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About Shoulder Bursitis
Shoulder bursitis is an injury or inflammation of the bursa around the shoulder joint. A bursa is a tiny, fluid-filled sac that functions as a gliding surface to reduce friction between tissues of the body. During impingement caused by bursitis, this space becomes too narrow to accommodate the tendons and the bursa, so every time these structures move between the bones, they are pinched.
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Causes of Shoulder Bursitis
Shoulder pain from bursitis is common in both young athletes and middle-aged people. Repetitive lifting or overhead activities also increases susceptibility to injury. Sometimes after an initial injury that sets off the process of inflammation, the problem can be self-exacerbating and the tendons and bursa can become inflamed. This inflammation causes a thickening of these structures which then takes up more space which causes the tendons and bursa to be pinched upon even more.
Shoulder pain from bursitis is common in both young athletes and middle-aged people. Repetitive lifting or overhead activities also increases susceptibility to injury. Sometimes after an initial injury that sets off the process of inflammation, the problem can be self-exacerbating and the tendons and bursa can become inflamed. This inflammation causes a thickening of these structures which then takes up more space which causes the tendons and bursa to be pinched upon even more.
Signs & Symptoms of Shoulder Bursitis
-- Minor pain that is present with both activity and at rest- Pain radiating from the front of the shoulder to the side of the arm
- Sudden pain with lifting and reaching movements
- Athletes have pain when throwing or serving a ball
As the problem progresses, the symptoms increase to include:
- Pain at night
- Loss of strength and motion
- Difficulty with activities requiring the arm behind the back such as buttoning or zippering
- Localized pain, swelling, or tenderness
Diagnosis of Shoulder Bursitis
A thorough physical exam is important to diagnose bursitis, and making an accurate diagnosis is necessary for proper treatment. X-rays are typically performed to assess the bony anatomy of the shoulder and can sometimes detect calcifications in the bursa when bursitis has been chronic or recurrent. An MRI may be considered to define bursitis and to ensure there is no sign of a rotator cuff tear.
Treatment for Shoulder Bursitis
Nonsurgical TreatmentIn many cases, the initial treatment for shoulder bursitis is non-surgical and may take several weeks to months for gradual improvement and return to full function.
Know your limits: Modify your activity level to reduce the impact on your injury.
NSAIDs: Over-the-counter pain relievers that also reduce swelling such as naproxen or ibuprofen
Physical Therapy: Working with a physical therapist who will attempt to restore normal motion to your shoulder by providing you with specific stretching exercises to improve your range of motion, relieve pain, and strengthen your muscles.
Know your limits: Modify your activity level to reduce the impact on your injury.
NSAIDs: Over-the-counter pain relievers that also reduce swelling such as naproxen or ibuprofen
Physical Therapy: Working with a physical therapist who will attempt to restore normal motion to your shoulder by providing you with specific stretching exercises to improve your range of motion, relieve pain, and strengthen your muscles.
Surgical Treatment
The surgical procedure for treating shoulder bursitis by removing the inflamed bursa is called a bursectomy. To learn more, click here.
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