Shoulder pain that flares when you raise your arm overhead or get dressed, and will not let you sleep on that side? Shoulder bursitis — most often subacromial — is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain in adults.
What is shoulder bursitis?
The subacromial bursa is the fluid cushion between the rotator cuff tendons and the bony “roof” of the shoulder (acromion). When that space narrows — through overload, posture or muscle imbalance — the bursa is compressed and inflames. It often coexists with rotator cuff tendinopathy, in the picture called subacromial impingement syndrome.
Common symptoms
Pain on the outer and front side of the shoulder, worse when lifting the arm between 60–120° (the “painful arc”), night pain when lying on that shoulder, difficulty dressing and with overhead movements, weakness on lifting.
Common causes
Repetitive overhead work (painting, assembly, sport), slumped-forward posture narrowing the subacromial space, imbalance between the rotator cuff and deltoid, sudden overload and — less often — direct blows.
Can it be treated without surgery?
Yes — the evidence for subacromial syndrome is clear: structured exercise therapy achieves results at least equal to surgery, without its risks. Injections are discussed case-by-case as a bridge into rehab, never as the whole answer.
How we treat shoulder bursitis at Medicine Park
We assess the shoulder, shoulder blade and thoracic spine (their mobility decides the subacromial space), then build the plan: manual therapy, progressive rotator-cuff and scapular-stabiliser exercise, posture correction, dry needling for trigger points and intelligent dosing of overhead activity. All in English.
How long does recovery take?
Recent cases: 4–6 weeks. Chronic ones: 8–12 weeks of consistent work. Night pain usually settles among the first symptoms.
When to seek help
If shoulder pain wakes you at night or raising your arm has become a problem, book an assessment. Your first assessment at Medicine Park is free.
