Shoulder Bursitis
A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that cushions between tendons and bone. In the shoulder, the subacromial bursa sits between the rotator cuff and the acromion. When this bursa becomes inflamed — through overuse, injury or impingement — it swells and causes significant pain with arm movement.
Shoulder bursitis often occurs alongside rotator cuff tendinopathy and impingement, as they share the same narrow space.
Causes
- Repetitive overhead activity (trades, sport, gym)
- Direct trauma to the shoulder
- Rotator cuff weakness causing poor joint centring
- Age-related changes in the shoulder structures
- Inflammatory arthritis flare
Symptoms
- Sharp or aching pain at the front and side of the shoulder
- Swelling around the shoulder (sometimes visible)
- Pain with lifting the arm above shoulder height
- Difficulty dressing, reaching behind the back or into high cupboards
- Night pain — particularly uncomfortable when lying on the affected side
- Reduced shoulder strength and movement
Treatment
Settling the Acute Phase
- Relative rest from aggravating activities
- Ice and anti-inflammatory strategies
- Gentle range of motion to prevent stiffness without provoking symptoms
Physiotherapy
- Manual therapy to restore shoulder and thoracic movement
- Rotator cuff and shoulder blade strengthening
- Dry needling to surrounding muscles
- Taping to temporarily offload the bursa
Corticosteroid Injection
When pain is severe and limiting engagement with rehab, an injection guided by your GP or specialist can quickly settle the inflammation — but must be combined with physiotherapy for lasting results.
Long-Term Prevention
Addressing the reason the bursa became inflamed in the first place — usually muscle imbalance, posture or technique — is what prevents recurrence.
