Bursitis of the shoulder is a painful condition that is not age-related, but becomes more common as you get older. Bursitis of the shoulder can have many different causes. It is often caused by a repetitive movement, 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 subject the bursa to a great deal of friction over a short period of time, it can become irritated and subsequently inflamed.
- Bursitis can also be caused by an abnormal movement pattern. The bursa can become trapped between the head of the humerus and the acromion when you raise 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 a physiotherapist, we will carry out a thorough assessment.
We will also carry out specific tests to confirm with certainty that you have bursitis of the shoulder. To pinpoint the exact location of the pain, we will gently press on the outside of your shoulder to see if it is painful to the touch. We will also assess your posture and how you lift your arm. Finally, we will carry out tests and screenings 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. Continue to do movements that you can manage comfortably and try to avoid painful movements as much as possible. This helps to maintain the condition of your shoulder and your muscle activity.
