Introduction
Shoulder bursitis is one of the most frequent causes of shoulder pain. Shoulder pain can severely limit sports performance and everyday activities. To properly treat this problem and guarantee long-term comfort and healing, Elite Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre provides expert, cutting-edge, and customized physiotherapy solutions.
What is Shoulder Bursitis?
Shoulder Bursitis is the inflammation of the subacromial bursa, a small fluid-filled sac located beneath the acromion (the top outer edge of the shoulder blade). This bursa lessens friction while the shoulder moves by serving as a cushion between soft tissues and bones.
Inflammation or irritation of the bursa results in pain, limited movement, and discomfort when using the shoulder. It is most frequently linked to trauma, underlying shoulder problems, or repetitive overhead movements.
Causes of Shoulder Bursitis
Shoulder bursitis can result from several conditions. Typical reasons include:
- Repeated overhead motions (often seen in throwers, swimmers, artists, and athletes)
- Direct injury or a shoulder fall
- Bad posture or shoulder biomechanics
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Calcium deposits in tendons
- Systemic inflammatory diseases such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis
- Infections (septic bursitis is uncommon, but it can happen)
The acromion and the rotator cuff tendons are separated by the subacromial bursa. Irritation may result from friction, compressive pressures, or repetitive microtrauma between these components. This results in thickening of the bursal walls, increased production of synovial fluid, and inflammatory changes that decrease the subacromial space and worsen impingement symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms
The following are typical clinical signs of shoulder bursitis:
- Pain in the upper arm or outer shoulder
- Pain made worse by lifting or overhead activities
- Tenderness in the lateral shoulder or larger tuberosity
- Restricted active range of motion, particularly in flexion and abduction
- Painful arc of abduction between 60° and 120°
- Pain at night, particularly when resting on the afflicted shoulder
- Swelling or warmth in severe situations
Diagnostic Approach at Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre
At Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre, we conduct a comprehensive physical and functional assessment to diagnose Shoulder Bursitis accurately.
- Observation and palpation for pain, warmth, and swelling.
- Checking for range of motion (passive and active).
- Manual resistance testing to rule out rotator cuff tears.
- Special Physiotherapy Tests including:
- Neer’s Impingement Test: Indicates subacromial impingement.
- The Hawkins-Kennedy Test: Causes pain when bursitis is present.
- Painful Arc Test: If pain is felt between 60° and 120° abduction, it may indicate subacromial bursitis.
- Yergason’s and Speed’s tests: To rule out tendinopathy of the biceps.
- Drop Arm Test: To assess involvement of the rotator cuff.
To assess shoulder mechanics and find underlying biomechanical problems, we also employ functional movement screening.
To confirm the diagnosis and rule out other illnesses, imaging tests like MRIs or ultrasounds may be suggested in some situations.
Physiotherapy Management at Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre
We believe in evidence-based, individualized, and goal-oriented rehabilitation. Our treatment focuses on relieving pain, restoring function, and preventing recurrence.
1. Pain and Inflammation Reduction
We efficiently relieve pain and inflammation by using state-of-the-art modalities:
- Shock Wave Therapy: Promotes tissue repair, lowers inflammation, and dissolves calcium buildup.
- CRET Therapy (Capacitive and Resistive Electric Transfer): Deep heating technology that enhances blood flow and cellular repair.
- High-Intensity Class 4 Laser Therapy: Promotes healing by providing analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that operate quickly.
- The Super Inductive System (SIS): Improves neuromuscular activation and promotes deep tissue healing without physical contact.
- Cryotherapy: Used to reduce pain and swelling during the acute or subacute phase.
These techniques improve the results of traditional therapy and are totally safe for shoulder bursitis.
2. Manual Therapy
Our knowledgeable physiotherapists employ expert hands-on methods to:
- Mobilize the glenohumeral joint and scapulothoracic articulation
- Release the tense soft tissues surrounding the deltoid and rotator cuff.
- Improve the mobility of the thoracic spine and scapular rhythm
- Perform trigger point release and myofascial release as needed
3. Therapeutic Exercises
We design customized exercise programs focusing on:
- Adjusting posture and maintaining scapular stability
- Exercises for range of motion (pulley-assisted movements, pendulum swings)
- Exercises to strengthen the periscapular and rotator cuff muscles
- Isometric exercise to enhance neuromuscular control and lessen pain
- Resistance training that is gradually increased as tolerated
Every exercise is gradually increased in difficulty to prevent discomfort and guarantee a safe return to activities.
4. Neuromuscular Re-Education
Our therapists place a strong emphasis on addressing muscular imbalances and poor shoulder mechanics by using:
- Proprioceptive training
- Kinesio taping for pain management and support
- Retraining functional movements for everyday tasks and sports
5. Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy in a regulated aquatic setting aids in the subacute and recovery stages:
- Reduce joint loading
- Encourage early mobility
- Increase muscular contraction without causing discomfort
6. Education and Ergonomics
We educate patients about:
- Correct posture
- Activity modifications
- Ergonomic adjustments
- Home exercise programs to sustain recovery
Why Choose Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre?
At Elite Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre, we provide a comprehensive approach by fusing cutting-edge facilities, professional knowledge, and globally recognized physiotherapy technologies. Our goal is full function and performance restoration, not simply symptom reduction.
We are committed to:
- Giving individualized, one-on-one care
- Using the newest technology to recover more quickly
- Providing rehabilitation programs based on evidence
- Long-term planning to prevent recurrence
Book Your Consultation Today
If you or someone you know is suffering from Shoulder Bursitis, don’t ignore it. Early and effective physiotherapy intervention can prevent chronic pain and dysfunction.
Visit us at: elitephysiotherapy.in
Book your consultation with our experts and experience advanced physiotherapy like never before.