Conditions we diagnose and treat

Shoulder Impingement and Subacromial Bursitis Treatment in London

Available at LSRI Harley Street (W1G 9QJ) and LSRI Northwest London, Harrow (HA2 7SJ).

Shoulder impingement is a common cause of pain when lifting the arm.

5.0 59 Google reviews
5/5 Doctify
Bupa Fee-assured
CQC Registered
GMC / FRCR Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist

It usually involves irritation of the rotator cuff tendons and the subacromial bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that sits between the tendons and the bony point of the shoulder. Many specialists now call this subacromial pain or rotator cuff-related shoulder pain. At LSRI, Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, uses ultrasound to find the exact source of pain and, where helpful, treats it with an ultrasound-guided injection.

Why choose LSRI

Consultant-led care from Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist with more than 20 years’ experience.
Diagnosis and ultrasound-guided treatment from the same specialist.
Two clinics: LSRI Harley Street (W1G 9QJ) and LSRI Northwest London in Harrow (HA2 7SJ).
No GP referral needed, and all major insurers accepted.
After Dr Sankaye has reported your scan, you can have a free 5-minute video consultation to go through the results.

Last medically reviewed by Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, on 2 October 2026.

Symptoms of shoulder impingement

Pain on the outside of the shoulder or upper arm when lifting the arm, especially between waist and shoulder height
Pain reaching overhead, behind your back or putting on a coat
Pain lying on the affected side at night
Weakness when lifting, which can be a sign of a rotator cuff tear

How we diagnose shoulder impingement

Your symptoms and an examination point to the diagnosis. Imaging shows exactly what is going on:

Ultrasound shows the rotator cuff tendons, any tears, a thickened or inflamed bursa and calcium deposits. It can also be done while you move your arm, to see the tendons and bursa in action. See our guide to the shoulder ultrasound scan.
X-ray shows calcium deposits and the bony shape of the shoulder.
MRI is used when a significant tear or other problem is suspected. See our guide to the shoulder MRI scan.

What to expect at your appointment

Dr Sankaye reviews your symptoms and examines your shoulder.
The shoulder is scanned with ultrasound to find the source of pain.
You discuss the options, including whether an injection is right for you.
If you go ahead, the injection is guided by ultrasound into the right space.
You receive aftercare advice and should start or continue your exercises once the pain settles.

Treatment options

A graded exercise programme to strengthen the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles, usually with a physiotherapist, is the main treatment and helps most people. When pain gets in the way of that, options at LSRI include:

Ultrasound-guided subacromial steroid injection: placed accurately into the bursa to reduce pain and inflammation, usually giving short- to medium-term relief so you can do your exercises.
Barbotage for calcific tendinopathy: if a calcium deposit is causing pain, it can be broken up and washed out under ultrasound guidance.
PRP: sometimes considered for rotator cuff tendinopathy, although the evidence is still developing.

If a significant rotator cuff tear is found, Dr Sankaye can advise whether an orthopaedic opinion is worthwhile. Read more about ultrasound-guided shoulder injections.

Questions about shoulder impingement

Is it impingement or a rotator cuff tear?

The symptoms overlap. An ultrasound scan shows whether the tendons are intact, torn or inflamed, and whether the bursa is thickened.

Do I need surgery?

Most people do not. Exercise, with an injection where needed, helps most people. Surgery is considered only for specific problems that do not respond.

How long does a steroid injection last?

It varies. Many people get several weeks to a few months of relief, which is a window to build strength with exercises.

What is calcific tendinopathy?

A build-up of calcium within a rotator cuff tendon. It can be very painful and shows up clearly on ultrasound and X-ray.

Our clinics

Two clinics, one team

Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, sees patients at Harley Street in central London and at our Northwest London clinic in Harrow. Call one number to book at either clinic.