What is sub-acromial shoulder bursitis?

What is the bursa?

Figure 1: Shoulder Pain - Shoulder Bursitis - Physio Frenchs Forest, Physio Macquarie Park

Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that allow healthy movement. They help reduce friction by covering bone ends or other tissue surfaces while allowing them to glide over one another without rubbing together directly (as would happen if you tried to walk with bare feet on an abrasive surface).

What causes bursitis?

Shoulder bursitis is an inflammation of a tiny sac of fluid that cushions and protects your tendons and muscles as they move over joints. It can be caused by repeated pressure on the bursa, injury, infection or certain health conditions such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis.

Figure 2: Shoulder Pain - Shoulder Bursitis - Physio Frenchs Forest, Physio Macquarie Park

What are the signs and symptoms of sub-acromial bursitis?

  • Restricted shoulder range of motion

  • Painful shoulder range of motion, particular above the head and away from the body

  • Pain when sleeping on your side

  • Radiating pain 5-7cms below the shoulder joint

  • Painful arc (refer to image 2)



What are the treatment options for sub-acromial bursitis?

If you suspect you have bursitis, your first step should be to contact your physiotherapist. They will be able to advise you on a treatment plan that works for you.

1) Resting the affected joint is also important when experiencing a flare to give it time to heal without placing further stress on it, especially during activities such as swimming or lifting weight. When the shoulder is lifted above the head or outwards away from the body, there is extra pressure placed on the body. Any activity that causes pain in the shoulder should be avoided.

2) The next step is to regain shoulder strength of specific muscles. This will help restore shoulder range of motion and reduce the pain further.

3) If the first two step don’t work then a cortisone injection could be considered. You will need to get a referral from the GP to have this administered.

See our expert Physiotherapy team at Frenchs Forest and Macquarie Park!

Reece Jonesshoulder bursitis, shoulder pain, shoulder rehab, shoulder physio, physiotherapy, sim physio, frenchs forest physio, macquarie park physio