ROTATOR CUFF BURSITIS

What is rotator cuff bursitis?

Rotator cuff bursitis arises from the inflammation of the pillow-like sacs filled with synovial fluid, the bursae.

What are the causes of rotator cuff bursitis?

Healthy rotator cuff tendons and muscles stabilise the shoulder and ensure optimal joint movement. However, several factors can lead to irritation and inflammation of the bursae, including:

• A traumatic accident or direct blow to the shoulder
• Sports injuries or repetitive strain
• Sudden fall onto the shoulder
• Overuse of the shoulder joint, especially repeated overhead movements
• Weak or imbalanced rotator cuff muscles causing poor shoulder mechanics
• Shoulder impingement, where tendons and bursae are compressed during movement
• Poor posture (especially rounded shoulders or forward head posture)
• Age-related degeneration of shoulder tendons and soft tissues
• Heavy lifting or repetitive manual labour

Certain sports can increase the risk of the condition, such as football, wrestling, basketball, swimming, golf and tennis.

What are the symptoms (signs) of shoulder bursitis?

• Pain on the outer side of the shoulder
• Swelling and localised tenderness
• Reduced shoulder mobility
• Stiffness, especially after rest or sleep
• Muscle weakness in the affected arm
• Redness and warmth over the shoulder area
• Pain that worsens when lifting the arm overhead
• Discomfort when lying on the affected shoulder at night
• Pain during repetitive shoulder activities or sports

How does Dr van Niekerk diagnose a rotator cuff bursitis?

Dr van Niekerk will examine the shoulder in detail by testing the mobility and flexibility of the joint. These tests are designed to assess the strength and mobility of the shoulder and arm. As a result, Dr van Niekerk will order the following tests:

• X-ray
• Ultrasound
• MRI scan

How do you treat rotator cuff bursitis?

Treatment for rotator cuff bursitis can be divided into non-surgical and operative treatments. Non-surgical treatment, like any other treatment, aims to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Non-operative treatments include rest, anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, and corticosteroids (via injection) to reduce the symptoms of rotator cuff bursitis. Surgical treatment is rarely performed to treat bursitis. Normally, symptoms are relieved through non-operative treatment.

However, when shoulder bursitis recurs and coincides with shoulder impingement, doctors recommend surgery to treat the problem. The procedure that needs to be carried out depends on your symptoms and the cause of the pain. For example, a bursectomy is a type of surgery that involves the resection of the inflamed bursae.

Non-surgical treatments must be applied over several weeks or months to relieve symptoms of rotator cuff bursitis completely. You will only be allowed to return to overhead sports when you are relieved of pain and have completely regained shoulder mobility.