Shoulder bursitis is a painful condition that is usually caused by repetitive motion. The pain can range from dull and achy to sharp and stabbing. It can be irritated by certain movements or all the time. In most cases, the best treatment for bursitis is rest. Weight lifting can cause bursitis and can irritate bursitis.
Symptoms
Bursitis is inflammation of the fluid-filled pad, the bursae. The shoulder bursae is located between the shoulder blade and rotator cuff to lubricate motion and cushion bones, muscles and tendons of the shoulder joint. The shoulder is usually achy and stiff. It hurts with pressure and is red and swollen.
Causes
Repetitive motion is one of the most common causes of bursitis. Lifting the arm over the head or using the same positioning day after day can cause or aggravate bursitis. Weight lifting can cause irritation in the bursae because of the repetitive motion and the extra weight placed on the shoulder joint and its components.
Treatments
Resting for a few weeks is the best way to treat bursitis. Avoid exercises and weight lifting that irritate the shoulder, as well as most repetitive motions. Protecting and icing are a few other ways to treat the inflammation naturally. Anti-inflammatories, natural or over-the counter, are another option to speed recovery. Your medical doctor can also recommend and administer corticosteroid injections. When you return to activities, such as weight lifting, it is wise to reintroduce the motion slowly with less weight and fewer repetitions to avoid flare-ups.
Precautions
Seek a medical consultation if the joint pain is disabling, last longer then two weeks, or if you have excessive swelling, redness, rash and bruising. Ask your doctor also when you experience a fever or severe, sharp pain with exertion. Flare-ups are common with shoulder bursitis.
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