SHOULDER: SUBACROMIAL BURSITIS

source: PhysioRoom.com

• The subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus and teres minor are small muscles situated close to the glenohumeral joint (ball-and-socket joint) of the shoulder. Collectively, these four muscles are known as the rotator cuff.
• The coracoacromial arch forms a bridge over the rotator cuff. It is made up of bones and ligaments and is lined by a sac of fluid called the subacromial bursa.
• It is unlikely that the subacromial bursa will be injured on its own, but because it lies so close to the rotator cuff, it can become irritated and inflamed when the rotator cuff is injured. This inflammation of the bursa is known as subacromial bursitis.

• Symptoms of subacromial bursitis include shoulder pain and reduced range of movement.
• Although it is possible for a physiotherapist to differentiate subacromial bursitis from a rotator cuff injury, this may be difficult because the two conditions usually occur together.
• An ultrasound or MRI scan should reveal whether the subacromial bursa, rotator cuff, or both structures, are involved.

• Acute (short-term) subacromial bursitis may be rectified by physiotherapy.
• The first priority is to reduce the pain and inflammation using electrotherapy.
• This would then be followed by exercises to restore range of movement and shoulder muscle strength.
• Chronic (long-term) subacromial bursitis is less likely to clear up with physiotherapy and a corticosteroid injection (an injection of a naturally occurring substance that can slow down inflammation) may be required.