Subacromial bursitis is inflammation of the bursa which sits below a part of the shoulder blade called the acromion and is a common cause of shoulder pain in individuals.
So what’s a bursa? A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac located usually between skin and a tendon, or bone and a tendon. There are over one hundred and fifty bursae in the human body, their purpose being to reduce friction.
What can cause/lead to bursitis?
- Repetitive movements causing prolonged and excessive pressure on the bursa
- Impact/trauma such as a car accident or a fall
- Systemic diseases such as rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis
The most common signs & symptoms are:
- Localised pain
- Restriction of movement
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Pain aggravated when lying on affected side
- At rest, shoulder feels more comfortable
- Pain is most intense with overhead activities
- Feeling weak and inability to lift arm and weights away from body due to pain
Shoulder bursitis is common in overhead activities such as tennis and painting.
This type of bursitis is more prevalent in people with poor posture, rounded shoulders and poor shoulder blade stability.
The long-term solution is to address postural deficiencies and de-load the structures that irritate the bursa through treatment, rehab exercises and patient education!
Remember, this is just 1 of the 150 bursae in the body. Any of them can be irritated due to repetitive trauma or poor biomechanics!
If you are experiencing shoulder pain, come see our Osteopaths at Living Health Group to help with treatment and management.
