Shoulder bursitis is a condition that affects the bursae, the small sacs of fluid that cushion and pad the joints. When a bursa becomes inflamed, it can cause shoulder bursitis pain and discomfort in the affected region, limiting your range of motion. Managing shoulder bursitis involves understanding the various stages of the condition and taking the right steps to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. In this blog post, we’ll share insights on the different stages of shoulder bursitis and how physiotherapy and chiropractic care can be beneficial in managing the condition.
Stage 1 – Inflammation
The first stage of shoulder bursitis involves inflammation of the bursa. This stage is characterized by mild, intermittent pain localized in the shoulder region. You may also experience stiffness and limited shoulder mobility. To manage this stage, rest and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be sufficient to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Physiotherapy can also be beneficial in improving shoulder flexibility and promoting healing through targeted exercises and stretches.
Stage 2 – Capsular Thickening
If left untreated, shoulder bursitis can be triggered continuously and progress to stage 2, which involves capsular thickening around the joint. You may experience more consistent pain and discomfort during this stage, and your range of motion may be more limited. Physiotherapy can help restore shoulder mobility, while chiropractic care can help address imbalances in the spine and neck that may be contributing to shoulder pain. Your chiropractor may also recommend manual manipulation of the affected joint to improve joint mobility and reduce pain.
Stage 3 – Tendonitis
The third stage of shoulder bursitis involves inflammation of the tendon, which attaches the muscle to the bone. This stage is characterized by pain that worsens with movement and is more constant in nature. Physiotherapy can be beneficial in managing tendonitis by reducing inflammation and improving shoulder strength and flexibility through specific exercises. Chiropractic care can also be useful in managing shoulder pain and preventing future injury by addressing imbalances in the spine and neck that may be contributing to the condition.
Stage 4 – Adhesive Capsulitis
The final stage of shoulder bursitis is adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder. This stage is characterized by severe pain and limited shoulder mobility, with the affected joint becoming stiff and difficult to move. Treatment typically involves a combination of physiotherapy and chiropractic care, with the goal of restoring shoulder mobility and reducing pain through exercises and manipulations. In some cases, surgical intervention may be required to address more severe cases of adhesive capsulitis.
Shoulder bursitis can be a painful and debilitating condition when left unmanaged. By understanding the different stages of the condition and seeking the right treatment, you can alleviate symptoms and promote healing. Physiotherapy and chiropractic care can be beneficial in managing shoulder bursitis by improving shoulder mobility, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, stiffness, or limited mobility, reach out to your physiotherapist or chiropractor to explore treatment options today.
