Shoulder impingement syndrome is a common problem encountered in athletes and the general population. Etiology, pathology, and treatment differ throughout the literature. The purpose of this review is to examine the current literature with respect to the mechanism and conservative management of impingement syndrome. Focus is on anatomy, pathology, diagnosis, and conservative treatment. It is concluded that there is little experimental research evaluating the efficacy of conservative management techniques. It is recommended that further studies regarding the efficacy of conservative treatment be initiated. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1989;11(5):183-191.