Physiotherapy for Shoulder Bursitis: Treatment Options

Description

Shoulder bursitis is a common condition caused by the inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between the shoulder bones and surrounding soft tissues. This condition often leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the shoulder joint, making everyday tasks challenging. Fortunately, physiotherapy offers a range of treatment options to help alleviate the symptoms of shoulder bursitis and promote healing. At Next Step Physiotherapy Edmonton, our team provides targeted treatments to manage shoulder bursitis effectively.

Understanding Shoulder Bursitis

Shoulder bursitis can develop due to repetitive movements, overuse, trauma, or poor posture. Athletes, manual laborers, and office workers who maintain prolonged positions are often at risk of developing this condition. When the bursa becomes irritated, it can cause pain during shoulder movement, especially when raising the arm overhead or lifting objects. Early intervention through physiotherapy is key to preventing further complications, such as chronic pain or decreased range of motion.

Physiotherapy Treatment Options for Shoulder Bursitis

Pain Management Techniques

One of the primary goals of physiotherapy for shoulder bursitis is pain relief. Physiotherapists use various techniques to reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort, including:

Ice Therapy: Applying ice packs to the affected area helps reduce swelling and inflammation in the bursa, providing pain relief.

Ultrasound Therapy: This modality uses sound waves to promote tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and ease muscle tension around the shoulder joint.

Electrical Stimulation (TENS): Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy can help reduce pain signals and promote muscle relaxation.

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy techniques, such as soft tissue massage and joint mobilization, are commonly used to treat shoulder bursitis. These hands-on approaches aim to:

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  Improve circulation to the affected area.

  
  


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  Reduce muscle tension and tightness.

  
  


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  Restore joint mobility and flexibility.

  
  

By working directly on the shoulder joint and surrounding tissues, manual therapy can alleviate stiffness and pain, helping patients regain mobility more quickly.

Stretching and Strengthening Exercises

Restoring shoulder mobility and strength is a crucial component of physiotherapy for shoulder bursitis. Stretching exercises help increase the flexibility of the shoulder muscles and improve range of motion, while strengthening exercises target the muscles around the shoulder joint to provide stability. Common exercises include:

Pendulum Stretch: This gentle exercise improves range of motion and promotes circulation to the affected area.

Rotator Cuff Strengthening: Exercises that focus on the rotator cuff muscles enhance shoulder stability and prevent further irritation of the bursa.

Postural Training: Improving posture is important for relieving stress on the shoulder joint, especially in individuals who experience bursitis due to poor ergonomics.

Postural Education and Ergonomics

Poor posture can contribute to the development of shoulder bursitis, especially in individuals who spend long hours sitting or performing repetitive tasks. Physiotherapists at Next Step Physiotherapy provide guidance on maintaining proper posture and making ergonomic adjustments to workstations. These changes help minimize strain on the shoulder joint, reducing the likelihood of recurring bursitis.