Shoulder Bursitis

What is Shoulder Bursitis?

Shoulder bursitis, a prevalent source of shoulder pain, stems from the inflammation of the shoulder’s bursa. These small, fluid-filled sacs play a crucial role in minimising friction in the shoulder’s moving parts. When inflamed, they can cause substantial discomfort, manifesting as pain on the outer shoulder, radiating arm pain, and difficulty in activities such as lifting or lying on the affected side.

Diagnosis: The First Step to Relief

Accurately diagnosing bursitis typically involves a thorough physical examination. As a physiotherapist, I focus on identifying a specific range of motion that triggers pain, often referred to as the “painful arc”.

We also conduct impingement tests to ascertain the condition. To distinguish shoulder bursitis from similar issues like rotator cuff injuries, we sometimes recommend imaging tests, including ultrasounds or MRI scans.

Causes Behind the Pain

The causes of shoulder bursitis vary, ranging from repetitive minor trauma to severe injuries such as falls. Overuse or misuse of the shoulder joint and muscles often leads to this ailment. Complications related to the rotator cuff, including impingement and tendinopathy, are also common culprits.

Effective Treatment Strategies

The initial approach to treating bursitis involves managing pain and inflammation. Techniques include applying ice, resting, and using anti-inflammatory medications. Following this, a tailored physiotherapy program enhances shoulder strength and flexibility. In more persistent or severe cases, like chronic or calcific bursitis, treatment may escalate to corticosteroid injections or surgery.

Prevention: The Key to Long-Term Health

Preventing shoulder bursitis is crucial. By targeting the root causes of impingement through specific exercises, we can improve shoulder posture, muscle length, shoulder stability, and rotator cuff strength. Working alongside a physiotherapist ensures that exercises and strategies are customised to your unique needs, thereby reducing the risk of recurrence and enhancing long-term shoulder health.

Bursitis Treatment in Light of New Research

Current research in physiotherapy underscores the importance of early intervention and a holistic approach to treatment. Studies highlight the benefits of combining physiotherapy with patient education on shoulder mechanics, significantly improving outcomes.

New techniques in manual therapy and specific strengthening exercises have shown promise in offering more effective relief and hastening recovery.

When to Consider a Bursa Injection?

Subacromial bursa injection can be helpful to reduce pain. A key aspect often overlooked in rehabilitation is identifying and addressing the root cause of the injury.

For instance, if a rotator cuff tear or bursitis was triggered by shoulder impingement, it’s vital to correct the movement patterns that led to this issue. Simply treating the symptoms without understanding the cause may lead to recurrent problems.

Read more: When to Consider a Cortisone Injection for a torn rotator cuff or Shoulder Bursitis?

Enhancing Shoulder Function Through Exercise

Exercise plays a pivotal role in both treatment and prevention of shoulder bursitis. Recent guidelines suggest incorporating a range of motion and strengthening exercises that focus on the entire shoulder girdle. These exercises aim to enhance scapular stability, which is critical for shoulder health.

Conclusion: Embracing a Holistic Approach

Living with shoulder bursitis can significantly affect daily life. Prompt diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan, including physiotherapy, posture and lifestyle changes, and possibly dietary adjustments, are essential for effective management.

Understanding the causes and actively engaging in prevention and treatment under professional guidance can alleviate the discomfort associated with shoulder bursitis and reduce its recurrence.

Personalised Care for Optimal Management

Remember, this guide offers valuable insights, but it’s crucial to seek personalised advice from a physiotherapist for optimal management of shoulder bursitis.

Related Articles

• Cortisone Injection For Shoulder: Rotator Cuff & Bursitis: It discusses the use of cortisone injections for shoulder conditions including bursitis, providing insights into their benefits and limitations​​.
• Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: This article explores various shoulder conditions including bursitis, offering advice and information on managing these conditions​​.
• Bursitis: This page provides a comprehensive overview of bursitis in different body parts, including the shoulder, which could be highly relevant for readers interested in a broader understanding of bursitis​​.
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• Frozen Shoulder: Overcoming the Stiffness: Offers insights into managing frozen shoulder, a condition that can be related to or mistaken for shoulder bursitis​​.
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• AC Joint: Identifying and Managing Injuries: Provides information on identifying and managing AC joint injuries, which can be associated with shoulder pain similar to bursitis​​.
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