Shoulder Impingement and Bursitis
Painful compression of shoulder structures leading to inflammation and limited motion
Shoulder impingement and bursitis are common conditions that can lead to significant discomfort and restrict your ability to move your arm freely. Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become pinched or compressed between the bones of the shoulder. Bursitis happens when the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the shoulder joint, becomes inflamed. These two conditions often occur together, making everyday tasks such as reaching, lifting, or even sleeping difficult. Early diagnosis and treatment can help alleviate pain and restore your shoulder’s mobility.
Causes of Shoulder Impingement and Bursitis
Shoulder impingement and bursitis typically arise from overuse or repetitive shoulder movements, but several specific factors can contribute:
- Repetitive overhead activities: Movements like throwing, swimming, or lifting your arm above shoulder height can irritate the tendons and bursa.
- Rotator cuff injuries: Weakness or damage to the rotator cuff muscles can cause the tendons to rub against bones, leading to impingement.
- Bone spurs: The growth of extra bone (spurs) on the shoulder blade may narrow the space for tendons, leading to impingement and inflammation.
- Ageing and wear-and-tear: As you age, the tendons in your shoulder weaken, increasing the likelihood of impingement and bursitis.
Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement and Bursitis
If you are suffering from shoulder impingement or bursitis, you may experience several key symptoms:
- Pain: Sharp or aching pain at the front or side of the shoulder, especially when lifting or reaching overhead.
- Weakness: Reduced strength in your shoulder or arm, which makes it difficult to perform daily tasks.
- Stiffness: Difficulty moving the shoulder, particularly after periods of rest.
- Swelling and Tenderness: The shoulder may feel swollen or tender, especially when bursitis is involved.
- Pain at Night: Discomfort may worsen when lying on the affected shoulder, disrupting sleep.
How Shoulder Impingement and Bursitis are diagnosed
At Melbourne Orthopaedic Clinic, diagnosing shoulder impingement and bursitis involves a comprehensive assessment to pinpoint the source of your discomfort:
- Physical Examination: A detailed evaluation of your shoulder’s range of motion, strength, and tenderness will help identify the cause of your pain.
- Patient History: Discussing your symptoms, daily activities, and any past injuries helps in determining the root cause of your shoulder issues.
- Imaging Tests:
- X-rays: These can help rule out other conditions like bone spurs or fractures.
- MRI or Ultrasound: These scans provide detailed images of your shoulder’s soft tissues, tendons, and bursa, allowing for accurate diagnosis of inflammation or tears.
Early diagnosis is essential to preventing the condition from worsening and ensuring a tailored treatment plan is developed.
Treatment options for Shoulder Impingement and Bursitis
There are various treatment options available for shoulder impingement and bursitis at Melbourne Orthopaedic Clinic will design a treatment plan based on the severity of your symptoms, starting with non-surgical treatments and progressing to surgical options if necessary.
Non-Surgical Treatments
In most cases, non-surgical treatments are the first approach to managing shoulder impingement and bursitis, aimed at reducing pain, improving mobility, and restoring shoulder function.
- Medications: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Physiotherapy: Tailored exercises help strengthen the shoulder muscles, improve flexibility, and restore range of motion, easing the impingement.
- Activity Modification: Reducing repetitive overhead movements can prevent further irritation. It’s important to rest the shoulder without complete immobilisation.
- Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Specific exercises prescribed by a physiotherapist can help maintain flexibility and strength, while avoiding sudden movements that may worsen the condition.
- Posture Improvement: Maintaining good posture, especially when sitting or standing for long periods, reduces strain on the shoulder.
- Rest and Ice: Resting the shoulder and applying ice for 15-20 minutes several times a day can relieve pain and reduce swelling.
- Corticosteroid Injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections can be used to reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief from pain.
Surgical Treatments
If non-surgical methods do not provide sufficient relief, surgical options may be considered:
- Subacromial Decompression: This minimally invasive procedure involves removing a small part of the shoulder blade (acromion) or bone spurs to create more space for the rotator cuff tendons, reducing impingement.
- Bursectomy: If bursitis persists, the inflamed bursa can be surgically removed. The bursa usually regenerates in a healthier state after surgery, allowing the shoulder to move freely and without pain.
If shoulder pain lasts longer than a few weeks or becomes progressively worse, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. Your GP may refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon for further evaluation. At Melbourne Orthopaedic Clinic provides comprehensive assessments and will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. Early intervention can prevent further damage and help restore strength and flexibility to your shoulder.
