Shoulder Bursitis
What is shoulder bursitis?
Shoulder bursitis, also often called subacromial bursitis, is a condition where the bursa in the shoulder (a fluid filled sac that help reduce friction at a moving bone surface) becomes inflamed.
It is often caused by overuse injuries, but can be made more likely with spur formation at the undersurface of the acromion (common from middle age onwards) or from a hooked or down sloping acromion. It is also associated with scapula malpositioning/ scapula dyskinesis.
What can bursitis be apart from “bursitis”?
Bursitis is often associated with another shoulder condition such as subacromial impingement, adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) or rotator cuff tears.
As shoulder conditions often co-exist, if pain persists for more than a few weeks it is always a good idea to see an experienced shoulder surgeon.
As shoulder conditions often co-exist, if pain persists for more than a few weeks it is always a good idea to see an experienced shoulder surgeon.
What are the symptoms of shoulder bursitis?
- Tenderness to the touch
- Swelling
- Pain which may worsen with movement or pressure
- Limited range of movement
- Warmth or redness
- Painful overhead movements or reaching movements
- Shoulder weakness
- Disrupted sleep, especially if lying on the affected shoulder
- Clicking and snapping sensations
What are the treatments for shoulder bursitis?
- Rest and avoiding any activities that exacerbate pain. If it’s wearing shoulder bag , wear it on the other shoulder.
- If it’s a sport that is aggravating the pain, give it a rest for a few weeks.
- Ice therapy several times a day can help reduce swelling.
- Over the counter medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help manage pain.
- Physiotherapy to increase shoulder strength, flexibility and range of movement
- Steroid injections under guided ultrasound
- Using a sling or brace to immobilise the shoulder for a few weeks.
- Heat therapy such as warm compresses or heaing compresses (ice is better for swelling though).
- Surgical Intervention in severe cases by removing the bursa (bursectomy).
What are some good exercises for shoulder bursitis?
Shoulder rotations (for scapular stabilisation)
- Stand upright and raise the shoulders toward the ears. Hold for 5 seconds.
- Squeeze the shoulder blades together behind the back. Hold for 5 seconds.
- Pull the shoulder blades downward toward the heels. Hold for 5 seconds.
- Repeat 10 times, 3-4 times per day for two weeks.
