Shoulder Bursitis & Tendinitis
If you’re feeling sharp pain, aching, or stiffness in your shoulder—especially with overhead motion—you could be dealing with bursitis, tendinitis, or both. At Carolina Shoulder, Dr. Michael Sirignano offers expert, fellowship-trained care to help reduce inflammation, restore comfort, and get you moving again
What Are Bursitis and Tendinitis?
Your shoulder joint relies on multiple tendons and bursae (fluid-filled sacs) to glide and function smoothly. When these structures become irritated or inflamed, pain and limited motion often follow.
- Bursitis occurs when the bursa becomes swollen, often due to repetitive movement or pressure.
- Tendinitis involves inflammation of the tendons, particularly the rotator cuff or biceps tendons.
Both conditions are common causes of shoulder impingement—a painful pinching feeling during movement. Bursitis accounts for approximately 0.4% of all primary care visits, and is seen more often in individuals who participate in repetitive overhead activities such as athletes and manual laborers.
Common Symptoms
- Pain when lifting the arm overhead or reaching behind your back
- Aching or throbbing pain at night, especially when lying on the affected shoulder
- Shoulder stiffness or swelling
- Sharp pain with certain movements
- Weakness or reduced range of motion
Calcific tendinitis, a form of tendon inflammation, is found in 10% to 42% of chronic painful shoulders and represents one of the most frequent causes of non-traumatic shoulder pain.
Causes & Risk Factors
These conditions often result from overuse, repetitive motion, or underlying shoulder mechanics issues.
Common causes and risk factors include:
- Repetitive overhead activity (e.g., painting, lifting, sports)
- Poor posture or shoulder alignment
- Shoulder injuries or trauma
- Age-related wear and tear
- Weak surrounding muscles or imbalanced shoulder motion
How Are They Diagnosed?
Dr. Sirignano will begin with a detailed medical history and physical exam to assess pain location, range of motion, and shoulder mechanics.
Imaging tests may include:
- X-rays (to rule out arthritis or bone spurs)
- Ultrasound or MRI (to evaluate bursa, tendons, and surrounding tissues)
Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Treatment (Most Common First Step):
- Rest and activity modification
- Ice or heat therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy to improve strength and mechanics
- Cortisone injections to reduce inflammation
Surgical Options (If Pain Persists):
Surgery is rarely needed but may be considered if pain does not improve after conservative care. Minimally invasive procedures—such as bursectomy or tendon debridement—may be used to relieve pressure and restore motion.
What to Expect During Recovery
Most patients improve significantly with non-surgical treatment and guided physical therapy.
- Many feel better within a few weeks of starting care
- Return to normal activity typically occurs gradually over 4–8 weeks
- Dr. Sirignano will monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed
Why Choose Carolina Shoulder?
- Fellowship-trained shoulder and elbow surgeon
- Personalized, one-on-one care plans
- Emphasis on restoring function, not just relieving pain.
- Care tailored to your activity level and lifestyle
Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t Let Shoulder Pain Limit You
If you suspect you may have a rotator cuff tear, remember that early treatment can make a significant difference. Don’t let shoulder pain limit you. Let Carolina Shoulder help you move forward with confidence.