Understanding Shoulder Bursitis: Uncovering Causes and Effective Treatments

Shoulder bursitis is a common condition that affects many people, causing discomfort and limiting movement in the shoulder. Grasping the causes, symptoms, and treatments for shoulder bursitis is crucial for anyone who wants to stay active and healthy.

What is Shoulder Bursitis?

Shoulder bursitis occurs when the bursa—a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions the bones, tendons, and muscles near joints—becomes inflamed. This inflammation leads to pain, swelling, and limited movement, especially overhead. It's not just a problem for athletes; it can affect anyone who uses their shoulders frequently in daily life.

Causes of Shoulder Bursitis

Understanding the causes of shoulder bursitis helps in prevention and treatment. Some common reasons include:

Overuse and Repetitive Motion

One significant factor in shoulder bursitis is overuse, especially in activities that involve repetitive motion. For example, athletes like tennis players and swimmers, as well as workers such as painters and carpenters, often face a higher risk. Research shows that repetitive overhead activities can increase the likelihood of developing this condition by up to 50%.

Decreased rotator cuff muscle strength can also lead to overuse, causing the bursa to get jammed, more irritated and inflamed.

Age-Related Degeneration

As people age, muscle and tendon weakness increases the risk of shoulder bursitis. A study found that approximately 20% of adults over 60 experience symptoms of bursitis, even without extensive activity. This degenerative process causes the bursa to become more vulnerable to inflammation.

Injury or Trauma

Shoulder bursitis can also result from acute injuries. For instance, a fall or a direct blow to the shoulder can lead to inflammation. If you experience a shoulder injury, they should seek immediate care from one of our physios to prevent further complications.

Underlying Medical Conditions

Certain health issues, such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can raise the risk of bursitis. For example, studies suggest that individuals with diabetes are twice as likely to develop bursitis due to their body's altered inflammatory response.

Infection

Though less common, an infected bursa can cause painful bursitis. Bacterial infections can lead to swelling, fluid buildup, and severe discomfort. According to the CDC, about 2% of bursitis cases result from infection, highlighting the need for prompt medical attention if symptoms arise.

Symptoms of Shoulder Bursitis

Recognizing the symptoms of shoulder bursitis is key to managing the condition effectively. Common symptoms include:

Pain and Tenderness

Individuals often experience sharp or aching pain in the shoulder, especially when reaching overhead. For example, activities like placing items on a high shelf may become painful. Tenderness may also be present around the inflamed bursa.

Swelling

Inflammation usually leads to noticeable swelling around the shoulder. This swelling can restrict movement and contribute to discomfort, making simple tasks challenging.

Stiffness

Shoulder bursitis can cause significant stiffness, reducing the range of motion. Daily activities, such as combing hair or lifting objects, may become increasingly difficult.

Warmth and Redness

If the bursa is infected, the affected area may feel warm and look red. This warning sign indicates that immediate medical care is required.

Treatment Options for Shoulder Bursitis

Once a diagnosis has been established, various treatment options can help manage shoulder bursitis. Here are several effective strategies:

Rest and Activity Modification

Active rest of the affected shoulder is crucial. Minimising activities that intensify symptoms can significantly reduce inflammation. Modifying your activity to reduce load on the shoulder will help reduce the symptoms in the early stages. Your physio will guide you through this phase.

Physiotherapy

Rest does not fix bursitis on its own, and without fixing the underlying cause of the problem, it is likely to return once you start doing that activity again.Our Physiotherapists will assess your shoulder and get to the root cause of the problem and gradually load the shouder again so that the muscles can cope with the stresses that you put on it.

Anti-inflammatory Medications

Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or voltaren, can help reduce inflammation and pain. Patients should always consult their healthcare provider for advice on proper dosing.

Corticosteroid Injections

In cases where other treatments are ineffective, corticosteroid injections may provide some relief. These injections can reduce inflammation quickly, but it's essential to discuss this option with a healthcare professional.

Surgery

In rare instances, surgery may be necessary to remove the bursa or address serious underlying shoulder issues.

Are you having pain in your shoulder. Book an appointment with one of our experienced physios and let us help you get back to the activities you love. Call us on 9838 8449 or click on the button below to book online.

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