Shoulder bursitis? How to recognise and treat it

Shoulder bursitis is very unpleasant and often doesn’t go away quickly. That’s why it’s important to recognise it, so that you can treat it yourself. We’ll explain how to tell if you have bursitis and what you can do about it yourself.

What is bursitis?

Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, also known as a synovial sac. The bursa is a small sac of fluid situated between the bones, muscles and tendons. It ensures there is minimal friction between these body parts, making it easier for you to move.

There are several bursae in the shoulder. When these become irritated, they can become inflamed. This is often caused by overuse, excessive pressure, repetitive movements or poor posture.

How do you know if you have shoulder bursitis?

You can recognise a shoulder bursitis by several symptoms:

  • Pain that is often sharp or nagging, especially when moving
  • Restricted movement, for example, difficulty lifting your arm or moving it behind your back
  • Swelling or tenderness; the area may feel swollen or be painful to the touch
  • Pain at night whilst lying down
  • Difficulty moving your arm, particularly at the start of the day or after a period of rest

Are you experiencing shoulder pain but these symptoms do not apply? Then you may also have other forms of shoulder pain. These could include wear and tear or tendonitis. If the pain does not go away on its own, it is important to see a doctor to identify the cause.

Can bursitis resolve on its own?

In some cases, this inflammation can heal on its own. This is particularly likely if the inflammation is caused by overuse or minor irritation. However, the recovery process can take weeks or even months, depending on the severity of the inflammation. That’s why it’s important to help your body support the healing process, as bursitis in the shoulder can also worsen without treatment. Further on, we’ll tell you what you can do to treat this inflammation.

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How can you get rid of bursitis?

1. Get plenty of rest

Overuse is often the main culprit, so make sure you give your shoulder plenty of rest. Avoid lifting or pushing for a while, and try not to raise your arms too high.

2. Apply ice to the inflamed area

If you’re experiencing swelling, apply something cold to your shoulder to reduce it. You can apply an ice pack for 10 minutes, 2–3 times a day.

3. Do the right exercises

Once you’ve had enough rest and the pain has subsided, you can start with gentle stretching exercises. There are also exercises you can do to improve mobility. If you’re unsure, it’s best to contact a physiotherapist to draw up a programme.

4. Maintain good posture

Pay close attention to your posture, particularly whilst working and exercising. Good sitting posture is important to prevent strain. You should also ensure that you avoid overhead activities for a while.

5. Use red light therapy

Red light therapy can be effective for bursitis as it stimulates blood flow. This reduces inflammation and pain and speeds up the recovery process. You can now do this yourself using a personal laser that can also be used for other conditions, such as the PowerCure Pro red light therapy laser.

How does red light therapy help with bursitis?

In red light therapy, specific wavelengths of red light are directed at the affected area. This is also known as low-level laser therapy. It can help with bursitis in a number of ways:

  • Stimulating the healing process, by stimulating the tissues and cells. This ensures a faster and more effective recovery.
  • Reducing inflammation, as the red light reduces inflammatory processes in the tissues. This also helps to combat swelling and irritation.
  • Pain relief, by improving blood flow and having a positive effect on the mitochondria in the cells.
  • Improving mobility, by improving blood flow. This also helps to prevent stiffness.

Red light therapy works best in combination with rest, exercises and other methods for treating bursitis. You can treat yourself with red light therapy, for example using PowerCure.

PowerCure red light therapy for bursitis

The PowerCure laser is a red light therapy device that you can use yourself to treat your bursitis. In addition, this laser can also be used for many other complaints and conditions. Not only for people, but also for animals!

Shop the PowerCure Pro laser