Shoulder Bursitis
It is an inflammation of the subacromial bursa in the shoulder joint.
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What is shoulder bursitis?
It is an inflammation of the subacromial bursa in the shoulder joint.
What is the subacromial bursa?
A bursa is like a small, very thin, fluid-filled sac found in several joints throughout the body. This small sac acts as a cushion in the joint and lubricates structures that are exposed to more friction.
In the shoulder, we have the subacromial bursa, and when it is inflamed, it is called bursitis. There are other bursae in the shoulder, and they can all become inflamed, but the most commonly affected is the subacromial bursa.
What are the causes of shoulder bursitis?
Irritation of the bursa can be primarily caused by:
- Impingement syndrome (see the shoulder impingement syndrome section)
- Repetitive shoulder movements with the arms in the air
- Trauma directly to the shoulder
A classic example leading to the development of bursitis is when a person who is not used to making efforts with their arms participates in a move and has to lift many boxes in one day.
More rarely, bursitis can be caused by an infection or rheumatoid arthritis. See the inflammatory arthritis section
What are the risk factors for developing bursitis in the shoulder?
Shoulder bursitis is more common in the following groups:
- Athletes who play sports involving repetitive overhead arm movements (volleyball, tennis, badminton).
- Manufacturing workers
- Manual laborers
What are the symptoms of shoulder bursitis?
The most common symptoms are:
- Specific pain, often in the front or on the side of the shoulder
- Pain and often inability to lift the arm out to the side (abduction)
- Shoulder weakness and pain when lifting loads
- Shoulder pain and stiffness when raising your arms overhead
How is shoulder bursitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis is possible based on a review of your symptoms and a clinical examination. If the pain started after a fall or direct trauma to the shoulder, an X-ray will generally be taken during the medical consultation to rule out a possible fracture.
When should I see a physiotherapist for shoulder bursitis?
You should consult a physiotherapist if you have symptoms as described above or if your doctor has already ruled out any other cause that may be responsible for your pain.
You do not need to see a doctor before consulting a physiotherapist. If your condition requires you to see a doctor, your physiotherapist will be able to tell you.
What physiotherapy treatments are available for shoulder bursitis?
Your physiotherapist will perform an assessment to determine your limitations by evaluating the following elements:
- Your joint mobility
- The gliding of your nerves
- The quality of your movements
- Your strength and stability
Based on the assessment results, your physiotherapist will:
- Mobilize your shoulder to reduce pain and improve your range of motion.
- Give you specific exercises to increase shoulder mobility, reduce pain, and improve control of your movements and muscle strength.
- Teach you how to properly manage your daily activities and hobbies to optimize healing
- Give you advice for your posture and movements.
What can I do at home for shoulder bursitis?
If you think your bursitis is due to trauma, a blow, or an accident, follow the PEACE and LOVE principles. Read the blog post on PEACE and LOVE, and then read the advice here that applies to shoulder bursitis.
PEACE and LOVE tips specific to shoulder bursitis
(make sure you have read the blog post that explains the PEACE and LOVE steps in detail)
For P = Protection:
You can use a triangular bandage to support your arm for 24-48 hours to reduce pain.
For C = Compression:
It is not necessary to compress the shoulder.
For L = Load:
Start moving the injured shoulder again and using that arm for your daily tasks without significantly increasing the pain. Do the dishes, pick up lighter objects with the injured side, etc.
For V = Vascularisation:
Light to moderate cardio exercise, done without pain, speeds up healing. Therefore, for a rotator cuff tear, you can:
- Walking
- Use a stationary bike with your arm well supported
- Do aquajogging
- Use an elliptical machine without using your arms
If the bursitis is NOT due to trauma, temporarily stop doing the movements that cause too much pain and then gradually start doing them again.
Here are some other tips to help you:
- If you have pain at night or morning stiffness, make sure your neck is well supported while sleeping with a pillow that fills the hollow of your neck.
- Avoid sleeping with your arm behind your head or under the pillow. Keep your arm along your body or supported with a pillow.
- Avoid sleeping on the painful shoulder.
- If you can't find a comfortable position for the night, use one or two pillows to support your arm.
Sources
Dubois B, Esculier JF. Soft-tissue injuries simply need PEACE and LOVE.
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