Shoulder Bursitis: Causes, Treatments, and What Really Works
When your shoulder bursitis, a painful swelling of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the shoulder joint. Also known as subacromial bursitis, it often shows up as a dull ache that gets worse when you lift your arm or lie on that side. It’s not just aging—it’s usually from repeated motion, poor posture, or a fall. Think of the bursa like a shock absorber. When it’s irritated, it swells, presses on nearby tendons, and turns simple tasks like reaching for a shelf or brushing your hair into a chore.
Most people with shoulder bursitis, a painful swelling of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the shoulder joint. Also known as subacromial bursitis, it often shows up as a dull ache that gets worse when you lift your arm or lie on that side. don’t need surgery. The real fix? Rest, ice, and changing how you move. Physical therapy works better than pills for most people. A 2023 study in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that patients who did targeted shoulder exercises for six weeks had 70% less pain than those who just took NSAIDs. Cortisone injections can help fast—but they’re not a cure. If you get one, you still need to fix the root cause: weak rotator cuff muscles, tight chest muscles, or bad lifting form.
It’s easy to confuse shoulder bursitis, a painful swelling of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the shoulder joint. Also known as subacromial bursitis, it often shows up as a dull ache that gets worse when you lift your arm or lie on that side. with a torn tendon or arthritis. But bursitis pain is usually sharper when moving, not constant. If your pain lasts more than two weeks, or you can’t lift your arm at all, see a pro. You might need an ultrasound to rule out a rotator cuff tear. And if you’re into weightlifting, CrossFit, or painting ceilings—your technique might be the problem. Shoulder bursitis loves repetitive overhead motion. It’s not about being weak. It’s about being out of balance.
What you’ll find below are real, no-fluff guides on what actually helps: from safe at-home stretches to when to skip the pills and go straight to therapy. We cover steroid shots, natural anti-inflammatories, and why some ‘miracle’ creams don’t work. No marketing hype. Just what the science says—and what works for people who’ve been there.
