Shoulder Bursitis Treatment

What Causes Shoulder Bursitis?

Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursae. The bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs found near joints. They act as a cushion between moving parts in the joint to stop muscles, bones, and tendons from rubbing together. When a shoulder bursa gets irritated, it becomes inflamed and grows in size. This means there is less space in the shoulder for muscles and tendons to move around, which can cause shoulder pain and a loss of movement in the shoulder.

What are the Symptoms of Shoulder Bursitis?

• Pain around the outside or tip of the shoulder.
• Pain when the shoulder is touched.
• Reduced range of movement in the shoulder joint.
• Swelling and redness around the shoulder.
• Shoulder pain when the arm is raised, such as reaching shelves or washing hair.
• Pain may become worse at night, especially when lying on the effected side. It may get worse after the shoulder has been kept still for a while.

Diagnosis

Your Physio Inq physiotherapist is able to differentiate shoulder bursitis from a rotator cuff injury using manual tests. Shoulder bursitis commonly co-exists with rotator cuff tears or rotator cuff tendinopathy. An ultrasound scan is often the most helpful investigation to confirm subacromial bursitis. MRI scan may also be useful.

What is the Treatment for Shoulder Bursitis?

• Pain relief & inflammation control
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Hot and cold treatments
• Avoid activities and positions that can squeeze or irritate your bursa
• Series of exercises to stretch the shoulder, neck and upper back
  
• Series of stability exercises to restore control through the shoulder
  
• Series of strengthening exercises to restore rotator cuff
• Series of exercises to help restore functionality, high speed, power, proprioception and agility
  
• Cortisone injection combined with rehab

Our team of physiotherapists can help get you back on track to move better and live a life with less limits. Get in touch!