Shoulder Bursitis: Causes and Treatment

Shoulder bursitis occurs when the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues in the shoulder, becomes inflamed. It commonly affects the subacromial bursa, located under the shoulder blade (acromion).

Causes of Shoulder Bursitis

1. Repetitive Shoulder Movements:
   • Overhead activities like painting, swimming, or throwing can irritate the bursa.
   • Common in athletes and individuals with repetitive arm motions.
2. Trauma or Injury:
   • A direct blow to the shoulder or falling on the joint can lead to acute inflammation.
3. Poor Posture:
   • Rounded shoulders or poor biomechanics can increase pressure on the bursa.
4. Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy or Tears:
   • Nearby tendon injuries can aggravate the bursa due to increased friction.
5. Arthritis or Degenerative Conditions:
   • Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can cause chronic inflammation.
6. Infections (Septic Bursitis):
   • Though rare, an infection can inflame the bursa, typically requiring immediate medical attention.
7. Age-Related Degeneration:
   • The bursa becomes more susceptible to inflammation with aging.

Symptoms of Shoulder Bursitis

• Pain at the tip or outer side of the shoulder, worsening with movement or pressure.
• Swelling, tenderness, and warmth around the joint.
• Limited range of motion, particularly in overhead or lifting motions.
• Pain at night, especially when lying on the affected shoulder.

Treatment Options for Shoulder Bursitis

Non-Surgical Treatments

1. Rest and Activity Modification:
   • Avoid activities that aggravate the condition to reduce inflammation.
2. Ice Therapy:
   • Apply an ice pack for 15–20 minutes every 2–3 hours to minimize swelling.
3. Medications:
   • Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen or naproxen) to reduce pain and swelling.
4. Physical Therapy:
   • Stretching and strengthening exercises to improve shoulder mechanics and reduce stress on the bursa.
   • Focus on posture correction and scapular stabilization.
5. Corticosteroid Injections:
   • Steroid injections into the bursa to reduce inflammation in persistent cases.
6. Ultrasound Therapy:
   • Non-invasive modality to promote healing and reduce inflammation.

Advanced Treatments

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: Emerging treatment to reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair.

Surgical Treatments (Rare, for severe cases)

1. Bursa Removal (Bursectomy):
   • Minimally invasive procedure to remove the inflamed bursa.
2. Rotator Cuff Repair:
   • If bursitis is linked to rotator cuff injuries, addressing the tendon issue may resolve the inflammation.

Prevention Tips for Shoulder Bursitis

Use ergonomic tools or techniques for tasks involving shoulder strain.

Avoid repetitive overhead movements or take breaks during such activities.

Practice good posture to reduce pressure on the shoulder joint.

Incorporate regular shoulder strengthening and stretching exercises.

Warm up before physical activities to prepare the shoulder muscles.