Subacromial Bursitis Treatment in NJ
Clifton Physical Therapy
Shoulder pain that worsens when lifting your arm or sleeping on your side is often linked to subacromial bursitis. This condition is common in New Jersey adults who work overhead, play racquet sports, or develop age-related shoulder changes. With the right diagnosis and guided care, most people recover without surgery and regain comfortable shoulder movement.
At Clifton Physical Therapy, treatment focuses on identifying why the bursa became irritated and correcting the movement or strength issues that keep the pain going.
What Is Subacromial Bursitis of the Shoulder?
Subacromial bursitis refers to inflammation of the subacromial bursa, a small fluid-filled sac located between the rotator cuff tendons and the acromion (the top part of the shoulder blade). The bursa acts as a cushion, allowing the tendons to glide smoothly when you raise or rotate your arm.
When this space becomes irritated, the bursa thickens and fills with excess fluid. This reduces clearance under the acromion and leads to pain, especially during overhead or reaching movements. Many patients feel pain along the outer side of the upper arm, rather than directly at the shoulder joint.
You may hear terms like shoulder bursitis, rotator cuff tendinitis, or subacromial impingement used interchangeably. Clinically, these conditions often overlap. In many cases, bursitis is not the primary problem but a reaction to tendon overload, poor shoulder mechanics, or reduced space within the joint.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Subacromial Bursitis?
Subacromial bursitis usually develops gradually, though symptoms may worsen suddenly after overuse or minor injury. Common signs include:
Dull or aching shoulder pain that increases with arm elevation
Pain during the “painful arc” (typically between waist and shoulder height)
Discomfort when lying on the affected shoulder at night
Pain radiating down the side of the arm
Clicking, catching, or grinding sensations with movement
Reduced strength or hesitation when lifting objects
As inflammation progresses, shoulder movement may become limited due to pain and protective muscle guarding. If left untreated, prolonged stiffness can contribute to secondary problems such as frozen shoulder.
What Causes Subacromial Bursitis?
Subacromial bursitis rarely occurs in isolation. It is usually triggered by mechanical stress or underlying shoulder dysfunction. Common contributing factors include:
Repetitive overhead activity such as painting, lifting, swimming, or tennis
Rotator cuff weakness or imbalance, allowing the upper arm bone to shift upward and compress the bursa
Poor posture, especially rounded shoulders and forward head position
Age-related tendon degeneration, which reduces joint stability
Bone spurs or acromial shape variations, narrowing the subacromial space
Previous shoulder injuries, including fractures or dislocations
Certain health conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, or thyroid disorders, may also increase the risk by slowing tissue healing or increasing inflammation.
In most patients, the bursa becomes inflamed as a protective response to repeated friction or compression. Effective treatment therefore focuses on restoring proper shoulder movement, strength, and spacing rather than simply calming pain.
How Is Subacromial Bursitis Diagnosed?
Accurate diagnosis is essential because shoulder bursitis often mimics rotator cuff tears, arthritis, or frozen shoulder. In most cases, diagnosis begins with a detailed clinical assessment, not imaging alone.
What a Shoulder Evaluation Involves
A trained provider will:
Review how and when your pain started
Ask about work demands, sports, and sleep discomfort
Assess shoulder range of motion, strength, and pain patterns
Perform specific tests that reproduce subacromial pain
Pain that worsens during mid-range arm elevation and improves when the arm is supported is a classic clinical sign.
Role of Imaging
X-rays are commonly used to rule out arthritis, fractures, or bone spurs that may narrow the subacromial space
Ultrasound can identify bursal swelling and rotator cuff tendon irritation
MRI is reserved for persistent cases or when a tendon tear or labral injury is suspected
In some cases, a diagnostic local anesthetic injection into the subacromial space may be used. Temporary pain relief after injection strongly supports bursitis as the pain source.
What Are the Most Effective Treatments for Subacromial Bursitis?
The majority of people recover with non-surgical care, especially when treatment targets the cause rather than only reducing inflammation.
