Understanding shoulder Bursitis: Causes, symptoms and physiotherapy
What is shoulder Bursitis?
Shoulder Bursitis, or sub acromial/ sub deltoid Bursitis, is a painful condition that causes pain and limited range of motion of the shoulder. Bursitis is inflammation of a Bursa-a tiny, fluid filled SAC that assist in minimising friction between the bone and the surrounding soft tissue. Shoulder Bursitis is often associated with shoulder impingement, a movement dysfunction involving the glenohumeral joint(shoulder) and the scapula( shoulder blade).
What are the symptoms of subacromial Bursitis?
- pain at the tip of the shoulder or pain that occasionally radiates into the upper arm.
- Gradual onset of pain progressively worsening in the intensity over weeks or months following or during repetitive activity.
- Bursitis have intense onset if Bursitis is caused by a significant trauma such as a fall.
- Pain when sleeping on the affected shoulder.
- Painful arc of movement, usually when reaching up or to the side.
- Shoulder pain with activities such as reaching up to a high shelf, washing and drying hair, dressing, reaching for a car seat belt etc.
Common causes:
- Overuse or repetitive movements: activities like lifting heavy objects, repetitive overhead motions (example painting, throwing), Or prolonged desk jobs in poor postures can lead to shoulder bursitis.
- Bony anomalies or osteophytes (spurs), regeneration of the AC joint, osteophytes, poor shoulder bio mechanics, poor posture muscular imbalances, muscular tightness, capsular restrictions, incorrect motor patterns.
- Trauma or injury: falls, direct impact, or sudden jolts can damage the Bursa.
- Age and degeneration: as we age, the Bursa may become less resilient, increasing the risk of inflammation.
Making a diagnosis
Your physiotherapist will perform a series of test on your shoulder which along with the history of onset of symptoms will indicate the diagnosis off shoulder Bursitis. If needed, it can be confirmed with medical imaging such as ultrasound or MRI scans.
Will I Recover From Bursitis?
Most people recover well within 6-8 weeks of following physiotherapy treatment, guided exrcise program and activity modification program as given by your physiotherapist. In some cases, medical management may be rquired and can involve oral anti-inflammatory medications or the injection of cortisone (a corticosteroid anti-inflammatory) into the shoulder.
Physiotherapy treatment can include:
• Rest from aggravating activities or movements.
• Ice.
• Manual therapy techniques such as soft tissue mobilisation, joint mobilizations to increase the mobility in the joint and reduce the load on the Bursa.
• Taping the shoulder joint or the affected muscles.
• Strengthening the rotator cuff muscles and scapular stabilisers in order to achieve correct biomechanics for the shoulder complex.
• Stretching the tight muscles around neck and shoulder complex.
• Posture correction strategies and correct ergonomics.
• Relieving thoracic spine stiffness. It is also important to understand the stiff thoracic spine can play a big role in shoulder Bursitis and other pathologies. Your physiotherapist can help in identifying these issues and help you to resolve these.
• Gradual return to activities and sport.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for information purposes only always seek professional medical advice for accurate diagnosis and treatment.