Shoulder Bursitis and the Function of Tissues Affected
Shoulder bursitis is an inflammation of a shoulder bursa. The bursa is a sac containing fluid, which reduces friction between the tissues. It also absorbs the forces of the muscles and tendons around the joint.
What Are the Causes of Shoulder Bursitis?
Raising the arm above the head repeatedly, such as while painting or cleaning a wall, may damage the bursa, as the motion creates friction and can irritate the tissue. Pressure on the shoulder, such as sleeping on your side or a fall, may also injure it. The irritation can lead to shoulder problems and limit your function.
Signs and Symptoms of Shoulder Bursitis
Shoulder bursitis pain starts at the top side of the shoulder. It then gradually spreads all over your shoulder, accompanied by swelling. As it gets worse, the muscles deactivate and weaken.
When the swelling worsens, the joint tightens more and raising the affected arm becomes difficult, thus limiting movement. In addition, the swelling prevents blood flow, and this glue-like fluid makes the tissue stiff. This may lead to a frozen shoulder as time progresses.
The Problem and the Effect on Your Daily Routine
Shoulder bursitis pain is terrible. It disturbs your sleep and prevents proper healing, and a daily routine such as changing clothes and grooming can become agonizing. The worst is when you lose time because you can’t go to work or take care of yourself. It has the potential to make your life miserable.
The Key to Shoulder Bursitis Recovery
Managing the swollen bursa is the topmost priority: the pain and the swelling need to subside first. Then, gradual and safe movement follows until you regain normal motion.
Our Treatment of Shoulder Bursitis Based on Level of Care
Gentle Care is the method when the pain is tolerable. At this stage, rapid tissue healing and repair occur. Start using heat when swelling is mild but go back to cold if pain increases. This approach increases blood flow and the gradual increase in movement to enhance the healing process. The focus is to activate the muscles and increase the range of motion.
Progressive Care is the program we initiate when your shoulder bursitis symptoms are mild, but you still have increased pain with prolonged activities. We apply aggressive tissue mobilization and gradually increase intensity to enhance tissue maturation. Improving muscle strength and endurance are the goals to achieve full recovery.
Protective Care is the approach during the acute stage. When the pain is severe with excessive swelling, aggressive control of inflammation is the best initial treatment. Initiate pain-free movements like shoulder shrugs, rolls, and hand gripping, but avoid motions that can aggravate your condition.
Enhance Care is when you need to maximize muscle performance. The treatment is high intensity but emphasizes weak motion. Targeting posture and coordination of movement are key to optimizing shoulder action.
Home Care. The focus is to duplicate the treatment and exercises done in rehab on specific levels. If symptoms increase, consult the trained physical therapists of CT Physical Therapy Care.
Why Choose CT Physical Therapy Care to Treat Shoulder Bursitis?
We take pride in providing the best service we can to each patient. Nothing makes us happier than to see you get better quickly and resume your everyday life, pain-free. We intend to make a difference because we care! Contact us today to discuss the best approach to your shoulder bursitis treatment and recovery.