Shoulder Bursitis
Shoulder Bursitis
If reaching for a coffee cup, buttoning a shirt, or sleeping on your side has started to hurt, shoulder bursitis could be the reason. It's one of the most common causes of shoulder pain we treat at Vitality Health New York, and the good news is that most people feel significant relief with the right care with no surgery required.
What's Actually Happening in Your Shoulder
Your shoulder relies on small, fluid-filled cushions called bursae to help muscles and tendons glide smoothly over bone. When you overuse your shoulder, through repetitive lifting, reaching, or overhead activity, one of these cushions can become irritated and swollen. This is called subacromial bursitis, and it is often what's behind that nagging, hard-to-ignore shoulder pain.
Why It Happens
Shoulder bursitis rarely shows up alone. It often develops alongside rotator cuff tendinitis, since both conditions stem from the same repetitive stress and poor movement patterns. Once inflammation sets in, even small daily tasks, such as brushing your hair, reaching behind your back, grabbing something off a high shelf, can suddenly feel like a struggle.
Signs You Might Be Dealing With This
Aching or sharp pain on the outer or front of the shoulder
Pain that worsens when lifting your arm overhead
Tenderness or mild swelling around the joint
Trouble sleeping on the affected side
How We Help You Feel Better
We focus on calming the inflammation first, then rebuilding strength so the pain doesn't come back. Depending on your situation, your care plan may include:
Gentle soft tissue and joint mobilization
Therapeutic ultrasound to ease pain and swelling
Neuromuscular electric stimulation to support healing
Chiropractic adjustments to help reduce joint pressure
Targeted exercises to restore strength and range of motion
Let's Get Your Shoulder Moving Again
You don't have to keep working around shoulder pain. Our team will get to the root of what's causing it and build a plan to get you back to the things you enjoy. Call or text us at (212) 245-5688 to schedule your visit.