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Shoulder Bursitis

Comprehensive guide to understanding, treating, and preventing shoulder bursitis through evidence-based rehabilitation and lifestyle modifications.

40-60
Common age range
2-6
Weeks to recover
85%
Success with conservative care
High
Prevention success rate
Understanding Shoulder Bursitis

What is Shoulder Bursitis?

Shoulder bursitis involves inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion and lubricate the shoulder joint, reducing friction between moving parts.

Common Causes:

  • Repetitive overhead activities
  • Poor posture and mechanics
  • Direct trauma or injury
  • Age-related changes

Common Symptoms

  • Pain with overhead movements
  • Night pain when lying on side
  • Shoulder stiffness and limited motion
  • Weakness with lifting activities
  • Tenderness over shoulder
  • Gradual onset of symptoms

Types of Shoulder Bursitis

Subacromial Bursitis

Inflammation of the bursa between the rotator cuff and acromion

Common Causes:

  • Repetitive overhead activities
  • Shoulder impingement syndrome
  • Poor posture and mechanics
  • Age-related changes

Symptoms:

  • Pain with overhead movements
  • Night pain when lying on affected side
  • Gradual onset of symptoms
  • Weakness with lifting

Treatment Approach:

Activity modification, anti-inflammatory treatment, and progressive rehabilitation

Subdeltoid Bursitis

Inflammation of the bursa beneath the deltoid muscle

Common Causes:

  • Direct trauma to shoulder
  • Repetitive deltoid muscle use
  • Post-surgical inflammation
  • Calcium deposits

Symptoms:

  • Lateral shoulder pain
  • Pain with arm abduction
  • Tenderness over deltoid
  • Swelling and warmth

Treatment Approach:

Rest, ice therapy, gentle mobilization, and targeted strengthening

Subscapular Bursitis

Inflammation of the bursa between subscapularis and chest wall

Common Causes:

  • Scapular dyskinesis
  • Poor shoulder blade mechanics
  • Muscle imbalances
  • Chronic poor posture

Symptoms:

  • Deep shoulder blade pain
  • Pain with internal rotation
  • Clicking or grinding sensation
  • Referred pain to arm

Treatment Approach:

Postural correction, scapular stabilization, and manual therapy

Treatment Phases

Phase 1: Acute Management (0-2 weeks)

Initial inflammation control and pain reduction

Goals:

Reduce inflammationControl painProtect healing tissues

Key Interventions:

Rest from aggravating activities
Ice therapy 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times daily
Anti-inflammatory medications as prescribed
Gentle pendulum exercises
Posture education and modification
Sleep position optimization
Phase 2: Early Mobilization (2-6 weeks)

Gradual restoration of pain-free movement

Goals:

Restore range of motionReduce muscle guardingBegin strengthening

Key Interventions:

Progressive range of motion exercises
Gentle stretching program
Manual therapy techniques
Postural strengthening exercises
Activity modification guidelines
Heat therapy before exercise
Phase 3: Strengthening & Return (6-12 weeks)

Progressive strengthening and return to activities

Goals:

Build strength and endurancePrevent recurrenceReturn to full function

Key Interventions:

Progressive resistance training
Scapular stabilization program
Functional movement training
Sport/work-specific exercises
Biomechanical correction
Long-term prevention strategies

Rehabilitation Exercise Program

Acute Phase Exercises (0-2 weeks)

Pendulum Exercises

Gentle passive movement to maintain joint mobility

Sets: 2-3 sets
Reps: 10-15 each direction
Frequency: 3-4 times daily

Ice Application

Apply ice to reduce inflammation and pain

Sets: 1 application
Reps: 15-20 minutes
Frequency: 3-4 times daily

Posture Breaks

Regular position changes to avoid prolonged stress

Sets: Throughout day
Reps: 30-60 seconds
Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Mobilization Phase (2-6 weeks)

Cross-Body Stretch

Gentle stretch for posterior shoulder structures

Sets: 3 sets
Reps: 30-second holds
Frequency: 2-3 times daily

Wall Slides

Improve scapular mobility and posture

Sets: 2-3 sets
Reps: 10-15 repetitions
Frequency: Daily

Gentle Range of Motion

Active-assisted movements in all directions

Sets: 2-3 sets
Reps: 10-15 repetitions
Frequency: Daily
Strengthening Phase (6-12 weeks)

Resistance Band Exercises

Progressive strengthening of rotator cuff and scapular muscles

Sets: 2-3 sets
Reps: 12-15 repetitions
Frequency: Daily

Scapular Squeezes

Strengthen muscles between shoulder blades

Sets: 3 sets
Reps: 15-20 repetitions
Frequency: Daily

Progressive Loading

Gradually increase resistance and functional demands

Sets: 2-3 sets
Reps: 8-12 repetitions
Frequency: 3-4 times per week
Prevention Strategies
Maintain good posture throughout the day
Take regular breaks from repetitive activities
Strengthen shoulder and upper back muscles
Use proper lifting and reaching techniques
Warm up before physical activities
Gradually increase activity intensity
Address muscle imbalances early
Maintain healthy weight and fitness level
When to Seek Medical Attention
Severe, sudden increase in pain
Signs of infection (fever, increased warmth, redness)
Complete loss of shoulder movement
Numbness or tingling in arm or hand
Severe night pain preventing sleep
No improvement after 2 weeks of conservative treatment
Progressive weakness despite treatment
Visible deformity or swelling
Recommended Products for Recovery

Ice Therapy

Cold packs for inflammation control

Shoulder Support

Supportive braces for activity modification

Exercise Equipment

Resistance bands for strengthening

Shoulder ArthritisBack to Shoulder Conditions

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