Shoulder bursitis can be a real pain—quite literally. If you’ve been experiencing discomfort, stiffness, and limited range of motion in your shoulder, you might be dealing with this common ailment. But fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about shoulder bursitis and how to effectively manage and treat it. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or just someone who’s feeling the strain, our goal is to empower you with the knowledge to take control of your shoulder health. Let’s dive in!
Contents
Understanding Shoulder Bursitis
Shoulder bursitis, also known as subacromial bursitis, is an inflammatory condition that affects the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) located near your shoulder joint. These bursae play a crucial role in reducing friction between bones, tendons, and muscles during joint movement. However, when they become inflamed due to various factors, they can cause pain and discomfort.
Signs and Symptoms
This inflammation can cause pain and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. The signs and symptoms of shoulder bursitis may include:
- Pain: The most common symptom of shoulder bursitis is pain, which is typically felt at the tip of the shoulder and can radiate down the arm. The pain is often described as a dull ache that worsens with movement or pressure on the affected area.
- Tenderness: The area over the inflamed bursa can become tender to the touch. Pressing on the affected area might elicit discomfort.
- Swelling: Inflammation of the bursa can lead to localized swelling around the affected shoulder joint.
- Limited Range of Motion: Shoulder bursitis can cause stiffness and reduced flexibility in the shoulder joint. You may find it challenging to perform overhead movements or reach across your body.
- Pain with Activities: Activities that involve raising the arm, reaching overhead, or lifting objects can exacerbate the pain. Simple tasks like combing your hair, putting on clothes, or reaching for items on high shelves can become painful.
- Pain at Rest: Pain might persist even when you’re not actively using your shoulder. This can lead to discomfort during sleep, especially when lying on the affected side.
- Weakness: Muscle weakness in the affected shoulder may occur due to pain and limited movement. Over time, this weakness can lead to reduced muscle tone.
- Cracking or Popping Sensation: Some individuals might experience cracking or popping sounds when moving the affected shoulder. These noises could be due to inflammation causing changes in the way tendons and muscles move.
Diagnosis of Shoulder Bursitis
The diagnosis of shoulder bursitis typically involves a combination of a medical history review, a physical examination, and possibly imaging tests. Here’s how the diagnosis process generally works:
- Medical History Review: Your healthcare provider will start by asking you about your symptoms when they began, and what activities or movements seem to worsen or alleviate the pain. They will also inquire about any previous injuries or medical conditions that might be contributing to your shoulder discomfort.
- Physical Examination: During the physical exam, your healthcare provider will examine your shoulder, looking for signs of inflammation, tenderness, and range of motion limitations. They might gently palpate the area around the shoulder to identify points of tenderness and assess the overall condition of the joint.
- Range of Motion Assessment: Your doctor will assess your shoulder’s range of motion by having you perform various movements. Pain and limited range of motion are common findings in shoulder bursitis.
Conservative Treatment Options
Good news! Most cases of shoulder bursitis can be managed without surgery. Rest and activity modification are often prescribed to give your shoulder a break.
Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation, while heat can promote blood flow and relaxation. Your healthcare provider might also recommend physical therapy exercises to improve flexibility and strength around your shoulder joint.
Medications for Pain and Inflammation
Here are some commonly used medications for pain and inflammation:
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs are over-the-counter or prescription medications that help reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling. Common NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). These medications should be taken with food to minimize stomach irritation. Long-term use or high doses may have side effects, so it’s important to use them as directed by your doctor.
- Topical NSAIDs: These are NSAID medications in the form of creams, gels, or patches that are applied directly to the skin over the painful area. They can provide localized pain relief with potentially fewer systemic side effects compared to oral NSAIDs.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Acetaminophen is an over-the-counter pain reliever that can help reduce pain and fever. It does not have the anti-inflammatory effects of NSAIDs, so it might be more suitable for pain management in cases where inflammation is not a primary concern.
Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medications that can be injected directly into the inflamed bursa. This can provide targeted relief from pain and inflammation.
However, corticosteroid injections are typically used cautiously and in limited frequency due to potential side effects, such as weakening of nearby tissues and increased risk of infection.
