What is Shoulder Bursitis?
Shoulder bursitis occurs when a bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between bones and soft tissues, becomes inflamed. In the shoulder, the most commonly affected bursa is the subacromial bursa, leading to subacromial bursitis.
When the bursa becomes irritated, it swells and produces excess fluid, increasing pressure within the joint. This results in pain during movement and discomfort at rest. Shoulder bursa inflammation often develops due to overuse, repetitive motion, or underlying shoulder mechanics issues.
Unlike short-term shoulder soreness, bursitis tends to persist and may worsen without guided care. As inflammation continues, even simple shoulder movements can become painful and restricted.
As symptoms progress, shoulder bursitis may interfere with routine activities, including:
- Pain while lifting the arm or reaching overhead.
- Discomfort during dressing or grooming.
- Pain when lying on the affected shoulder.
- Reduced shoulder endurance during daily tasks.
- Difficulty performing work or physical activity.
Without appropriate non-surgical shoulder bursitis treatment, these symptoms may continue for several weeks or longer.
Understanding the Shoulder Joint
The shoulder is a highly mobile joint that depends on smooth interaction between bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bursae to allow pain-free movement.
In shoulder bursitis, inflammation of the bursa disrupts this smooth motion. Swelling increases friction during arm movement, leading to pain, stiffness, and discomfort even with gentle activity.
Types and Patterns of Shoulder Bursitis
Shoulder bursitis can vary based on location and cause, with different symptom patterns and recovery needs.
Stage 1
Subacromial Bursitis:
The most common form, affecting the bursa beneath the acromion, often causing pain during overhead movement.
Stage 2
Chronic or Recurrent Bursitis:
Develops when inflammation persists or repeatedly returns due to ongoing mechanical stress or poor shoulder mechanics.
Understanding the bursitis pattern helps guide appropriate treatment planning.
Symptoms of Shoulder Bursitis
Common symptoms include:
- Persistent shoulder pain that worsens with movement.
- Pain during overhead activity or lifting.
- Localized tenderness around the shoulder.
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion.
- Night pain, especially when lying on the affected side.
- Discomfort during routine daily tasks.
Symptoms That Need Medical Evaluation
- Shoulder pain lasting several weeks without improvement.
- Increasing stiffness or reduced movement.
- Pain that interferes with sleep.
- Difficulty performing daily activities.
- Symptoms that worsen despite rest.
Early evaluation improves outcomes with non-surgical shoulder bursitis treatment.
Causes and Risk Factors
Shoulder bursitis develops due to irritation and inflammation of the bursa. Common contributing factors include:
Repetitive overhead use:
Poor posture or shoulder mechanics:
Previous shoulder injury:
Muscle imbalance or weakness:
Age-related changes:
In some patients, bursitis develops gradually without a clear single cause.
Diagnosis and Assessment
Shoulder bursitis is diagnosed through clinical evaluation and symptom assessment.
- Examination of shoulder movement and pain patterns.
- Identification of tenderness and movement-related discomfort.
- Review of activity history, posture, and prior injuries.
- Imaging such as ultrasound or MRI may be advised to confirm inflammation and rule out other shoulder conditions when required.
Accurate diagnosis supports effective non-surgical care.
Advanced Non-Surgical Treatments for Shoulder Bursitis
Most cases of shoulder bursitis can be managed without surgery. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and restoring smooth shoulder movement.
For patients whose symptoms do not improve with rest and basic physiotherapy alone, advanced non-surgical treatments may be recommended. These are selected based on pain severity, functional limitation, and response to initial care.
The Nivaan Way
At Nivaan, all advanced non-surgical interventions are performed with precision under real-time imaging guidance, such as ultrasound or C-arm fluoroscopy, to ensure accurate targeting, improved safety, and reliable outcomes.
Image-Guided Injections
Trigger Point Injections
Regenerative Medicine (PRP)
Recovery Support: Physiotherapy, Nutrition, and Pain Counselling
Recovery from shoulder bursitis is more effective when medical treatment is supported by structured rehabilitation and daily care.
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
Nutrition support
Pain counselling and emotional support
Together, this integrated support helps patients return to daily activities with confidence.
When to See an Interventional Pain Specialist
You should consult a specialist if:
- Shoulder pain persists despite rest.
- Inflammation and stiffness continue to worsen.
- Shoulder movement becomes limited.
- Symptoms interfere with daily activities or sleep.
Early specialist care improves outcomes and reduces recovery time.
Our Integrated Non-Surgical Care Pathway
At Nivaan, shoulder bursitis treatment follows a structured approach:
- Comprehensive specialist assessment
- Accurate diagnosis and confirmation of inflammation
- Personalized non-surgical treatment planning
- Guided rehabilitation and recovery monitoring
Book an Appointment for Shoulder Bursitis Treatment
If shoulder pain and inflammation are limiting your daily activities, early shoulder bursitis treatment can help restore comfort and movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Most patients recover with non-surgical shoulder bursitis treatment when managed early.
Pain with movement, stiffness, tenderness, and night discomfort are common symptoms.
It is usually manageable with timely care and does not require surgery in most cases.
Yes. Structured exercises improve movement and reduce recurrence when guided appropriately.
Yes. Early care reduces inflammation and prevents chronic shoulder pain.