This blog discusses bursitis, covering its causes, symptoms, diagnostic methods, and both conventional and regenerative treatment options.

What is Shoulder Bursitis?

The bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones and soft tissue structures, reducing friction between moving structures. Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa, causing significant pain and restriction of shoulder movement. In the shoulder, the subacromial bursa, located between the rotator cuff tendons and the outer shoulder layer, is often affected. When inflamed, it can cause pain, swelling, and a reduced range of motion.

Causes of Shoulder Bursitis

1. Instability: Everyday activities may strain shoulder ligaments, leading to joint instability.
2. Repetitive Motion: Activities like painting, swimming, or playing tennis can stress the shoulder joint and rotator cuff tendons, leading to bursitis.
3. Postural Issues: Poor posture can add stress to the shoulder joint and surrounding structures.
4. Direct Injury: A fall or direct blow can cause acute inflammation of the bursa.
5. Infection: Though rare, bacterial or viral infections can spread to the bursa, requiring prompt medical attention.
6. Underlying Conditions: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, and diabetes increase the risk of bursitis due to systemic inflammation.

Symptoms of Shoulder Bursitis

• Pain, often deep and aching, worsened by movement or pressure.
• Swelling, either visible or a sense of fullness in the shoulder.
• Limited range of motion, particularly with overhead movements.
• Tenderness, especially over the anterior or lateral shoulder.
• Weakness when lifting objects or performing certain activities.

Diagnosing Shoulder Bursitis

Diagnosis involves a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests. Physicians assess symptoms, activity-related pain, and specific motions that exacerbate pain. Imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasound, and MRI help rule out arthritis or fractures and assess soft tissue structures.

Conventional Treatments for Shoulder Bursitis

1. Rest and Ice: Reducing inflammation by resting and applying ice packs.
2. Medications: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen.
3. Physical Therapy: Strengthening exercises for shoulder stability and flexibility.
4. Ergonomic Adjustments: Modifying workspaces or activities to reduce shoulder strain.
5. Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Preparing muscles and joints for activity and recovery.
6. Steroid Injections: Short-term relief for reducing inflammation, not recommended long-term.

Regenerative Medicine Treatments

Regenerative medicine harnesses the body’s natural healing capabilities, offering advanced options for treating bursitis:

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Concentrated platelets from your blood injected to accelerate healing.
• Prolotherapy: Injection of dextrose stimulates healing processes.
• Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate: Concentrated bone marrow cells, including mesenchymal stem cells, aid in repair.
• Other Orthobiologics: Anti-inflammatory treatments like platelet lysate and interleukin receptor antagonist protein.

Personalized Treatment Approach

A personalized treatment plan is crucial, combining thorough history, examination, and imaging to tailor conventional and regenerative treatments. Emphasizing physical therapy, exercise, and a low-inflammatory diet supports long-term healing.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Seek medical attention if:

• Pain is severe and unresponsive to rest or over-the-counter medications.
• Signs of infection, like redness, warmth, or fever, occur with shoulder pain.
• Limited range of motion persists despite treatment.
• Symptoms persist despite conservative treatment.

Conclusion

Shoulder bursitis can impact quality of life, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, it can be managed effectively. Conventional treatments help manage symptoms, while regenerative medicine offers promising long-term relief. Consult a specialist for a comprehensive diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

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