Subacromial Bursitis
Region: Shoulder
Inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) that cushions between bone and tendon.
What is a Subacromial Bursitis?
Inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) that cushions between bone and tendon.
Symptoms
  • Warmth/redness
  • Swelling
  • Dull ache
  • Pain lifting arm
  • Worse lying on that side
What does a Subacromial Bursitis feel like?
  • Dull aching pain
  • Worse overhead or with pressure on shoulder
What are common causes of a Subacromial Bursitis?
  • Overuse/overhead activity
  • Repetitive compression/irritation
Self check
  • Does it ache and swell
  • and get worse when you lie on that side or lift overhead?
Educational only — not a medical diagnosis.
What to do now
  • Icing
  • Avoid compressive/overhead activity
  • consider OTC anti-inflammatories if appropriate
Red flags
  • Fever or redness spreading quickly (possible infection/septic bursitis)
Recovery tips
  • Avoid sleeping on that side
  • gradual return with improved mechanics
Educational only. Not a medical diagnosis.