Shoulder Tendinitis/Bursitis OR Shoulder Bursitis
Subacromial Bursitis
Bursae are fluid filled sacs that act to reduce friction between bones, tendons and/or muscles surrounding certain joints. The subacromial bursa is located beneath the bony prominence at the top of the shoulder and acts to reduce friction between the acromion and the tendon of the supraspinatus muscle. Irritation of the subacromial bursa can occur following certain shoulder movements such as repetitive overhead activities, prolonged arm elevation, repetitive shoulder rotation activities, excessive pushing or pulling activities or from sleeping on the affected shoulder. Each of these place compressive forces on the subacromial bursa resulting in irritation, pain and inflammation. This is referred to as subacromial bursitis.
Subdeltoid Bursitis
Bursae are fluid filled sacs that act to reduce friction between bones, tendons and/or muscles surrounding certain joints. The subdeltoid bursa is located beneath the deltoid muscle on the upper and outside aspect of the shoulder. Irritation of the subdeltoid bursa can occur following frequent repetitive activation of the deltoid muscle, which acts to abduct the arm (lift the arm out sideways) and is typically associated with repetitive heavy lifting activities. This repetitive, compressive force causes irritation, pain and inflammation of the subdeltoid bursa, and is referred to as subdeltoid bursitis.