Shoulder pain can be frustrating, especially when it starts interfering with simple daily activities like combing your hair, lifting a bag, or even sleeping comfortably. One of the common reasons behind persistent shoulder pain is bursitis. Although bursitis may sound like a minor inflammation, it can severely limit your shoulder’s mobility and quality of life if left untreated.
If you live in Nagpur and are struggling with ongoing shoulder pain, understanding what bursitis is, its symptoms, causes, and when you should consult a shoulder specialist like Dr. Vishal Sahni at London Orthopaedic Clinic can help you take the right steps towards recovery.
What is Shoulder Bursitis?
Inside your shoulder joint, there are small fluid-filled sacs called bursae. These act like cushions between bones, tendons, and muscles, helping them glide smoothly during movement.
Bursitis occurs when one or more of these bursae become inflamed. This inflammation can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility in your shoulder. While bursitis can affect various joints, the shoulder is one of the most common locations due to its frequent use and complex movements.
Why Bursitis Happens in the Shoulder
There are multiple reasons why shoulder bursitis can develop. These include:
- Repetitive Overuse
- Continuous overhead movements such as painting, swimming, or throwing can strain the bursa.
- Sports like badminton, cricket bowling, or volleyball put the shoulder under repetitive stress.
- Injury or Trauma
- A sudden fall on the shoulder or direct blow can irritate the bursa.
- Poor Posture
- Slouching or rounded shoulders can alter joint mechanics, causing unnecessary friction in the bursa.
- Underlying Shoulder Conditions
- Rotator cuff injuries, tendonitis, or shoulder impingement can increase the risk of bursitis.
- Age-related Wear and Tear
- As you age, the tendons and muscles lose flexibility, making bursitis more likely.
Signs and Symptoms You Should Not Ignore
If you have shoulder bursitis, you may notice:
- Sharp or dull pain in the front or side of your shoulder.
- Pain worsening with movement, especially lifting the arm overhead.
- Swelling or warmth over the affected area.
- Stiffness making it difficult to move your arm fully.
- Night pain that disturbs sleep, especially when lying on the affected shoulder.
These symptoms can be mild initially but tend to get worse if ignored.
When Shoulder Pain Means You Need a Specialist
While mild bursitis can sometimes improve with rest and home remedies, there are situations where seeing a shoulder specialist in Nagpur is the safest and fastest way to recover.
Seek medical attention from Dr. Vishal Sahni if:
- Your pain lasts more than two weeks despite rest and ice.
- The shoulder pain is severe and limits your daily activities.
- You notice swelling, redness, or fever along with pain (possible infection).
- You have difficulty raising your arm above your head.
- Shoulder pain keeps you awake at night.
- The pain is linked to a recent injury or fall.
Ignoring these signs can lead to chronic bursitis, which is much harder to treat.
How a Shoulder Specialist Diagnoses Bursitis
When you visit London Orthopaedic Clinic, Nagpur, Dr. Vishal Sahni will begin with:
- Detailed Medical History – Understanding your symptoms, daily activities, and any recent injuries.
- Physical Examination – Checking your shoulder’s range of motion, tenderness, and strength.
- Imaging Tests – X-rays to rule out bone problems, and an MRI or ultrasound to detect bursitis or related tendon injuries.
A precise diagnosis ensures you get the right treatment, avoiding unnecessary delays in recovery.
Treatment Options for Shoulder Bursitis
Treatment depends on the severity of inflammation and how long you have had symptoms.
1. Non-Surgical Treatments
Most cases improve with:
- Rest and Activity Modification – Avoiding movements that trigger pain.
- Ice Therapy – Applying ice packs to reduce swelling and pain.
- Medications – Anti-inflammatory medicines to control pain.
- Physiotherapy – Guided exercises to restore flexibility and strength without irritating the bursa.
- Steroid Injections – For persistent pain, a corticosteroid injection directly into the bursa can provide rapid relief.
2. Advanced Treatments
If symptoms persist despite conservative methods, Dr. Sahni may recommend advanced pain-free treatments, such as image-guided injections or minimally invasive procedures.
