What is sub-acromial bursitis?
Sub-acromial bursitis is inflammation in the largest bursa in the shoulder, located between the ball and socket. It causes severe pain that is aggravate by all shoulder movements, particularly moving your arm out to the side and above your head. It effects people of all the ages and is common in both active and sedentary individuals. It often occurs alongside rotator cuff issues. Sub-acromial bursitis is best diagnosed on ultrasound; this will be carried out on your first appointment. Sub-acromial bursitis normally responds well to rest, painkillers and a course of physiotherapy. However, if it does not improve and is waking you at night an ultrasound-guided injection is very effective.
What are the symptoms of sub-acromial bursitis?
The symptoms of a sub–acromial bursitis is:
- Pain that gets worse when you move your arm out to the side and above your head
- Pain worse at night – often causes you to wake up at night
- Pain lying on your side
If this sounds like your pain, read on…
What other conditions can mimic sub-acromial bursitis?
If this does not sound like your pain there are other conditions that can mimic the pain of sub-acromial bursitis such as:
- frozen shoulder
- shoulder impingement
- rotator cuff pain.
- calcific tendinopathy
Sub-acromial bursitis vs frozen shoulder?
Sub-acromial bursitis and frozen shoulder both cause significant pain and weakness in the shoulder, particularly at night time and often cause sleepless night. However, frozen shoulder is associated with significant stiffness alongside the pain. This is the key difference between the two conditions.