Shoulder Bursitis Cures

Shoulder bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa that can cause pain. This condition occurs frequently with athletes, as they sometimes move their shoulders in directions that they aren't supposed to move them. But this injury can also occur in individuals who perform repetitive actions at work. Healing shoulder bursitis involves waiting for the bursa to heal and relieving the pain that comes with the injury.

Overuse

• Those with shoulder bursitis should avoid using their shoulders as much as possible. Too much movement of the shoulder can lead to greater aggravation and inflammation of the shoulder. Overuse of the shoulder is the cause of bursitis, as the small sacks that cushion the shoulder joint become damaged and irritated. Use of the shoulder only further increases irritation. Braces and splints can be used to immobilize the shoulder in order to facilitate healing. When the shoulder heals, normal action can resume. But the shoulder will always be susceptible to more injury, so athletes should forever be careful when using their shoulders.

Decreasing Swelling

• Swelling of the bursitis can be counteracted directly with anti-inflammatory medications. But these medications can be harmful to the stomach and have other side effects. Another alternative is to use cold therapy. Ice packs or any cold object in the fridge can be placed on the shoulder. Cold slows blood flow to the area where the cold is applied, preventing inflation. The cold pack only needs to be applied for 10 to 15 minutes. If bursitis is severe, cortisol can be injected into the area where the inflammation is occurring. This method has much more powerful anti-inflammatory benefits than cold therapy.

Prevention

• Prevention is mostly a concern after the sufferer has healed, given that the bursitis will always be vulnerable to further injury. Avoiding repetitive motions can prevent bursitis injury. Stretching and building the strength of the shoulder can make the shoulder more resistant to strain. Sports therapists can also observe how you perform physical movements and determine whether or not there are better ways for you to perform movements while avoiding injury. General techniques for avoiding bursitis injury includes gradually increasing workout intensity, slowly including new workout activities, warming up adequately and cooling down. Also, do not continue a workout if you are feeling heavily fatigued, as your body might not be able to compensate for the exhaustion.

Bacteria

• Sometimes bacteria infect the bursa, making it difficult or impossible for the bursa to heal. In these cases, surgery might need to be used in order to drain fluid out of the shoulder. Antibodies will also be needed in order to kill the bacteria.