Shoulder Bursitis Treatment in Schaumburg, IL
Shoulder Bursitis
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that wrap around the top of the upper arm bone, guiding shoulder movement and stabilizing the joint. Between the rotator cuff tendons and the acromion — the bony arch above the shoulder — sits a small fluid-filled sac called the subacromial bursa. When this bursa becomes inflamed from overuse or repetitive overhead activity, the result is shoulder bursitis: a painful condition that can significantly limit arm movement and daily function.
At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, our board-certified orthopedic shoulder specialists can accurately diagnose your shoulder bursitis and develop a personalized treatment plan to relieve your pain and restore full shoulder motion:
If you are experiencing shoulder pain that could be bursitis, do not allow your condition to worsen. Schedule your first consultation with the team at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists. For urgent needs, visit our Immediate Orthopedic Care Clinic in Schaumburg, IL.
Shoulder Bursitis: Diagnosis & Treatment
Shoulder bursitis and shoulder impingement are closely related and frequently occur together. The subacromial bursa sits in the narrow space between the rotator cuff tendons and the underside of the acromion bone above them. When the arm is raised — particularly in front of or to the side of the body — the rotator cuff tendons and bursa must pass through this already tight space. Repetitive overhead activity, overuse, or a single traumatic event (such as a fall) can irritate and inflame the bursa, causing bursitis. When the inflamed bursa and tendons are mechanically pinched against the acromion during arm movement, this is called impingement. Bursitis, impingement, and rotator cuff tendinitis frequently occur together as a spectrum of the same problem.
Diagnosis begins with a physical examination — assessing shoulder range of motion, areas of tenderness, and specific impingement tests that reproduce the patient's pain by compressing the inflamed structures. X-rays may reveal bone spur formation or narrowing of the subacromial space. MRI provides detailed visualization of the bursa, rotator cuff tendons, and any associated tendon tears.
Nonsurgical Treatment
The vast majority of shoulder bursitis cases resolve with conservative management. Options include:
- Rest and activity modification — reducing or temporarily avoiding overhead activities that provoke pain
- Ice therapy — applied to the shoulder to reduce swelling and inflammation during flare-ups
- NSAIDs — nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen (Aleve) to reduce pain and inflammation
- Physical therapy — targeted exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles, improve shoulder mechanics, and reduce the impingement forces on the bursa and tendons
- Corticosteroid injection — an injection into the subacromial space can provide significant and often lasting relief by directly reducing bursal inflammation, and may allow more effective participation in physical therapy
Surgical Treatment
When pain and disability persist despite thorough nonsurgical treatment, surgery may be considered. The procedure — known as subacromial decompression — is performed arthroscopically as an outpatient procedure through small keyhole incisions. Using a tiny fiber-optic camera and specialized instruments, the surgeon:
- Removes the inflamed bursal tissue from over the rotator cuff
- Shaves and smooths the underside of the acromion bone to widen the subacromial space and eliminate the mechanical impingement
If a partial rotator cuff tear is found during surgery, a trimming or smoothing procedure called a debridement may be performed. If the tendon is found to be completely torn away from its insertion on the humerus, it can be repaired directly to the bone at the same time.
Orthopedic Shoulder Specialists at BOS
Meet the shoulder specialists who diagnose and treat shoulder bursitis, including arthroscopic subacromial decompression for patients across the Barrington Orthopedic Specialists network.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes Shoulder Bursitis?+
Shoulder bursitis is most commonly caused by repetitive overhead activity or overuse of the shoulder — such as painting, throwing, swimming, or performing overhead occupational tasks — which places repeated compressive and frictional stress on the subacromial bursa. A single, more significant trauma, such as a fall onto the shoulder, can also trigger bursal inflammation. In overuse-type injuries, bursitis is often accompanied by impingement and tendinitis of the rotator cuff tendons, as the inflamed structures occupy more space and are more easily pinched during arm movement.
What Are the Symptoms of Shoulder Bursitis?+
Common symptoms of shoulder bursitis include:
- Pain around the outside or tip of the shoulder, often described as a dull ache
- Pain when the shoulder is touched directly over the bursa
- Shoulder pain when the arm is raised — such as reaching for a shelf, washing hair, or lifting overhead
- Reduced range of motion in the shoulder joint
- Swelling and redness around the shoulder in more acute cases
- Pain that may disturb sleep, particularly when lying on the affected shoulder
What Is the Difference Between Shoulder Bursitis and Rotator Cuff Tendinitis?+
Shoulder bursitis and rotator cuff tendinitis are closely related conditions that frequently occur together as part of the same impingement process. Bursitis refers specifically to inflammation of the subacromial bursa — the fluid-filled sac between the rotator cuff and the acromion. Tendinitis refers to inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons themselves. Both are caused by similar mechanisms (overuse, overhead activity, impingement), produce similar symptoms, and are treated in the same way. In practice, the two are often grouped together as "shoulder impingement syndrome," and most patients have elements of both.
When Is Surgery Needed for Shoulder Bursitis?+
Surgery is considered when shoulder pain and functional limitation persist despite an adequate course of conservative treatment — typically including a trial of activity modification, physical therapy, and one or more corticosteroid injections over several months. The arthroscopic subacromial decompression procedure is highly effective for appropriately selected patients and is performed as an outpatient with small incisions, minimal recovery time, and reliable pain relief. Surgery may also be recommended sooner if imaging reveals an associated rotator cuff tear that requires repair.
When Should I See a Doctor About Shoulder Pain That Could Be Bursitis?+
You should seek an evaluation if you experience persistent shoulder pain — particularly with overhead movements or at night — that is not improving with rest and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications after several weeks. Early evaluation allows our shoulder specialists to confirm the diagnosis, rule out associated rotator cuff pathology, and begin an appropriate treatment plan before the condition becomes more entrenched. Our board-certified shoulder specialists at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists can assess your symptoms, review imaging, and guide you toward the most effective course of care.