What Is Impingement Protocol for Shoulder Bursitis?

Shoulder bursitis is pain caused from the inflammation of the bursa overlying the rotator cuff. It may be the result of an acute injury or caused over a period of time by repetitive overhead motion.

Treatment

• Shoulder bursitis and rotator cuff tendonitis have similar symptoms, but bursitis most likely will involve swelling in the bursa. According to Shoulder-Pain-Management, applying an ice pack for 20 minutes every three to four hours is suggested for the first few days.

Benefits

• Anti-inflammatory medication is recommended to relieve pain and help reduce the inflammation. The impingement protocol may include an injection of cortisone into the bursa.

Considerations

• MedicineNet.com recommends including daily stretching in a warm shower. A simple stretch is to "walk" your arm up the shower wall high enough to reach your thumb behind your back. If symptoms do not improve, your doctor may do an MRI to look for damage such as a rotator cuff tear.

Prevention/Solution

• Impingement protocol for shoulder bursitis requires avoiding any repetitive activities with the injured arm. This includes such things as swimming, painting, tennis, vacuuming and raking leaves.

Warning

• Side effects of using anti-inflammatory medications for shoulder bursitis include nausea, vomiting and stomach ulcers. According to WebMD, steroid (or corticosteroid) injections rarely cause serious side effects, but 30 percent of patients may not have satisfactory relief.