SUBACROMIAL BURSITIS
If you suffer from severe shoulder pain, please don’t hesitate to Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.
What is Subacromial Bursitis?
Subacromial bursitis describes inflammation of the bursa located beneath the acromion in the shoulder. The bursa normally reduces friction between the rotator cuff tendons and surrounding bone during arm movement. Repetitive overhead activity, shoulder impingement, direct trauma, or degenerative changes often trigger irritation of this fluid-filled sac, which leads to pain and restricted motion.
People with subacromial bursitis experience shoulder pain during lifting, reaching, or overhead activities, along with tenderness and reduced strength. Clinicians diagnose the condition through physical examination and imaging studies when necessary. Treatment typically includes rest from aggravating activities, anti-inflammatory strategies, physical therapy to improve shoulder mechanics, and targeted strengthening of the rotator cuff to restore normal function and prevent recurrence.
Causes of Subacromial Bursitis
Subacromial bursitis develops when repetitive stress or injury irritates the bursa beneath the acromion in the shoulder. The inflamed bursa increases friction during arm movement and leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced shoulder function. Multiple mechanical and degenerative factors often contribute to this irritation, especially in people who perform frequent overhead activities or place repeated strain on the shoulder joint.
Causes may include:
- Repetitive overhead motions irritate the subacromial bursa during sports or work activities
- Shoulder impingement compresses the bursa between the acromion and rotator cuff tendons
- Direct trauma to the shoulder inflames the bursal tissue and triggers swelling
- Rotator cuff weakness alters shoulder mechanics and increases bursal friction
- Poor posture narrows the subacromial space and increases impingement risk
- Degenerative changes in the shoulder joint reduce smooth tendon movement and increase irritation
- Heavy lifting or repetitive loading stresses the bursa and promotes inflammation
Treatment for Subacromial Bursitis
Treatment for subacromial bursitis focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and restoring normal shoulder movement. Clinicians begin by limiting or modifying activities that aggravate symptoms, especially repetitive overhead motions. Rest, ice application, and anti-inflammatory medications help decrease swelling and discomfort during the acute phase. Physical therapists then introduce gentle range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness and maintain shoulder flexibility.
As symptoms improve, therapy progresses toward strengthening the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizing muscles to improve shoulder mechanics and reduce bursal irritation. Clinicians guide patients through posture correction, movement retraining, and gradual return to activity. In persistent cases, healthcare providers may use corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation or consider further evaluation for structural impingement that requires surgical intervention.
If you would like to speak to a Texas based Orthopedic Specialist in the DFW Area, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available
