What does it mean to impinge in a medical context?

In a medical context, to impinge means to come into contact in such a way that it causes a pinching or compression effect. This term is often used when discussing anatomical structures, such as bones, nerves, or tissues, that may interfere with one another, leading to pain or dysfunction. For example, shoulder impingement involves the shoulder tendons being compressed during arm movements due to their proximity to bones in the shoulder joint.

The concept of impingement highlights the importance of anatomy and biomechanics in understanding how certain movements or positions can lead to pain or restricted function. This understanding is crucial for diagnosis and treatment in sports medicine and rehabilitation, where identifying impingement is a key factor in addressing underlying issues and developing effective treatment plans.