Could Shoulder Bursitis Be Causing Your Pain and Swelling?
If you’ve been dealing with nagging shoulder pain, stiffness, and swelling that won’t seem to go away, you might be experiencing bursitis in the shoulder. This common yet often misunderstood condition can interfere with daily activities, from lifting groceries to reaching overhead. The good news? With the right care, you can reduce discomfort and get back to the activities you love.
The PhysioSource Physical Therapy team has prepared a simple checklist to help you better understand shoulder bursitis. We also share some physical therapy strategies for finding relief. Keep reading to learn more!
An Overview of Shoulder Bursitis
Your shoulder joint contains small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae. They help cushion the various structures in your shoulder to reduce friction during movement. Bursitis occurs when the bursae become irritated or inflamed, typically due to repetitive movements, injury, or underlying conditions like arthritis. This inflammation causes the cushioning system to fail, leading to pain and restricted movement.
Bursitis often develops gradually, making early identification crucial for preventing long-term shoulder problems.
Could You Have Bursitis in Your Shoulder?
Several factors can contribute to the development of shoulder bursitis. If any of these apply, you might be at a higher risk:
- Repetitive overhead motions (for example, pitching a baseball, swinging a tennis racket, or painting a room)
- Previous shoulder injuries
- Inflammatory conditions (like arthritis)
- Occupations or hobbies involving heavy lifting or overhead motions (for example, weight lifting, carpentry, or plumbing)
Bursitis in the shoulder causes several specific symptoms. Watch out for these signs:
- Pain when lifting your arm, especially overhead or behind your back
- Tenderness or swelling at the top or outer part of your shoulder
- Pain at night, particularly when lying on the affected side
- Stiffness that makes daily tasks difficult
- A “catching” sensation when moving your shoulder
If you’ve checked off several of these symptoms, you may be dealing with bursitis in your shoulder and could benefit from a professional evaluation.
How Physical Therapy Can Help Shoulder Bursitis Heal
You don’t have to live with persistent pain. Physical therapy provides a safe, non-invasive way to address shoulder bursitis by reducing inflammation, improving mobility, and supporting long-term recovery. In fact, conservative care like physical therapy is highly effective for most cases of shoulder bursitis, often preventing the need for more invasive treatments.
What to Expect When You Visit PhysioSource Physical Therapy
Personalized Evaluation
- We’ll begin by assessing your pain patterns, strength, mobility, and functional limitations. This will allow us to determine which specific treatment techniques will best suit your needs.
Customized Treatment Plan
- We offer several evidence-based therapies—such as manual therapy, targeted exercises, and activity modifications—that help calm inflammation and restore mobility.
Education and Prevention Strategies
- Learn how to avoid movements and activities that can worsen bursitis.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If shoulder pain or swelling is holding you back, it’s time to take action. The earlier you address bursitis in the shoulder, the sooner you can find relief and prevent it from becoming a chronic problem.
Contact PhysioSource Physical Therapy today to schedule an appointment and start working to resolve your shoulder pain!