3. Surgical Treatment
Rarely, when bursitis is chronic and unresponsive to all other treatments, bursa removal surgery (bursectomy) may be needed. This is usually done using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques, allowing faster recovery.
How Dr. Vishal Sahni Helps Patients in Nagpur
With over 24 years of orthopaedic experience in India and London, Dr. Vishal Sahni is highly skilled in diagnosing and treating shoulder, elbow, and wrist conditions. His approach is:
- Accurate Diagnosis – Using advanced imaging and clinical expertise.
- Personalised Treatment Plans – Tailored to each patient’s needs.
- Modern and Minimally Invasive Techniques – For faster recovery and less discomfort.
- Rehabilitation Support – Ensuring complete return to normal activities.
Patients at London Orthopaedic Clinic, Dhantoli, Nagpur benefit from world-class orthopaedic care right in the heart of the city.
Tips to Prevent Shoulder Bursitis
While not all cases can be prevented, you can reduce the risk by:
- Maintaining good posture.
- Avoiding repetitive overhead activities without breaks.
- Strengthening your shoulder muscles through regular exercise.
- Warming up before sports or workouts.
- Listening to your body – don’t push through shoulder pain.
Final Thoughts
Bursitis in the shoulder is not just a minor ache you can ignore. If you have persistent shoulder pain, swelling, or stiffness, especially if it’s affecting your daily life, it’s time to see a shoulder specialist.
Dr. Vishal Sahni and his team at London Orthopaedic Clinic, Nagpur are committed to helping you recover quickly and get back to pain-free living. Early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to preventing long-term shoulder damage.
Don’t let shoulder pain control your life—take action today for a healthier tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions – Bursitis in the Shoulder
1. What is shoulder bursitis?
Shoulder bursitis is the inflammation of small fluid-filled sacs called bursae in the shoulder joint. These bursae act as cushions to reduce friction between bones, tendons, and muscles. When they become swollen or irritated, it causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
2. What are the main causes of shoulder bursitis?
The most common causes include repetitive overhead movements, sports injuries, poor posture, sudden trauma, age-related wear and tear, and underlying shoulder problems such as rotator cuff injuries or impingement syndrome.
3. What symptoms should make me suspect shoulder bursitis?
Typical symptoms include pain in the front or side of the shoulder, swelling, stiffness, pain while lifting your arm overhead, and night pain that disturbs sleep. In severe cases, there may also be warmth or redness around the shoulder.
4. Can shoulder bursitis heal on its own?
Mild cases can improve with rest, ice therapy, and avoiding aggravating activities. However, if pain persists beyond 1–2 weeks or interferes with your daily activities, it is important to consult a shoulder specialist like Dr. Vishal Sahni for proper diagnosis and treatment.
5. When should I see a shoulder specialist for bursitis?
You should seek medical help if your shoulder pain lasts for more than two weeks, is severe, affects daily tasks, occurs after an injury, or if you notice swelling, redness, or fever along with the pain.
6. How is shoulder bursitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a physical examination, medical history, and imaging tests like X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound to confirm inflammation and rule out other conditions such as fractures or tendon tears.
7. What treatment options are available for shoulder bursitis?
Treatment may include rest, ice application, anti-inflammatory medicines, physiotherapy, and in some cases, corticosteroid injections. Chronic or severe cases may require advanced treatments or minimally invasive surgery.
8. Is shoulder bursitis the same as rotator cuff injury?
No. While both cause shoulder pain, bursitis is inflammation of the bursa, whereas a rotator cuff injury affects the shoulder tendons and muscles. Sometimes, both conditions can occur together.
9. Can physiotherapy help with shoulder bursitis?
Yes. Physiotherapy helps improve flexibility, strengthen shoulder muscles, and restore full range of motion without irritating the bursa further. It also reduces the risk of recurrence.
10. How can I prevent shoulder bursitis from coming back?
Maintain good posture, avoid repetitive overhead movements without breaks, warm up before sports, strengthen shoulder muscles, and listen to your body by resting when pain starts.