Abursa is a sac of viscous fluid that provides cushioning and separation between muscle and bone. The subacromial bursa is basically located within the ball and socket joint of the shoulder, separating the Supraspinatus (rotator cuff muscle) and the acromion. This leaves the bursa in a position that can be jeopardised by repetitive above head movements or an unstable joint motion. When the bursa is significantly irritated, it can become inflamed and swollen, resulting in much pain and difficulty to find a position of comfort.
Treatment of a bursa must include a biomechanical assessment of the shoulder girdle (scapular and shoulder joint). This may reveal imbalances in patterns of muscular movements which when corrected can ease pressure from the bursa, allowing it to heal.
Treatment methods for bursitis may include;
- Taping
- Shoulder mobility techniques
- Ice
- Movement pattern correction
- Theraband strengthening of the cuffs and surrounding muscles
