What is shoulder bursitis?

What is Bursitis? 
Bursitis is a condition that causes the small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae to become inflamed. A bursa is responsible for cushioning the tendons, ligaments, bones and muscles near the joint and preventing friction from occurring. This condition usually occurs in joints that are involved in repetitive movements, such as the shoulder, elbow, hip and knee. 

What are the symptoms?
There are a range of symptoms that can present when bursitis has developed within the shoulder joint, including; 

• Pain that radiates down the arm toward the elbow or wrist, or pain on the outer region of the shoulder. 
• Pain that is exacerbated when laying on the affected shoulder.
• Pain that increases when moving the arm overhead. 
• A decrease or relief of pain when the arm is resting down by your side.

​Causes of shoulder bursitis
There are a number of potential causes but some of the most common can be a single injury such as a fall, repeated minor trauma like overuse injuries of the joint or muscles around the joint. When bursitis is caused from overuse injuries it is often associated with impingement and inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons as well. 

Prevention of shoulder bursitis 
Whilst it is difficult to determine singular causes in the development of bursitis there are a range of secondary factors that can contribute. Reducing causes of primary and secondary impingement are crucial in preventing shoulder bursitis and rotator cuff problems. Factors such as posture, muscle length, shoulder stability and rotator cuff strength can all contribute to the development of bursitis over time. 

Each of these factors can be optimised by completing specific exercises prescribed from a trained allied health professional.

Treatment of shoulder bursitis
Shoulder bursitis is one of the most common shoulder injuries that presents in a range of populations. The rotator cuff muscles are responsible for the centralisation and stability of the shoulder joint. Adequate control within the shoulder then prevents injuries such as bursitis, impingement and dislocations. 

Interestingly, the arm only has one bony joint attachment where the collarbone meets the tip of the shoulder blade. The remainder of the shoulder joint attachment and stabilisers are all muscular, highlighting the importance of maintaining strength in the shoulder.

Treatment for shoulder bursitis focuses on increasing range of movement in the shoulder joint without pain, regaining control of the shoulder blades, upper back and neck and improving strength in the rotator cuff and shoulder muscles. Each of these steps can take a number of weeks to successfully complete, so it is important to be patient and consistent during your treatment. 

If you suffer from shoulder bursitis, visit your local Accredited Exercise Physiologist who can help return your function and decrease pain!

​Written by, 
Aleisha Michael
Accredited Exercise Physiologist.