Can one exercise with shoulder bursitis?

Exercise with Shoulder Bursitis

Yes, you can exercise with shoulder bursitis, but you should modify your routine to avoid overhead movements and activities that cause pain while focusing on gentle range of motion and progressive strengthening exercises as guided by pain levels.

Understanding Shoulder Bursitis

Shoulder bursitis is inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sac) in the shoulder, typically the subacromial-subdeltoid bursa. It's a common cause of shoulder pain that can significantly impact daily activities and exercise capacity.

Exercise Recommendations for Shoulder Bursitis

Initial Phase (Acute Pain)

• Pain Control First:
  • Use NSAIDs and local cold therapy for initial pain management 1
  • Consider temporary immobilization for comfort 2
  • Avoid exercises that increase pain, especially overhead movements

Early Rehabilitation Phase

• Gentle Range of Motion Exercises:
  • Focus on pain-free movements
  • Emphasize external rotation and abduction to prevent frozen shoulder 3
  • Start with repeated short bouts of low-intensity exercise daily 3

Progressive Strengthening Phase

• Gradual Strengthening:
  • Begin with isometric exercises if no pain is present 2
  • Progress to light strengthening of rotator cuff and periscapular muscles 2
  • Use lower resistance (40-60% of maximum) with higher repetitions (10-15) 3

Advanced Rehabilitation

• Progressive Resistance Training:
  • Gradually increase resistance as pain allows
  • Include scapular stabilization exercises 2
  • Cross-training to improve functionality 3

Exercise Precautions

• Avoid These Exercises:

  • Overhead pulleys (can encourage uncontrolled abduction) 3
  • High-impact loading and explosive movements 3
  • Exercises that cause pain lasting more than 1 hour after activity 3

• Modify Based on Pain:

  • Exercise only when feeling physically well 3
  • Use pain as a guide - if an exercise increases pain, modify or avoid it
  • Wait until symptoms improve before progressing to more challenging exercises

Special Considerations

• Hydration and Environment:

  • Drink adequate fluids before, during, and after exercise 3
  • Adjust exercise intensity based on environmental conditions 3

• Progression Timeline:

  • Expect gradual improvement over 6-12 weeks
  • Consider medical reassessment if no improvement after 6 weeks 2
  • Consider additional interventions (injections, imaging) if symptoms persist beyond 3 months 2

Complementary Treatments

• Modalities to Consider:
  • Ice, heat, and soft tissue massage 3
  • Shoulder strapping or bracing if needed 3
  • Intra-articular steroid injections for significant pain 3

When to Seek Medical Attention

• Pain worsens despite appropriate modifications
• No improvement after 6 weeks of appropriate exercise
• Development of new symptoms (weakness, numbness, instability)
• Inability to perform daily activities due to shoulder pain

By following these guidelines, most people with shoulder bursitis can continue to exercise safely while promoting healing and preventing further injury. Remember that proper technique and gradual progression are essential for successful rehabilitation of shoulder bursitis.