Subacromial Bursitis Treatment in Joondalup and Perth's Northern Suburbs
Persistent shoulder pain and swelling that makes lifting your arm uncomfortable — subacromial bursitis is a common source of shoulder pain that often develops alongside rotator cuff problems.
At Lakeside Chiropractic in Joondalup, bursitis rarely exists in isolation. It most commonly develops when abnormal shoulder mechanics cause the bursa to be repeatedly pinched, and treating it well means addressing that mechanical picture rather than only the inflammation itself.
What Is Subacromial Bursitis?
Subacromial bursitis is inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that sits between the rotator cuff tendons and the bony arch above the shoulder.
Its job is to cushion and protect the tendons during movement. When it becomes irritated and swollen, it compresses with every arm movement and can produce significant pain.
Treating the condition well means considering both the inflammation and the shoulder mechanics that may be repeatedly pinching the bursa.
What Causes Subacromial Bursitis?
The bursa may become irritated through repetitive compression, direct trauma, inflammation, or altered shoulder mechanics.
- Repetitive overhead movement that repeatedly compresses the bursa
- Rotator cuff weakness or imbalance causing abnormal shoulder mechanics
- Direct trauma or a fall onto the shoulder
- Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Gradual onset with no specific cause, particularly in middle-aged adults
Symptoms
- Pain at the top or outer side of the shoulder
- Pain when lifting the arm away from the body, especially between 60 and 120 degrees
- Aching at rest and at night
- Swelling or tenderness over the shoulder
- Weakness or reluctance to use the arm because of pain
What the Research Shows
Research supports exercise, manual therapy, and selected passive modalities for shoulder conditions involving the subacromial space.
- The 2017 Steuri et al. meta-analysis found that exercise, manual therapy, and low-level laser produced meaningful improvements in shoulder pain and function in conditions involving the subacromial space. Low-level laser showed particularly strong evidence as a passive modality.
- The 2017 Hawk et al. JMPT review found moderate evidence for several passive modalities in shoulder impingement and bursitis presentations, with manual therapy combined with exercise being the most consistently supported approach.
How We Can Help
Care focuses on reducing irritation while addressing the shoulder mechanics and muscle activity that may be repeatedly compressing the bursa.
We work into the upper trapezius, deltoid, and posterior rotator cuff to reduce muscular compression during arm movement. Less muscular tension can create more room for the bursa to move without being pinched.
Cold laser may be applied directly over the swollen bursa to address inflammatory fluid and pain without adding compression or load. This can be particularly useful in the first week or two when the bursa is acutely inflamed.
Learn more about Cold Laser Therapy or visit Cold Laser Perth .
Interferential current may be applied over the shoulder to reduce pain and localised swelling during the acute phase, allowing gentle movement to begin before the bursa has fully settled.
We may needle the supraspinatus and infraspinatus to release superior shoulder compression that is trapping the bursa. The needling is not performed near the bursa itself; it addresses the muscle activity closing the space around it.
Rotator cuff and lower trapezius strengthening begins in positions that do not compress the subacromial space. Range and load are then progressed as the bursa settles and shoulder mechanics improve.
Shoulder Pain and Swelling Are Worth Assessing
Lakeside Chiropractic is based in Joondalup and sees patients from Currambine, Woodvale, Kingsley, Duncraig, Wanneroo, Tapping, Carramar, Heathridge, Edgewater, Mullaloo, Padbury, Banksia Grove, Yanchep, Gnangara, and across Perth's northern suburbs.
Call us on 9300 0095 or visit lakesidechiro.com.au .
Disclaimer: This page provides general health information only and is not a substitute for professional assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Results vary between individuals. Please consult a qualified health professional to discuss your individual circumstances.
References
- Steuri R, et al. Effectiveness of conservative interventions including exercise, manual therapy and medical management in adults with shoulder impingement. Br J Sports Med. 2017;51(18):1340-1347. PMID 28630217
- Hawk C, et al. Systematic review of nondrug, nonsurgical treatment of shoulder conditions. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2017;40(5):293-319. PMID 28554433
Location Details
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Sunday | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Monday | 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
