Shoulder bursitis: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

Shoulder bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa, also known as the shoulder synovial bursa, which is a tissue that acts as a small cushion located inside the shoulder joint, preventing friction between the tendon and the bone.

Therefore, in the event of inflammation of this tissue, symptoms such as pain at the top and front of the shoulder, difficulty in carrying out movements, muscle weakness and difficulty in carrying out day-to-day activities may appear.

The treatment of shoulder bursitis must be guided by an orthopedist and, in general, is done with the use of anti-inflammatory medications, in addition to recommending shoulder rest and, in some cases, physiotherapy sessions to speed up recovery.

Main symptoms

The symptoms of shoulder bursitis are:

• Pain in the entire shoulder, especially in the upper part;
• Difficulty in raising the arm above the head, due to pain;
• Muscle weakness throughout the affected arm;
• There may be a local tingling sensation that radiates throughout the arm.

Symptoms of shoulder bursitis can make it difficult to carry out daily activities, and can worsen if there is frequent strain on the joint. Therefore, it is important that the orthopedist is consulted in case of suspicion so that the diagnosis can be confirmed and the most appropriate treatment initiated.

How to confirm the diagnosis

To confirm the diagnosis of bursitis, the doctor or physiotherapist may palp the painful shoulder to identify the region causing the pain, in addition to asking the person to perform some movements to assess the movement of the joint and the intensity of the pain.

The doctor may also recommend tests, although these are not always necessary, such as x-rays or MRIs, to check whether there are other causes of shoulder pain.

Consult your nearest orthopedist to investigate your risk of bursitis:

Causes of shoulder bursitis

Shoulder bursitis can be caused by excessive use of the joint, especially in movements that raise the arm above the head, as occurs in swimming, for example.

Athletes, painters and cleaners are individuals very prone to developing shoulder bursitis, due to the repetitive practice of this type of movement.

But shoulder bursitis can appear after sudden movements, such as lifting a heavy suitcase, a direct blow or falling to the floor and supporting yourself with your hands, resulting in joint involvement, for example.

How the treatment is carried out

The treatment of shoulder bursitis depends on the intensity of the symptoms and the severity of the injury, and may be indicated:

1. Medicines

The use of analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications may be indicated, such as diclofenac, tenoxicam and betamethasone, for example, for a period of 7 to 14 days, helping to alleviate inflammation in the region and symptoms. These medications should be used daily until there is a significant reduction in symptoms according to the doctor’s instructions.

Furthermore, it is important to keep the shoulder joint at rest, avoiding activities that require effort and active use of the joint.

2. Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is very important and contributes to the successful treatment of bursitis, and should be started when the pain and inflammation have reduced.

The objective of physiotherapy is to strengthen the arm muscles, carrying out stretching and joint movements.

3. Home remedies

Some home remedies that can help with recovery from shoulder bursitis are applying an ice pack or a cold water compress to the shoulder, which helps to relieve pain and fight inflammation. Ice or compress should be used daily for 20 minutes 2 to 3 times a day.

Additionally, consuming anti-inflammatory foods, such as pineapple, oranges and salmon, for example, also help to heal faster and relieve inflammation.