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Shoulder Bursitis
Shoulder bursitis is a condition caused by inflammation of a bursa—a small, fluid-filled sac that helps reduce friction between bones, tendons, and muscles in the shoulder. When a bursa becomes irritated or inflamed, normal shoulder movement can become painful or uncomfortable. This is sometimes referred to as an inflamed shoulder bursa.
In the shoulder, bursitis most commonly affects the subacromial bursa, which sits in a narrow space between the rotator cuff tendons and the top of the shoulder. Shoulder bursitis may develop gradually due to repetitive movement or sustained positions, or it may appear after increased activity, overhead use, or prolonged pressure on the shoulder.
Because the bursa sits within a limited space, inflammation can make everyday movements feel painful or restricted—especially when lifting the arm or reaching overhead. This movement- and position-related sensitivity is a key feature that helps distinguish shoulder bursitis from other causes of shoulder pain.
How Physical Therapy Helps Shoulder Bursitis
Physical therapy for shoulder bursitis focuses on reducing irritation while improving how the shoulder moves and tolerates activity.
Care may include:
- Assessment of shoulder movement and positions that irritate the bursa
- Gentle mobility exercises to reduce stiffness and improve motion
- Progressive strengthening to support the shoulder and surrounding muscles
- Scapular (shoulder blade) control and coordination training
- Guidance on modifying activities that contribute to symptoms
Rather than relying on rest alone, physical therapy helps address why the bursa is being irritated. Improving how the shoulder moves through this limited space helps reduce repeated friction and irritation of the bursa over time.
Common Features Of Shoulder Bursitis
Shoulder bursitis often presents with features related to irritation between shoulder structures.
Common features may include:
- Pain with lifting the arm, especially overhead
- Discomfort during repetitive or sustained shoulder activity
- Sensitivity when lying on the affected shoulder
- Symptoms that improve with rest but return with activity
- Reduced tolerance to certain positions or movements
- Discomfort that feels worse as the arm moves through specific ranges
These features help distinguish bursitis from other shoulder conditions, although symptoms may overlap with tendon-related pain.
Symptoms You May Experience
People with shoulder bursitis may experience:
- Aching or sharp shoulder pain, often at the top or front of the shoulder
- Pain with reaching overhead or away from the body
- Stiffness or discomfort during movement
- Pain when lying on the affected side
- Soreness that worsens with activity
Symptoms may vary depending on activity level and how the shoulder is being used throughout the day.
Shoulder Bursitis Conditions We Treat
Shoulder bursitis may occur on its own or alongside other inflammatory shoulder conditions. If your symptoms align more closely with one of the conditions below, you may find additional information helpful on those pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shoulder bursitis is commonly caused by repetitive shoulder movement, prolonged overhead activity, sustained pressure on the shoulder, or sudden increases in activity. In some cases, it develops without a clear injury.
No. Bursitis involves inflammation of the bursa, while rotator cuff injuries affect tendons. However, symptoms can feel similar, which is why a movement-based evaluation is helpful.
Recovery time varies depending on activity level, severity of inflammation, and contributing movement factors. With appropriate care, many people see gradual improvement over weeks.
Complete rest is not always recommended. While certain activities may need to be limited, guided movement and gradual loading are often important for recovery.
Yes. If contributing movement or activity factors are not addressed, shoulder bursitis symptoms can return. Physical therapy focuses on improving movement, strength, and tolerance to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Yes. Physical therapy is often recommended as a first-line treatment for shoulder bursitis to improve movement, strength, and shoulder control.
Learn More About Physical Therapy
If you’d like more information about what to expect during physical therapy, visit our Patient Resources page.
Get Started
If shoulder bursitis or activity-related shoulder pain is affecting your daily life, a physical therapy evaluation can help determine appropriate next steps for care.
