What is Bursitis?
Bursitis is the inflammation of one or more bursae (small sacs) of synovial fluid in the body. The bursae rest at the points where internal functionaries, such as muscles and tendons, slide across bone. Healthy bursae create a smooth, almost frictionless functional gliding surface making normal movement painless. When bursitis occurs, however, movement relying upon the inflamed bursa becomes difficult and painful. Moreover, the movement of tendons and muscles over the inflamed bursa aggravates its inflammation, perpetuating the problem.
Shoulder bursitis (also called subacromial bursitis) occurs when the bursa (a fluid-filled sac on the side of the shoulder) becomes damaged, irritated, or inflamed. Bursitis (“-itis”); means “inflammation”) means the bursa has become irritated and inflamed, which causes pain. Normally, the bursa acts as a cushion for the rotator cuff tendon of the supraspinatus muscle that sits under the bursa and prevents the tendon from rubbing on the acromion bone above the bursa. Certain positions, motions, or disease processes can cause friction or stress on the bursa, leading to the development of bursitis. When the bursa becomes injured, the tendon doesn’t glide smoothly over it and can become painful.
Shoulder bursitis can be caused by:
- Repetitive motions (overhead reaching or lifting, throwing, or twisting of the arm)
- Muscle weakness or poor muscle coordination
- Incorrect posture
- Direct trauma (being hit, or falling on the side of the shoulder)
- Shoulder surgery or replacement
- Calcium deposits in the shoulder
- Overgrowth or bone spurs in the acromion bone
- Infection
- Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriasis, or thyroid disease
- Muscles or tendons in the shoulder area rubbing the bursa and causing irritation
How Can Physical Therapy Help?
Based on the evaluation, our physical therapists will develop a customized rehabilitation program for you. In the acute stage, this might include modalities to reduce inflammation and irritation of the Bursae and surrounding soft tissue such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation as well as cryotherapy and thermotherapy. As the Bursae settles then manual therapy and exercises are incorporated to address strength and /or mobility deficits. Finally, the goal is to return to normal functioning. Ergonomics functional movement analysis are used to provide corrective measures to aid in the final stages of recovery.
Your physical therapist will work with you to design a specific treatment program that will speed your recovery, including exercises and treatments that you can do at home. Physical therapy will help you return to your normal lifestyle and activities. The time it takes to heal the condition varies, but results can often be achieved in 2 to 8 weeks when a proper stretching and strengthening program is implemented.
During the first 24 to 48 hours following your diagnosis, your physical therapist may advise you to:
- Rest the area by avoiding lifting or reaching overhead, or any activity that causes pain.
- Apply ice packs to the area for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 hours.
- Consult with a physician for further services, such as medication or diagnostic tests.
Your physical therapist will work with you to:
How Does it Feel?
With shoulder bursitis, you may experience:
- Pain on the outer side or tip of the shoulder
- Pain when you push with your finger on the tip of the shoulder
- Pain when lying on the affected shoulder
- Pain that worsens when lifting the arm to the side
- Pain when rotating the arm
- Pain when pushing or pulling open a door
Bursitis is commonly caused by repetitive movement and excessive pressure. Shoulders, elbows, and knees are the most commonly affected. Inflammation of the bursae might also be caused by other inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Although infrequent, scoliosis might cause bursitis of the shoulders; however, shoulder bursitis is more commonly caused by overuse of the shoulder joint and related muscles. Traumatic injury is another cause of bursitis. The inflammation irritates because the bursa no longer fits in the original small area between the bone and the functionary muscle or tendon. When the bone increases pressure upon the bursa, bursitis results. Sometimes the reason is unknown. It can also be associated with some chronic systemic diseases.
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Where Can You Find Us?
(941) 744-9046
2601 Manatee Avenue West Ste E
Bradenton, FL 34205
