Physical Therapy for Shoulder Bursitis

Shoulder Bursitis is a condition that is caused when there is a swelling and inflammation of the bursa. The bursa is a small pouch that is filled with liquid, which surrounds the tendons and bones in order to protect them (Present all over the body). In the confines of this sac, the tendons and bones are protected, as well as allowed a medium which brings about a smooth range of motion. The bursa therefore facilitates the motion of the joints. Yet there are times when the bursa around the shoulders can get affected and thereby lead to swelling and inflammation. This condition is known as shoulder bursitis. With it, it brings about a lot of pain, sensitivity and trauma. There emerges a need to undertake several exercises for shoulder bursitis as well so that the shoulder pain can be dealt with and the functioning of the shoulders restored to normal.

There are several stages of physical therapy for shoulder pain that are undertaken in order to treat this condition and restore normalcy. In the following sections we will look through the varied stages of physical therapy for shoulder bursitis.

Shoulder Bursitis - Treatment

Physical therapy aims at increasing the efficiency of the affected part in order to bring about normal functioning of the same. This then involves several stages that target the problem from different angles and hope to bring about positive results.

Before getting to the varied exercises that are involved in strengthening the shoulders and treating the shoulder pain and inflammation, there are several other factors that are brought into the picture as well. What do these involve?

• Rest - Avoiding any action that could aggravate the pain and lead to the worsening of the condition.
• Medication - Pain killers and muscle relaxers are administered such that they can lower the pain that is caused and help a person deal with the situation better.
• Packs - Ice or heat packs are administered to lower the swelling and inflammation.

Along with these factors, a physical therapist will also administer certain other techniques that will lead to the treatment:

• Change in Lifestyle - A change in one's lifestyle becomes important so that the possibility of a relapse, or an aggravation of the condition does not come about. This then involves understanding the kind of actions that have to be avoided as well as those that can lead to a strain of the area.
• Posture Correction - A wrong posture normally leads to the emergence of this condition. Special correction exercise are administered for the same in this order.

While these factors are important for curbing the aggravation of this condition and bringing it under control, the most important section of the physical therapy are the exercises that are administered which help in restoring the strength and the functionality of the shoulder. In the following section, we will take a brief look at some of these exercises as a part of the shoulder bursitis treatment.

Physical Therapy Exercises for Shoulder Bursitis

Here are some exercises that are undertaken as a part of this therapy. Follow these well and you'll see the difference soon enough.

Shoulder Extension

1. Lie on your back and keep your arms by your side.
2. Join them above your chest and then extend them over your head.
3. Ensure that the arms are not bent even when above the head.
4. Count till 5 and bring to the original position. Repeat 10 times and do 3 sets during the day.
5. This exercise can also be done while sitting by keeping the hands straight and then extending them above the head.

Shoulder Push Back

1. Stand against a wall with your arms at the sides.
2. Take the right arm and push it into the wall. Hold for 5 seconds and bring back to the original hand.
3. Then take the left hand and repeat the same.
4. Repeat 10 times on both sides.
5. Do this exercise thrice in a day.

Shoulder Crawling

1. Stand facing a door or a wall and then using your left hand fingers, start crawling up the door and go as far as you can manage.
2. Keep the hand at the highest point for 10 seconds and then bring to the original position.
3. Repeat the same on the other side.
4. Bring in 3 sets in total during the day.

These are the varied factors that the physical therapy for shoulder bursitis will involve. Here's hoping you've got the required information to carry forth the treatment for the same.