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
Some people find relief through alternative therapies like acupuncture or chiropractic care. Additionally, certain herbal remedies and supplements are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. Remember, though, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before trying any alternative treatments.
- Massage Therapy: Massage can help improve blood flow, relax muscles, and reduce muscle tension around the affected area. Deep tissue massage and myofascial release techniques may be particularly beneficial.
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and promote healing. Some people report pain relief and improved range of motion with acupuncture sessions.
- Chiropractic Care: Chiropractors use manual adjustments and manipulations to restore proper alignment of the spine and musculoskeletal system. This can help relieve pain and improve overall body function.
- Yoga: Gentle yoga practices can improve flexibility, promote relaxation, and strengthen the muscles supporting the shoulder joint. Make sure to choose poses that are suitable for your condition and avoid any movements that exacerbate your symptoms.
Lifestyle Modifications
Lifestyle modifications can play a significant role in managing shoulder bursitis and promoting overall shoulder health. Making certain adjustments to your daily routine and habits can help reduce the risk of exacerbating symptoms and support the healing process. Here are some lifestyle modifications to consider:
- Rest and Avoid Overuse: Give your shoulder time to rest and recover. Avoid activities that cause pain or strain on the shoulder joint. Overuse can worsen inflammation and delay healing.
- Modify Activities: If certain activities contribute to your symptoms, try modifying how you perform them. For example, avoid lifting heavy objects or minimize overhead movements that cause discomfort.
- Ergonomics: Maintain proper posture and body mechanics in your daily activities. Whether you’re sitting at a desk, using a computer, or doing household chores, paying attention to posture can help reduce stress on your shoulder.
- Exercise Regularly: Engage in regular low-impact exercises that promote overall strength and flexibility. Focus on exercises that target the muscles supporting the shoulder joint, such as the rotator cuff muscles.
- Warm-Up and Cool Down: Before engaging in physical activity or exercise, warm up your muscles with gentle stretches and movements. Afterward, cool down with light stretches to maintain flexibility.
Surgical Intervention
The specific surgical procedure chosen will depend on the underlying cause and severity of the bursitis. Here are some surgical options that might be considered:
- Bursectomy: A bursectomy involves the surgical removal of the inflamed bursa. This procedure aims to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation by eliminating the source of irritation. After the bursectomy, the body might form a new bursa to provide cushioning.
- Subacromial Decompression: This procedure involves removing or reshaping the bone and tissue around the shoulder joint to create more space and reduce friction. It’s often performed along with a bursectomy to address underlying issues like impingement or rotator cuff problems.
- Rotator Cuff Repair: If shoulder bursitis is associated with a torn rotator cuff, surgical repair of the torn tendons might be necessary. This can involve suturing the torn tendons back together or reattaching them to the bone.
- Arthroscopy: Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique that uses small incisions and a camera-equipped instrument (arthroscope) to visualize and repair the damaged structures within the shoulder joint. This approach often leads to shorter recovery times and less postoperative pain compared to open surgery.
Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
Here’s how rehabilitation and physical therapy can help with shoulder bursitis:
- Pain Management: Physical therapists can use various techniques, such as manual therapy, soft tissue mobilization, and modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation, to help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Range of Motion Exercises: Gradual and controlled movements can help restore the shoulder’s range of motion. Your therapist will guide you through exercises that target different directions of movement, helping you regain flexibility without exacerbating pain.
- Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening the muscles around the shoulder joint can improve stability and support. Exercises may focus on the rotator cuff muscles, deltoids, and scapular muscles. Strengthening these muscles can help alleviate strain on the bursa.
- Posture and Body Mechanics: Your therapist will guide you on maintaining proper posture and body mechanics to prevent further strain on the shoulder and promote better alignment.
Conclusion
Shoulder bursitis might be a pain, but armed with the right information, you can conquer it. From conservative treatments and medications to alternative therapies and surgical options, there’s a world of possibilities for managing your shoulder health. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey—your healthcare provider is your partner in creating a pain-free, mobile future.
If you’re experiencing Shoulder pain, physical therapy for shoulder pain at PhysioMantra can help: Book an online physical therapy session.
