Shoulder Tendonitis & Bursitis

Both tendonitis and bursitis can cause pain, swelling and weakness in your shoulder.

Tendonitis occurs when one or more of the tendons (the pieces of tissue that attach your muscles to bone) in your shoulder become inflamed or irritated. You may develop shoulder tendonitis from repetitive overuse, such as playing tennis, or from a more serious injury.

Bursitis develops when the bursae (fluid-filled pads that cushion the shoulder joint) become inflamed. Shoulder bursitis is usually caused by wear and tear or infection.

Diagnosing Shoulder Tendonitis & Bursitis

If you’re feeling shoulder pain, the orthopedic specialists at The Christ Hospital Health Network can diagnose its cause and offer tailored care that meets your needs.

Signs & Symptoms

The symptoms of shoulder tendonitis and bursitis include:

• Difficulty moving your shoulder
• Inability to hold your arm in certain positions
• Pain, stiffness and swelling in the shoulder joint

Diagnosis

We may diagnose shoulder tendonitis or bursitis using exams and tests, including:

• A physical exam—to assess pain, swelling and range of motion in your shoulder joint.
• X-rays—an imaging test that uses electromagnetic radiation with very high frequency and energy to get a picture of your shoulder.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—a diagnostic tool that offers the most sensitive, noninvasive way of imaging your shoulder and other areas of the body.
• Ultrasonography—an imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create a picture of the inside of your shoulder.

Shoulder Tendonitis & Bursitis Treatment

Depending on the extent of your condition, we may recommend one or more treatments.

Nonsurgical Treatments

Nonsurgical treatments for shoulder tendonitis and bursitis include:

• Anti-inflammatory and pain medications—oral or topical medications to reduce swelling and inflammation that can cause pain.
• Cold therapy—your doctor may recommend applying ice packs to the shoulder several times a day to reduce pain and swelling.
• Cortisone injections—we inject an anti-inflammatory steroid into your shoulder joint to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Physical therapy <link to Physical Therapy page>—exercises to strengthen and regain range of motion and function in your shoulder.
• Rest—avoiding activities and sports that cause your tendonitis or bursitis to flare up.

Surgical Treatments

In rare cases, your doctor may recommend surgery to treat severe injuries that cause tendonitis or bursitis.