BURSITIS IN SHOULDER / IMPINGEMENT

Shoulder bursitis develops when the bursa sac in the shoulder becomes inflamed. That bursa reduces the tension and friction on tendons in the shoulder, and when inflamed can compress the shoulder structures and increase pain. Impingement commonly leads to bursitis.  Impingement occurs when the shoulder joint pinches or compress on specific shoulder tendons and structures.

What to Look For

There are multiple bursa in the shoulder. The most common affected is the subacromial bursa.

When the bursa becomes irritated and inflamed, it can be a sharp ache in the shoulder, usually located right at the outside part of the shoulder joint.  It will be painful upon raising the shoulder / arm.

You will commonly feel discomfort while raising the arm above shoulder level. Lying or sleeping on the affected side will also cause pain.

What Symptoms Can It Produce

  • It can produce pain in the outer portion of the shoulder / arm and is usually a very local pain felt in a small area.
  • Can range from minor discomfort to severe pain with moving the arm.
  • Overuse or an injury to the shoulder can cause the bursa sac to inflame.  When it gets larger, it takes up space and increases pressure on the other structures of the shoulder.
  • Until the inflammation ceases, you can have symptoms and pain, especially with raising the shoulder between 50 to 90 degrees.
  • Is commonly associated with impingement syndrome and or rotator cuff injuries.
  • This can be a very serious type of injury that can become chronic if not treated or resolved.  

What to Do

  • You have to do 2 things, reduce the inflammation in the body and bursa, and two, avoid anything that stresses the bursa sac itself.  Any treatment or therapies that opens the shoulder spacing or decreases pressure and swelling on the shoulder will have a tremendous effect on its recovery.  
  • Below are some basic exercises that can relieve the pain/pressure associated with bursitis.
    1) Shoulder retraction
    2) Shoulder depression
    3) Pendulum exercises with weights
    4) External rotation (increases the spacing in the shoulder joint)
  • The goal with these is not to strengthen the area, but to increase space and allow the bursa to have less pressure on it.
  • Sleeping on the side of bursitis can significantly worsen the symptoms.  
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