What is it? A bursa is a tiny fluid-filled sac that functions as a gliding surface to reduce friction between tissues of the body. The plural of bursa is bursae. There are 160 bursae in the body. Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa. When injury or inflammation of a bursa around the shoulder joint occurs, shoulder bursitis is present.
Common Myths
Bursitis is the most common problem of the shoulder.
Reality: The term “bursitis” is often used incorrectly by physicians and patients to describe the most common cause of shoulder pain. Rotator cuff tendinitis is actually the most common cause of this complain.
In 2003 and there were 14 million people who suffer from shoulder problems in the United States.
8-13% of all sports injuries involve shoulder pain. 35% of elite swimmers reporting shoulder pain (swimmer’s shoulder). 52% of badminton players have past or present shoulder pain.
You may have tendinitis (inflamed tendons) and bursitis in your shoulder at the same time. Your bursitis may be part of a problem called shoulder impingement (im-PINJ-ment).
Older age is associated with bursitis, and one of the most common places it strikes is in the shoulder, which has the greatest range of motion of all the body’s major joints. The pain is generally felt along the outside top of the shoulder. The discomfort of bursitis tends to be most severe after a night’s sleep and will typically subside somewhat with normal activity. Other places that are prone to bursitis are the elbows, hips, knees, and the base of the thumb.
Two or three weeks should be enough to recover from mild or moderate shoulder bursitis.
Comprehensive Shoulder Pain Solutions
At Physical Therapy and Sports Rehab, Inc., we are the leaders in the community since 1983. As experts who combine hands on treatment with exercise and education, we relieve pain and restore motion, strength and activity level. Your Recovery is Our Expertise! We guarantee The Best Therapy Experience by providing one-on-one care and a customized treatment plan designed to your specific needs.