Bursitis (bursitis) of the shoulder is a painful condition that is not age-related, but is more common as you get older. Bursitis of the shoulder can have many different causes. It is often caused by a movement that is often repeated, such as throwing. This causes friction at the top of the shoulder.
What is bursitis of the shoulder?
This condition occurs when the bursa (a fluid-filled sac on the side of the shoulder) becomes damaged, irritated or inflamed. This causes pain. Normally, the bursa is a kind of cushion which keeps the tendon from rubbing over the shoulder roof above the bursa. A certain posture, repetitive movements or disease processes can cause the bursa to become "injured". As a result, the tendon no longer glides smoothly over it and the shoulder can become painful.
Causes of bursitis of the shoulder
- Overuse is usually the cause of bursitis of the shoulder. If you exert a lot of friction on the bursa in a short period of time, it can become irritated and then inflamed.
- Bursitis can also be caused by a disrupted movement pattern. The bursa can become trapped between the shoulder head and the shoulder roof when you lift your arm. This causes the bursa to become irritated.
- The condition can also be caused by trauma, such as a fall on the shoulder.
Fixing this injury
If you decide to see the physiotherapist, we will do a thorough check-up.
We will also do special tests to determine with certainty that you have bursitis of the shoulder. To see exactly where the sore is, we will gently press on the outside of the shoulder to see if it is painful when touched. We will also look at your posture and how you lift your arm. Finally, we will test and screen for other, more serious conditions that could be causing the shoulder pain.
Recovery from bursitis of the shoulder
One of the most important remedies is rest. Keep doing movements that go well and try to avoid painful movements as much as possible. This will help condition your shoulder and muscle activity.
