| Most clinical words ending in "itis" means inflammation | | | | inflammation. |
| of some sort - for example, peritonitis and laryngitis. A | | | | Subacromial Bursa |
| bursa is a fluid-filled sac which prevents muscle | | | | This bursa sits on top of the shoulder; if moving your |
| insertions rubbing on bones within your body. | | | | arm in an arc from 90* to reach your fingers to the |
| Shoulder bursitis occurs when one of the bursa sacs | | | | ceiling causes the pain, this is possibly the culprit. Bursitis |
| around your shoulder joint becomes inflamed and sore. | | | | in this area is also known as shoulder impingement. |
| Often the cause of this is overuse - constant, | | | | If you can tick the above boxes regarding pain in the |
| repetitive movements of the arm rub the tendon | | | | shoulder, and especially if you have been performing |
| permanently on the shoulder bursa, which then causes | | | | lots of repetitive-type movements, then you probably |
| the inflammation. After that, any lifting of the arm | | | | have shoulder bursitis. A visit to a physician for |
| above 90 degrees or overhead causes pain and | | | | diagnosis is a good idea, although there are some |
| interferes with mobility. At best, shoulder bursitis is a | | | | elements of shoulder therapy that you can do |
| nuisance, at worst can spell problems for the continuing | | | | yourself:- |
| career of an athlete. If your livelihood depends on you | | | | |
| fast-bowling in cricket, then the onset of bursitis can be | | | | 1. Rest from the activity you are doing. Bursitis is an |
| a disaster. | | | | overuse injury, and many cases will clear up all by |
| There are two bursae in the shoulder that are most | | | | themselves if left in peace and not aggravated. |
| likely to be affected:- | | | | 2. Ice the area. Take the appropriate ice precautions. |
| Subdeltoid Bursa | | | | Cold reduces inflammation and can speed up |
| This little sac lies on the side of your upper arm, where | | | | recovery. In acute stages do not be tempted to hop |
| your main shoulder muscle (deltoid) meets your arm | | | | into a hot bath to ease the pain - it may feel better at |
| bone (humerus). If you have pain when your arm is | | | | the time, but in the long run will make things worse. |
| held out to the side at shoulder height, and you are | | | | 3. In severe and chronic cases, an injection of |
| sure that you have not sustained a rotator cuff injury, | | | | hydrocortisone may be necessary. |
| then bursitis is likely to be the cause. If the pain seems | | | | 4. When inflammation has eased, build up your |
| to be at the top of the shoulder as opposed to | | | | surrounding shoulder muscles to take some of the |
| partway down the arm, it may be caused by | | | | strain. |
| impingement. Shoulder impingement occurs when the | | | | Most cases of bursitis respond well to conservative |
| soft tissues of the shoulder become trapped under the | | | | treatment, and may not recur if the appropriate |
| bony bit on the top of the shoulder girdle (called the | | | | remedial and rehabilitation exercises are done regularly. |
| acromium process), causing - surprise, surprise - painful | | | | |