Subacromial Bursitis

Question 1

Subacromial Bursitis Cause

Answer 1

• Too much stress on bursa
• Often caused by another medical condition
• These patients commonly also suffer from impingement, adhesive capsulitis, and tendinopathy

Question 2

Chronic Subacromial Bursitis

Answer 2

• Most common type, develops over time due to repetitive irritation, risk factors include gout, diabetes, and RA

Question 3

Subacromial Bursitis Clinical Presentation

Answer 3

• Localized pain, swelling, tenderness, and pain with motions in the affected area
• Younger, middle aged patients experience this more commonly
• Can be accompanied by tendinitis
• Lateral and Anterior shoulder pain
• OH lifting and reaching activities are uncomfortable
• Pain worse at night

Question 4

Subacromial Bursitis Treatment

Answer 4

• Reduction in activities that cause swelling, anti-inflammatory meds, ice, steroid injection
• Heat should NOT be used (this will increase inflammation)

Question 5

Subacromial Bursitis Diagnosis

Answer 5

• Localized pain, swelling, tenderness, and pain with motion
• X-ray can be used to detect calcification in bursa if its chronic or recurrent
  -MRI can also define bursa

Question 6

Subacromial Bursitis Physical Examination

Answer 6

• Redness, warmth, local tenderness, stiffness, and some swelling
• Reduced ARO with decreased elevation, IR, and abduction (due to pain)
• Painful arc is between 70-120 degrees of abduction

Question 7

Subacromial Bursitis PT Management

Answer 7

• Rest from all activity
• RICE
• Pendulum exercises and AAROM
• Taping
• Once pain is diminished, then set up shoulder strengthening and ROM program
• Exercises: table slides (flexion), scapular wall slides, upper trap stretch, open book stretch, rowing with theraband, and low row isometric