulder.
- Minimally-Invasive Surgery(opens in a new tab): Dr. Yaffe uses techniques developed for the upper extremity, with the goal of reducing recovery time and getting you back to work and sports as soon as possible.
- Sports Injuries(opens in a new tab): Dr. Yaffe treats shoulder pain from overhead sports and repetitive activity, and helps with rehabilitation and preventing the problem from returning.
Surgery is considered when pain continues despite non-surgical treatment and limits what you need to do each day. There is no single right time, and Dr. Yaffe will walk through your options with you. This page is for education and does not replace an examination, so an in-person evaluation is the way to confirm your diagnosis and the best plan for you.
About your surgeon. Dr. Mark A. Yaffe is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in orthopaedic surgery, with a subspecialty certification in hand surgery, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He earned his M.D. at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, completed his orthopaedic residency at Northwestern, and trained in hand and upper extremity surgery at The Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center. He was named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor in 2026 and a Chicago Magazine Top Doctor in 2025. Read Dr. Yaffe's full bio.(opens in a new tab)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is shoulder impingement and what causes it?
Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons and the bursa are pinched in the narrow space beneath the bony roof of the shoulder as you raise your arm. It can follow repetitive overhead activity, a change in how the shoulder moves, weakness in the muscles that steady the joint, or bone spurs that narrow the space. Dr. Yaffe evaluates each patient to understand what may be driving their symptoms.
What is shoulder bursitis and how is it different from impingement?
Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa, the small cushion that helps the tendons glide in the shoulder. It often occurs together with impingement, since pinching can irritate the bursa, and the two cause similar pain. An exam helps Dr. Yaffe tell which structures are involved.
How are shoulder impingement and bursitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis starts with your history and a hands-on exam, including checking strength, motion and which movements bring on pain. X-rays can show bone spurs or other changes, and MRI or ultrasound may be used to look at the tendons and bursa, especially if a rotator cuff tear is suspected. This helps Dr. Yaffe recommend the right treatment.
Can shoulder impingement and bursitis be treated without surgery?
Often, yes. Rest, activity changes, ice, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication and injections help many patients, especially when the problem is caught early. If symptoms persist or keep returning, Dr. Yaffe will discuss arthroscopic surgery.
Do injections help shoulder impingement and bursitis?
Injections can reduce inflammation and ease pain for some patients, but the relief varies from person to person and may be temporary. Dr. Yaffe offers biologic injection therapy using platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a non-cortisone injection, and can explain whether an injection makes sense for you based on your exam.
What are the benefits of arthroscopic shoulder surgery?
Arthroscopic surgery is performed through small portal sites rather than one large incision, which is designed to mean less tissue disturbance, less postoperative pain and a quicker return to activity than open surgery for many patients. It is part of Dr. Yaffe’s minimally invasive surgery(opens in a new tab) approach for the upper extremity. Results vary by patient, and he will discuss what to expect for your situation.
What can I expect during my recovery from shoulder surgery?
Recovery depends on the procedure performed. Dr. Yaffe will give you specific instructions for protecting the shoulder, when to begin moving it, and when to return to your usual activities. Many patients work with physical therapists to regain motion and strength. Recovery timelines vary from patient to patient.
How can I get started with the best shoulder specialist near me?
At Dr. Yaffe’s practice, we want it to be as easy as possible to get started on your road to relief. Just use our simple online appointment request(opens in a new tab) tool, and it helps to note which movements and times of day hurt most.
Get Your Shoulder Pain Evaluated by an Orthopedic Specialist
Expert Orthopedic Care from Mark A. Yaffe, M.D.