What is Bursitis?
Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa, a fluid filled sac that acts as a cushion while helping lubricate and reduce friction of moving parts around a joint. The most common area in the shoulder to have bursitis is in the subacromial space. This is the area between the rotator cuff tendons and a part of the shoulder blade called the acromion. Often this injury often goes alongside tendinitis.
Types of Bursitis
- Chronic. This is the most common type of bursitis as it results from repeated injuries or repetitive motions. There may be periods of times where you have no symptoms, and other periods that you may have “flare ups” that can last several months at a time.
- Acute. Occurs from a sudden traumatic event, such as a fall or direct blow to the shoulder.
- Infectious. This type of bursitis occurs from different bacterial infections, such as a staph infection.
Generally the shoulder will feel warm to the touch, may look reddish/purple and you may have fever-like symptoms.
Risk Factors
- Repetitive movements
- Repeat injuries
- Direct Trauma
- Gout
- Diabetes
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Bacterial infection
Symptoms
- Swelling
- Tender to the touch
- Stiffness
- Sharp pain
- Pinching sensation
- Painful range of motion
- Warm to the touch
Shoulder Specialists in the Twin Cities
If you are experiencing any symptoms of bursitis please contact us today to set up your appointment with a Minnesota physical therapist. We have physical therapy clinics located in Minneapolis and Edina.
