A bursa is a sack-like structure that is filled with fluid. They are located in and around joints throughout the body and act as a cushion to reduce friction between bones and soft tissue structures. These bursa can become inflamed and swollen, a condition known as bursitis. Bursitis around the shoulder can be caused by a repeated minor trauma such as overuse of the shoulder joint and muscles or a single more significant trauma such as a fall.
Signs and Symptoms
• Gradual onset of your shoulder symptoms • Pain may radiate down your arm towards the elbow or wrist • Pain on the outside of your shoulder • Pain made worse when lying on your affected shoulder • Pain made worse when using your arm above your head such as washing hair or reaching up to a high shelf
Physiotherapy Management
At Live Well Physio, we perform a thorough assessment to diagnose the cause of your problem. Our goal is to get you back pain free as soon as possible.
Your physiotherapy treatment may include:
• Massage to tight muscles around the shoulder
• Dry needling (acupuncture)
• Ultrasound to decrease inflammation
• Joint mobilisations to release tight tissues or muscle groups to enable an increase in joint space.
• Taping techniques to offload the bursa.
• Hydrotherapy
• Gym rehabilitation programme
• Retraining of the support muscles of the shoulder and shoulder blade
• A comprehensive exercise programme to address muscle imbalances
We are committed to helping you achieve your health goals and to Live Well.