By Mary Guyette, DPT – Tri Rehab, Inc.
Shoulder pain can affect everything from your sleep to your daily tasks. One common condition responsible for shoulder discomfort is shoulder bursitis. At Tri Rehab, we frequently treat patients in Dearborn and Canton, Michigan dealing with this condition—helping them return to pain-free movement through targeted physical therapy and education.
This article explores the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for shoulder bursitis, along with prevention strategies and effective rehabilitation exercises.
What Is Shoulder Bursitis?
Shoulder bursitis is inflammation or irritation of the bursa—a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between bones, tendons, and skin. When the bursa becomes inflamed, it can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the shoulder joint.
What Causes It?
Shoulder bursitis often results from repetitive shoulder motion, particularly overhead activities such as:
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Throwing sports
- Occupational tasks like painting or carpentry
Other potential causes include trauma to the area, inflammatory conditions like arthritis or gout, or infections affecting the bursa.
What Are the Symptoms?
- Pain and stiffness on the outer front portion of the shoulder
- Pain when lifting the arm above shoulder height
- Swelling, warmth, or visible redness in the shoulder area
These symptoms can worsen with repetitive use or lying on the affected side.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will review your symptoms and perform a physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI may be used to rule out other causes of shoulder pain and confirm bursitis.
How Is It Treated?
Shoulder bursitis treatment may include:
- Ice packs: Apply to the shoulder for 20–30 minutes, every 3–4 hours, for 2–3 days or until pain subsides.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medications may reduce discomfort. (Note: Adults 65+ should consult a provider before taking NSAIDs for more than 7 days.)
- Injections: A corticosteroid injection may be used to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Therapeutic exercises: Strengthening and mobility exercises can support recovery and reduce recurrence.
- Surgery: In rare cases, a severely inflamed bursa may be surgically drained or removed.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery depends on your age, health history, and the severity of inflammation. Mild cases may improve in a few weeks, while long-standing or more severe bursitis may require several months. Avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms is critical to healing.
When Can I Return to Normal Activities?
The goal of rehab is to restore full range of motion and strength before returning to your routine. Return too early, and you may risk re-injury. You may safely return to your activities when:
- Your injured shoulder has full range of motion without pain
- Your injured shoulder has regained strength comparable to the other side
How Can I Prevent Shoulder Bursitis?
To help prevent bursitis, always warm up and stretch before activities like throwing, swimming, or lifting. If pain begins during these motions, stop and rest until symptoms resolve.
Exercises to Support Shoulder Recovery
These exercises help improve range of motion, stability, and strength in the shoulder. Perform them gently and with control. If pain worsens, stop and consult your provider.
1. Scapular Active Range of Motion
Stand and shrug your shoulders up. Hold for 5 seconds, then squeeze your shoulder blades back and down. Hold 5 seconds. Relax and repeat 10 times.
2. Wand Exercise: Flexion
Stand upright holding a stick with both hands, palms down. Lift both arms overhead, keeping elbows straight. Hold 5 seconds, then return. Repeat 10 times.
3. Wand Exercise: Extension
Hold a stick behind your back and raise it away from your back. Hold 5 seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 times.
4. Wand Exercise: External Rotation
Lie on your back, holding a stick with both hands. Use one arm to gently push the other outward (keeping the elbow at your side). Hold 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
5. Isometric Shoulder External Rotation
Stand in a doorway with your elbow bent to 90°, pressing the back of your wrist into the doorframe. Hold 5 seconds. Do 3 sets of 10.
6. Isometric Shoulder Internal Rotation
Same position as above, but press your palm into the doorframe. Hold 5 seconds. Do 3 sets of 10.
7. Resisted Shoulder External Rotation
Stand sideways to a door and attach a resistance band. With elbow at 90°, pull the band outward, away from your waist. Keep forearm level. Repeat 10 times. Build up to 3 sets of 10.
8. Scaption
Stand with arms at your sides. Raise arms at a 30° angle in front of your body with thumbs pointing up. Hold for 2 seconds, then lower slowly. Do 3 sets of 10. Use light weights as tolerated.
Let Tri Rehab Help You Heal
Shoulder bursitis is treatable—with the right care and consistency. At Tri Rehab, our licensed therapists work one-on-one with patients to reduce inflammation, restore motion, and prevent flare-ups.
Visit www.trirehab.com to learn more about treatment options for shoulder bursitis and how we support recovery in Dearborn and Canton, Michigan.
Content developed by Mary Guyette, DPT – Tri Rehab, Inc.
Sources: Emory Healthcare, Sports Medicine Center
