Physio with Shoulder Bursitis

The shoulder joint is a complex region with multiple joints, tendon and ligament attachments, so it all needs to be assessed thoroughly to see exactly what the cause is. If there is a dysfunction in one region, it will place more pressure on the shoulder joint itself. Shoulder bursitis is one of the leading causes of shoulder pain, resulting in the need to take days off work, difficulty with completing everyday tasks, and in some cases, even disability.

Symptoms of bursitis can differ for everyone by type and severity with patients often reporting symptoms of swelling, excessive warmth at the site, tenderness and pain, and difficulty with overhead movements.

The main goal after experiencing bursitis is to return to normal function. This can include returning to everyday activities at home and at work, hobbies, and sports.

Even though pain may be present, it is important determine the underlying cause(s) and to commence rehabilitation as soon as possible to prevent this acute condition from turning into a chronic condition. Therefore, a structured rehabilitation program guided by your physiotherapist is important to ensure that your shoulder joint is being provided with all the support it requires to result in a smooth rehab process.

The following is advice we generally give to our patients:

1. Utilising ice on the shoulder joint can assist with reducing inflammation within the bursae and thus reducing the level of pain experienced.
2. In addition, corticosteroid injections are commonly recommended to assist in the management of bursitis; however, it has been reported that repeated use of corticosteroid injections can have a negative impact on the integrity of the soft tissue, thus it is recommended to not always receive these injections.
3. It is also important to know that a period of rest will not assist with managing the pain and condition long-term. Shoulder bursitis must be assessed thoroughly by a physio to determine the underlying causes so we can work towards managing and removing the issue completely.

If you have any questions or wish to discuss this condition further, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team, as we will be able to assist you on your journey.

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