Activity Modification and Pain Control
Early treatment focuses on reducing irritation:
Temporary avoidance of painful overhead movements
Short-term use of ice to reduce swelling
Anti-inflammatory medication when appropriate
Complete immobilization is not recommended, as it often leads to stiffness and delayed recovery.
How Does Physical Therapy Help Subacromial Bursitis?
Physical therapy plays a central role in long-term recovery. Rather than treating bursitis as an isolated inflammation, therapy addresses why the bursa became irritated in the first place. A structured program typically includes:
Rotator cuff strengthening to stabilize the shoulder joint
Scapular control exercises to improve shoulder mechanics
Postural correction to reduce forward shoulder compression
Mobility work to restore smooth, pain-free movement
Research consistently shows that targeted exercise programs reduce pain, improve function, and lower recurrence rates in subacromial shoulder conditions. At Clifton Physical Therapy, care plans are individualized based on age, activity level, and the specific movement patterns contributing to symptoms.
When Are Injections Used for Subacromial Bursitis?
Corticosteroid injections may be considered when pain limits progress in therapy or interferes with sleep and daily activity.
Injections are often ultrasound-guided for accuracy
They help reduce inflammation, allowing rehab to progress
Best outcomes occur when injections are combined with physical therapy
Injections are not a cure on their own and are typically limited in frequency to avoid tendon weakening.
Is Surgery Ever Necessary for Subacromial Bursitis?
Surgery is rarely required and is considered only when:
Symptoms persist after several months of guided treatment
Imaging confirms structural issues such as significant bone spurs or tendon tears
Daily function remains severely limited
When needed, procedures are usually performed arthroscopically and may include:
Removal of inflamed bursal tissue
Subacromial decompression to increase space
Repair of associated rotator cuff damage
Most patients recover fully without surgery when treated early and appropriately.
How Long Does Subacromial Bursitis Take to Heal?
Recovery time depends on severity, underlying causes, and treatment consistency.
Mild cases: 2–4 weeks
Moderate cases: 6–8 weeks
Chronic or recurrent cases: 3–4 months
Early intervention leads to faster recovery and reduces the risk of frozen shoulder or chronic pain.
How Can Subacromial Bursitis Be Prevented?
Prevention focuses on maintaining healthy shoulder mechanics:
Strengthen rotator cuff and upper back muscles
Avoid repetitive overhead strain without rest
Correct posture during desk work and phone use
Warm up before sports or lifting
Stop activities that cause sharp or persistent shoulder pain
Simple adjustments can significantly lower the risk of recurrence.
When Should You Seek Care for Shoulder Bursitis?
You should seek evaluation if:
Shoulder pain lasts longer than two weeks
Pain interferes with sleep
You notice weakness or loss of motion
Symptoms worsen despite rest
Schedule an evaluation with a licensed physical therapist to address the root cause of subacromial bursitis and restore comfortable, confident shoulder movement. Call (973) 241-1338 to book your appointment.
What patients are saying
"I recently had ankle surgery and Clifton PT has been nothing short of amazing! My goal was to get back to playing soccer as quick as possible before the college season started and so far I'm right on track. Izzy, Bianca, Tiff, and John have gone above and beyond to make sure I'm back to 100%. Couldn't be more grateful to be treated by the best team ever!." - Nat Rufino
All the therapists at Clifton Physical Therapy are awesome, but I spend most of my time with Izzy and Bianca—and they’ve been amazing. They’re enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and always take the time to explain what I’m doing and what my issues are. Their positive energy and clear communication make a big difference in my recovery." - Bryan Tompkins
"Going Clifton physical therapy was one of the best thing that came out of my back pain! Every single staff member is amazing and cares for your recovery! I have been with them for the past couple of months and now continuing their workout program! I can’t recommend them enough! Tiffany, Izzy, Bianca and everyone else I have worked with there! Can’t rave about them enough!!." - Monica Mehta
"Clifton Physical Therapy has been a great place for me to heal my meniscus tear. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly, and has been extremely helpful in guiding me through my recovery. I highly recommend their services.." - Kelly Bevando
Clifton Physical Therapy
✆ Phone (appointments): (973)-241-1338
Address: 1059 Bloomfield Ave, Clifton, NJ 07012
