Sports Medicine - Shoulder


Shoulder Bursitis

 

Definition:

Shoulder pain in the adult is often due to rotator cuff tendonitis. Other labels for this problem include impingement syndrome or subacromial bursitis. With rotator cuff tendonitis, there is pain over the outer aspect of the shoulder, accentuated with activities above the shoulder level. Individuals often find that throwing and overhead activities are painful. Keeping the arm at one's side often reduces the pain. Symptoms can even wake people up at night.

Diagnosis:

The diagnosis of rotator cuff tendonitis requires a careful history and examination. Examination often reproduces pain by moving the arm overhead. Selective injections of anesthetic agents and cortisone can aid in the diagnosis of rotator cuff tendonitis.

Treatment Options:

Treatment options of rotator cuff tendonitis include:

  • Use of medications by mouth (frequently anti-inflammatory medications).
  • Physical therapy to emphasize rotator cuff stretching exercises and other modalities to reduce inflammation.
  • Injection of cortisone into the space or bursa above the rotator cuff.
  • Surgery - open or arthroscopic surgery is considered if all other nonoperative methods of treatment fail, and severe pain exists.