Shoulder Bursitis
Experiencing sharp shoulder pain or stiffness in Mallorca? As dedicated osteopaths, we offer effective relief for bursitis, helping you regain full movement.
What is Shoulder Bursitis?
Shoulder bursitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the bursae, small, fluid-filled sacs that act as cushions between bones, muscles, and tendons around a joint. In the shoulder, the most commonly affected bursa is the subacromial bursa, located under the bony projection of the shoulder blade (acromion) and above the rotator cuff tendons. Its job is to reduce friction during shoulder movement.
When this bursa becomes inflamed, typically due to repetitive motion, overuse, direct trauma (like a fall on the shoulder), or prolonged pressure, it swells and causes pain. This inflammation is what we call bursitis. It's often associated with activities that involve overhead movements, making it a common complaint among active individuals, whether they're professional athletes or enthusiastic holidaymakers. Our expert osteopaths in Mallorca are highly skilled in diagnosing and treating this painful condition.
How does it feel?
Common sensations and issues associated with shoulder bursitis include:
Localized Pain: A dull ache or sharp pain on the outside or top of the shoulder, particularly when moving the arm. This pain often increases with specific movements like lifting the arm to the side or reaching overhead.
Pain at Night: It's common for the pain to worsen when lying on the affected shoulder, significantly disrupting sleep.
Tenderness to Touch: The area around the inflamed bursa may be very tender when pressed.
Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty or pain when lifting the arm, reaching behind the back, or performing overhead tasks.
Weakness: The pain can sometimes cause a perceived weakness in the arm due to reluctance to move it fully.
Swelling: While not always visible, sometimes there might be slight swelling or warmth in the shoulder area.
Radiating Pain: Pain may sometimes radiate down the arm or up into the neck, leading to co-occurring neck stiffness.
How Can Osteopathy Help?
Combatting the persistent pain and inflammation of shoulder bursitis requires a precise and holistic strategy, precisely what our Osteopathic Treatment delivers at MallorcaOsteopaths. We specialize in pinpointing and resolving the underlying mechanical imbalances that irritate the bursa, which is key to achieving effective and sustained relief. Our approach extends beyond merely addressing the inflammation; we work to improve the overall function of your shoulder girdle and related structures.
Our osteopathic treatment for shoulder bursitis focuses on:
Reducing Inflammation and Pain: Through gentle, non-invasive manual techniques, we work to decrease the inflammation in the bursa and alleviate the intense pain. This can involve gentle articulation and soft tissue release around the shoulder joint.
Improving Shoulder Mechanics: We assess and treat any restrictions in the shoulder joint itself, the collarbone, and the shoulder blade. By restoring optimal movement in these areas, we reduce undue stress on the bursa.
Addressing Compensatory Patterns: When the shoulder is painful, other areas like the neck and upper back often compensate, leading to secondary issues like neck pain or upper back stiffness. We treat these areas to ensure the entire kinetic chain is functioning optimally.
Optimizing Posture and Ergonomics: We analyse your posture and movement patterns to identify factors contributing to your bursitis, especially if related to repetitive movements or daily activities. Our guidance on ergonomic adjustments and proper body mechanics is vital for long-term pain relief and injury prevention, helping to stop the problem from returning.
Strengthening and Rehabilitation Guidance: While our focus is hands-on, we can also provide personalized exercise recommendations to strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder and improve stability, contributing to a full rehabilitation program.
Whether you're a resident coping with ongoing shoulder pain or a visitor needing acute pain relief to enjoy your Mallorca experience, our home visit osteopathy service across the island offers highly convenient and effective solutions. We bring expert, personalized care directly to you, making your recovery as comfortable and efficient as possible.