Shoulder bursitis pain relief, an orthopedic surgeon explains

Bursitis of the shoulder is best treated by physical therapy focusing on posterior capsular stretching, rotator cuff strengthening, and periscapular stabilization. Oftentimes, a steroid injection into the subacromial space of the shoulder will also provide tremendous relief. As an orthopedic surgeon, I like to inject the subacromial space and then send my patients to physical therapy. Almost all of my patients get better with this combination of treatment. Usually, only one steroid injection to the shoulder bursa is ever needed.

*If I didn't answer all of your questions in the video, please feel free to post them below. Please keep in mind I am not able to answer treatment questions or provide any diagnosis specific to your condition. However, I am more than happy to answer general questions about shoulder bursitis.

DISCLAIMER:
The information in this video is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard in this video.

[g.g.]

Great clear and concise explanation doctor. Thank you!!!

[Sophie-mlkq]

Thank you! I learnt what and how I need to explain my pains to the doctors, very often, it's hard to make them understand precisely of where my pains are!!!

[justinwesterman]

I’ve had all these symptoms my treatment so far has been dry needling cupping 3 bouts of PRP growth steroid injection and cortisone been 10 months so I’ve decided to go under the knife for a clean out sick of pain sick of interrupted sleep

[jaidenR]

My son got the injection and has been doing PT for a year now. He's a baseball player and hasn't been able to play due to the pain (Bursitis). His doctor (Ortho) has now mentioned arthroscopic procedure that we are considering.

[stephaniefuller]

I'll be getting the injection on Feb 15th and start PT the 23rd. Hoping it'll help. Had surgery on my other shoulder Dec 18 😢

[raymondrobledojr]

Hi Doc. Mine started with a high shot into the bursae. 3-20-21..:

My doctor did not believe me and sent me to PT (33 sessions) . I finally got a shot into the bursa and it relieves the throbbing.. but the pain was still a 10….. nothings worked and I’m finally going to Dr. Jonathan Fow on the 21st.

All my shots where through the VA (army) so it was easy to see what happened to me.. thank you for your channel ..

[colinsmith]

I really thankyou for this advice doctor l have had my shoulder impingement for just coming on six months now. Prescribed exercises have helped but l feel there is some inflammation holding me back from doing more exercise. My doctor who specialises in cortisone injections is due to give me one on November 8th.

[kirkkoebel]

Hi, I have shoulder bursitis resulting from repetitive movements, and i've lived in chronic pain from this for nearly two years. The cortisone injection provided zero relief, and my combination of massage, physio approved stretches and strengthening exercises barely provide relief but the long lasting pain always returns. The pain management specialist who gave me the injection essentially told me there was nothing he could do and proposed "mindfulness techniques" to manage. Any suggestions?

[hollyberry]

I’ve noticed my shoulder bursitis is worse at night when I take Benadryl! I was taking Benadryl to help sleep but stopped because the pain got worse!

[NorsePJ]

I've had more corticosteroid injections than I can remember, and they haven't helped. I have bursitis and tendonitis in both shoulders. Both cause extreme pain with certain movements. I've lived with this for well over a decade. But now, it's far worse than ever. I will be trying physio next and taking it from there. I thought about platelet rich plasma injections (PRP injection) but they are way too expensive for me. I'm at my wits end.

[stefanosoderi]

Dr. Will shoulder Bursitis (2 weeks post injection) move to the mid arm location pain ?

[rl]

Thank you, Dr. for your detailed explaination. How many steroid injections will you give over some period of time before you want to try something else? What frequency would you recommend for the steroid injections? Some years ago I had a bursa in a knee fill with liquid. They drained it. Do you recommend something like that for an inflamed shoulder bursa that is visible through a MRI?

[seanyaffe]

can you link some of the PT' exercises/stretches that will coincide with the shot? I've recently had my Dr. die me the injection, just want to add some security measures. thanks

[am-mjee]

Thank you, Dr. For your video I have inflammation on my left shoulder I had 2 steroid injection but I have still Same pian it doesn't work for me at all so what do you recommend please thank you.

[joditickle]

You still reading these? Doctors aren't listening to me. Back of my shoulder blade and bottom of shoulder ( back of arm pit) . Full range of motion, no problem overhead. Muscles are tight on blade, constant. Telling impingement but pain not in front or where they say I should hurt, my pain is back of shoulder blade, down to arm pit. I kept getting an AP, where is a doctor. Modern medicine professionals are scary, no knowledge. I have exercised all my life, I know my body and have had rotor cuff surgery before, I know the mechanics of the shoulder.

[therealusgodblessus]

I had the injection in my shoulder I’m having more extremely pain than before now and my my wrist 😭

[madzleif]

My doctor injected on three spots. She pinches the places I felt more pain then she injected on those.

[joebest]

Hi doc so ive had butsiris 9munth now 2 steroid injection pt and so on .i cant jim or work ive lost kgs in my upper body due to this i can see it sticking out the side of my shoulder i feal like it needs drained?and ive been denied by orthopedics.nothing is working i was extremely fit before this.im considering drwining it myself at this stage im 36 years old

[brandonbasso]

Hey doc. My bursa sac in my left shoulder is gone. I’ve had 2 surgeries about 12 yrs ago. The doctors then said I need a full shoulder replacement but won’t consider me until I’m 50. I’m 41 now.
The pain is daily and sleeping can be excruciating painful. I don’t like to take NSAID’s for relief so I just live with the pain.
Is there a way to put an artificial bursa sac into the shoulder so I can do weight bearing activities?