Quick Summary
The subacromial bursa is a small cushioning structure around the shoulder tendons. Irritation in this area can be painful, particularly with reaching or sleeping on the shoulder. Bursitis often overlaps with rotator cuff-related pain, so we assess the whole shoulder and plan care around your symptoms and function.
What is Shoulder Bursitis?
A bursa helps nearby tissues move against one another. When it becomes irritated, it may be described as bursitis. A scan may show bursal changes, but these need to fit the clinical picture. The term alone does not identify the cause or establish that the bursa is the only painful structure.
Your assessment at J&J Therapy looks at how symptoms affect your day, relevant health history, movement and strength. We explain the findings, agree priorities with you and advise when medical review or imaging would change your care.
Image: NIAMS / Angelito7 / Jmarchn · Public domain. Adapted.
Do You Experience These Symptoms?
- Pain around the shoulder or outer upper arm with reaching.
- Tenderness or discomfort lying on the affected side.
- Reduced ease of dressing, lifting or overhead tasks.
An assessment helps guide your next step, based on your symptoms, health and goals.
Why can it develop?
Repeated or increased shoulder loading may contribute. Bursal irritation can coexist with tendon problems or other conditions. A very hot, swollen shoulder with fever is a different concern and needs urgent medical assessment rather than a massage booking.
Your treatment plan at J&J Therapy
Hands-On Manual Therapy
Gentle hands-on treatment to surrounding muscles or joints may support comfort when tolerated. We avoid repeatedly compressing a very irritable area and combine treatment with an activity and exercise plan.
Is Shockwave Suitable?
Shockwave is not routinely indicated for shoulder bursitis itself. An assessed tendon condition needs its own evidence-based decision; it is not a reason to automatically add shockwave to every painful shoulder.
Targeted Exercise Programme
We temporarily adapt aggravating loads while maintaining comfortable movement, then progressively rebuild shoulder strength and tolerance. Your programme is reviewed if pain is not settling or function declines.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
While most symptoms are not serious, urgent medical attention is required if you experience any of the following:
- Seek urgent GP advice or contact NHS 111 for sudden severe pain, inability to move the arm, marked swelling, persistent numbness or a hot shoulder with fever.
- After an injury, a changed shoulder shape or sudden loss of strength needs urgent assessment. Do not try to put a dislocated shoulder back yourself.
- Call 999 for shoulder or arm pain with chest pressure, breathlessness, sweating or feeling faint.
Your questions answered
Can a scan prove bursitis is the cause of my pain?
Not on its own. Imaging findings and symptoms do not always match. An examination helps determine which findings are relevant and whether another shoulder problem needs attention.
Will an injection be necessary?
Not for everyone. A medical clinician may consider an injection for selected cases after discussing benefits, limitations and health factors. Physiotherapy helps address movement and activity needs alongside any medical care.
Which appointment should I book?
Choose a Physiotherapy Initial Assessment to understand this problem and plan your rehabilitation. Soft Tissue Therapy may be considered for associated muscle tension when appropriate; it does not replace assessment of an injury, tendon problem or joint restriction.
Book an appointment at J&J Therapy, ground floor, CI Tower, New Malden. Need help choosing? Call our reception team on 07935 869938.
Sources and further reading
This page is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice.
Information updated 15 October 2026. General information only; this page does not diagnose your symptoms or replace an individual assessment. Treatment depends on your health, examination and preferences. Use the urgent-care advice above when needed.