Understanding this injury
Shoulder bursitis occurs when the small, fluid-filled sacs called bursa become inflamed. These sacs act as cushions between your bones and soft tissues, helping your shoulder move smoothly without friction. When they become irritated, everyday movements like reaching for a shelf or getting dressed can become very painful. Many patients describe it as a dull ache or a sharp pinch in the outer part of the shoulder.
This condition often happens alongside tendonitis because there is very little space in the shoulder joint. When the bursa swells, it gets squeezed during movement, leading to constant irritation. While it can feel frustrating and limiting, the good news is that shoulder bursitis is highly treatable with conservative care. Our team focuses on calming the inflammation and correcting the underlying movement patterns so you can get back to your favorite activities without discomfort.
Common symptoms
- Aching pain on the outer shoulder
- Pain worsens with overhead activity
- Swelling and warmth around the joint
- Stiffness after periods of rest
What causes it
- Repetitive overhead motions like reaching, lifting, or painting
- Sudden injury or impact to the shoulder, such as a fall
- Poor posture that puts internal pressure on the shoulder joint
- Underlying conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout
- Bone spurs that rub against the bursa sac
- Overtraining or a sudden increase in physical activity levels
Who's most at risk
- Athletes involved in swimming, tennis, or baseball
- Manual laborers such as painters, carpenters, or construction workers
- Individuals over the age of 40 due to natural wear and tear
- People with poor sitting or standing posture (slumping)
- Individuals with a history of previous shoulder impingement
- Office workers who spend long hours at a non-ergonomic desk
How we treat it
At Physical Therapy Now, we take a comprehensive approach to treating shoulder bursitis by looking at the whole body, not just the pain point. You will work one-on-one with a licensed physical therapist who will first focus on reducing your pain and inflammation. This often involves gentle manual therapy, where the therapist uses hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility and release tight muscles that might be crowding the bursa. We may also use modalities like electrical stimulation or specialized cold therapy to help soothe the area.
As your pain subsides, your treatment will progress to specific strengthening exercises. We focus on the rotator cuff and the muscles surrounding your shoulder blade (scapula). Strengthening these areas creates more space in the shoulder joint, which prevents the bursa from being pinched during movement. We also provide postural training to ensure your shoulder stays in the safest, most efficient position throughout the day. Our goal is not just to fix the pain today, but to prevent it from coming back.
Every patient's plan is customized to their specific lifestyle and goals, whether that is returning to a sport or simply sleeping through the night. If your shoulder pain persists, is not improving within 2 to 3 weeks, or is getting worse, call us today or schedule an appointment online to get started on your recovery.
Recovery timeline
Most patients begin to feel significant relief within 2 to 4 weeks of starting physical therapy. A full recovery typically takes 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the severity of the inflammation. The process begins with a protection phase to calm the bursa, followed by a strengthening phase to stabilize the joint, and finally a return-to-activity phase where we simulate your specific daily or athletic demands.
What you can do at home today
- Apply ice to the shoulder for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling
- Avoid activities that require reaching overhead or behind your back
- Sleep on your opposite side or on your back with a pillow supporting the painful arm
- Practice 'scapular squeezes' by gently pinching your shoulder blades together
- Take frequent breaks from typing or overhead work to reset your posture
- Avoid carrying heavy bags or purses on the affected shoulder
- Maintain a tall posture with your shoulders back and down
- Use a heating pad on the neck and upper back to relax tight muscles contributing to shoulder tension
These tips support recovery but don't replace a professional evaluation. If you're unsure or symptoms worsen, please reach out.
When to call us right away
While most shoulder bursitis responds well to therapy, you should seek help immediately if you experience extreme swelling, redness, or warmth around the joint. Other red flags include a fever along with shoulder pain, an inability to move the arm at all, or sharp, radiating pain that travels down to your hand or up to your neck.