Shoulder bursitis is a condition in which the shoulder bursa -- a small membrane that provides cushion between bones and muscle -- becomes inflamed from traumatic injury or repeated overuse. After a period of rest and recovery, you may be able to perform exercises that will help strengthen your shoulder and prevent future injury. Stop performing any exercises if you begin to feel significant pain in your shoulder.
Function
Shoulder bursitis exercises are designed to accomplish two main purposes. First, after a period of rest in which the bursitis heals and becomes less inflamed, exercises can help restore range of motion in the joint. Exercises following shoulder bursitis also serve to strengthen the muscles in the area, preventing injury in the future and protecting the shoulder from overuse and stress. Aerobic activity may also help the bursa heal by increasing blood flow to the area, according to FamilyDoctor.org.
Range of Motion Exercises
To help restore basic range of motion in your shoulder, you can do a simple exercise from virtually anywhere in your home. Find a sturdy surface, such as a table, counter or the frame of a sofa. Rest your non-injured arm on the surface and allow your injured arm to hang as you bend over at the waist. Relax your injured arm and draw circles in the air with your arm -- first clockwise five to 10 times, then counterclockwise. Swing your arm side to side slowly and gently, then back and forth. Repeat these exercises five to 10 times per day as part of your shoulder bursitis rehabilitation.
Side Pull Exercise
This exercise is designed to strengthen the shoulder muscles after you've regained range of motion in your shoulder. Tie a piece of rubber tubing to a doorknob or other similar object. Stand with your injured arm next to the doorknob and hold the tubing in your hand. Bend your arm at a 90-degree angle and pull the band across your stomach slowly. You should feel resistance in your shoulder as you keep your upper arm straight and close to your body. Return your arm to the starting position and repeat 10 to 12 times before dropping the tubing and allowing your arm to rest.
Shoulder Shrug
Shoulder shrugs are an easy and effective way to stretch and strengthen the muscles in your shoulder following a bursitis injury. To do shoulder shrugs, stand with a dumbbell in the hand of your injured side, with your back straight and feet together. Use the muscles in your shoulder to "shrug" and lift your arm up while keeping it straight and next to your side. Let your arm and shoulder fall back down, then repeat 10 to 12 times as part of your rehab routine.
Considerations
Your rehabilitation process will vary based on the nature and severity of your injury, but you should be able to increase the weight and number of repetitions as you progress. Be sure to follow your doctor's specific orders regarding exercise, rehabilitation and any specific motions you should not do with your arm.
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