What is Shoulder Bursitis?

Shoulder bursitis is a condition where one of the small fluid-filled sacs (called bursae) in
the shoulder becomes inflamed.
These bursae act as cushions between bones, tendons, and muscles — reducing friction
during movement.
When inflamed, the bursa causes pain and stiffness, especially with overhead or repetitive
arm movements.
The most commonly affected bursa in the shoulder is the subacromial bursa, located
beneath the top part of the shoulder blade (acromion).

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of shoulder bursitis include:

  • Pain at the top or outer part of the shoulder
  • Discomfort when lifting the arm, especially overhead or to the side
  • Pain at night, particularly when lying on the affected shoulder
  • Stiffness and limited range of motion
  • Swelling or tenderness in the shoulder

Symptoms can develop gradually or after a sudden injury or repetitive strain.

Causes

Shoulder bursitis can result from various factors, including:

  • Repetitive movements (e.g., lifting, throwing, reaching overhead)
  • Shoulder injuries or trauma
  • Poor posture or shoulder mechanics
  • Rotator cuff problems or impingement
  • Arthritis or inflammatory conditions
  • Occupational or athletic overuse

In many cases, it is part of a broader condition called subacromial impingement syndrome.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on:

  • Clinical examination: Your doctor will assess shoulder movement, tenderness, and signs of impingement.
  • Imaging: An ultrasound or MRI may be used to confirm bursitis and rule out rotator cuff tears or other causes of pain.

At PainClinicNI.com, we use a combination of clinical expertise and imaging to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment

Most cases of shoulder bursitis improve with conservative management. We can offer the following treatment options:

  • Shoulder bursa Steroid injection: A corticosteroid and local anaesthetic injection into the subacromial bursa for significant pain relief.
  • Shoulder Nerve block (suprascapular nerve)
  • Pulsed Radiofrequency (RF) treatment: A non-destructive technique to calm the nerves involved in chronic shoulder pain.

 

What to Expect

  • With early and appropriate treatment, most patients improve within a few weeks.
  • For more persistent or severe cases, a longer rehabilitation programme may be needed.
  • Avoiding recurrence involves continuing home exercises and correcting posture and movement habits.

Our multidisciplinary team at PainClinicNI.com is here to guide your recovery at every step.

When to Seek Help

You should seek medical advice if:

  • Pain lasts longer than a few weeks
  • You are unable to lift your arm comfortably
  • Night pain affects your sleep
  • There is swelling, redness, or warmth in the joint
  • Previous treatments have not improved your symptoms

Aftercare Advice

  • You will be observed briefly and can usually go home the same day.
  • Avoid driving for 24 hours.
  • Pain may worsen temporarily before improving — use ice packs and simple painkillers if needed.
  • Resume activities gradually; avoid high-impact activity for a few days.
  • A follow-up appointment will help assess the effectiveness of the injection and plan further treatment if required.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Please attend A&E immediately if you experience:
• Fever, chills, or signs of infection at the injection site
• New or worsening leg numbness or weakness
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Severe or ongoing back pain not relieved by usual medication