Subacromial Bursitis

What is subacromial bursitis?

A common shoulder condition we see as osteopaths is subacromial bursitis. The subacromial bursa is a fluid filled sac which sits under the acromion and “itis” simply means it is inflamed. 

Symptoms of subacromial bursitis

~ shoulder pain, especially on raising your arm overhead

~ shoulder pain that is aggravated by repetitive activity 

~ sensitivity and tenderness over the outer shoulder, especially when pressure is applied (eg lying on that side in bed) 

~ pain that radiates to the outer aspect of the arm (but not past the elbow)

~ as the condition progresses, you may experience pain at the end-range of all movements of the shoulder. 

what causes subacromial bursitis?

The bursa may become inflamed as result of

• Subacromial impingement

• Repetitive overhead activities/overuse

• Direct trauma

• Crystal deposition

• Subacromial hemorrhage

• Infection

• Autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)

You may be at greater risk of subacromial bursitis if your occupation or sport involves repetitive overhead activities. It can also be age-related due to increased subacromial impingement. Sub-optimal posture may contribute to poor biomechanics of the shoulder complex. 

tips for subacromial bursitis

Conservative treatment of subacromial bursitis include

~ Rest, particularly from overhead, repetitive activities 

~ Ice 

~ NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication) 

osteopathy and subacromial bursitis

This first step is to confirm a diagnosis of subacromial bursitis. 

Your osteopath can confirm the diagnosis by taking your medical history and assessment of the shoulder.. Subacromial bursitis may present on its own, or in conjunction with other conditions. Often we’ll see subacromial bursitis alongside rotator cuff tendinopathy, biceps tendinopathy or subacromial impingement syndrome.  It is also important to exclude the cervical spine as a cause of referred pain. 

Once a likely diagnosis of subacromial bursitis is made, the aim is to reduce pain and facilitate healing. 

Osteopathic treatment is always based on the following principles 

• The body is a whole, integrated unit  

• Structure is related to function

• Each system is inter-related

• The body has self-healing and self-regulating mechanisms

Osteopaths use a range of techniques aimed to

~ improve biomechanics and range of motion of the shoulder complex

 ~ address muscle imbalances of the shoulder

~ improve mobility of the thoracic and cervical spine

~ minimise postural strain on the shoulder

~ improve lymphatic drainage and reduce inflammation 

~ reduce sympathetic tone and restore balance to the whole. 

home exercises for subacromial bursitis

~ You osteopath can provide you with a home exercise program for all stages of subacromial bursitis

osteopathy near me

Dr. Michelle Sherriff consults at Portland Osteopathy and Wellness Group

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alternative treatment for subacromial bursitis

Corticosteroid injection under ultrasound  or surgery may be performed if your symptoms don’t respond to conservative treatment. We can refer you to your G.P. for further investigations (eg x-ray or MRI)

Faruqi T, Rizvi TJ. Subacromial Bursitis. [Updated 2020 Jun 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541096/