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Subacromial Bursitis

Subacromial bursitis is a painful condition that affects the shoulder, particularly the subacromial bursa, a fluid-filled sac that helps reduce friction between the bones, muscles, and tendons. When this bursa becomes inflamed, it can lead to significant shoulder pain and restricted movement, making everyday tasks difficult.

At RAD Clinics, we specialise in the precise and effective treatment of subacromial bursitis through ultrasound-guided cortisone injections, ensuring targeted relief and a swift return to normal activities.

Causes of Subacromial Bursitis

Subacromial bursitis can result from several factors, including:

Overuse: Repetitive overhead movements, common in sports like tennis or occupations like painting, can irritate the bursa.
Trauma: A direct impact to the shoulder may cause inflammation in the subacromial bursa.
Rotator Cuff Injuries: Tendonitis or tears in the rotator cuff can exert additional pressure on the bursa, leading to inflammation.
Age-Related Changes: Degeneration of the shoulder joint due to ageing can increase the likelihood of developing bursitis.

Symptoms of Subacromial Bursitis

Patients with subacromial bursitis typically report:

Pain in the shoulder, especially when raising the arm above the head
Tenderness at the top and front of the shoulder
Difficulty in performing everyday tasks like dressing or reaching overhead
Discomfort when sleeping on the affected side
Swelling and stiffness in the shoulder joint

Anatomy of the Subacromial Bursa

The shoulder is a complex joint formed by the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collarbone). The subacromial bursa sits between the acromion (a part of the scapula) and the rotator cuff tendons, acting as a cushion to prevent friction.

When the bursa becomes inflamed, this protective cushioning breaks down, leading to the hallmark symptoms of subacromial bursitis: pain, tenderness, and restricted shoulder movement.

Diagnosing Subacromial Bursitis

At RAD Clinics, we ensure an accurate diagnosis of subacromial bursitis through:

Comprehensive physical examination: Our specialists will evaluate your shoulder’s range of motion and check for tenderness, pain, and weakness.
Ultrasound imaging: This non-invasive tool allows us to clearly visualise the inflamed bursa and any associated shoulder abnormalities, ensuring precise treatment planning.

Cortisone Injections for Subacromial Bursitis

At RAD Clinics, our primary treatment for subacromial bursitis is ultrasound-guided cortisone injections. This procedure offers targeted relief by injecting corticosteroid in the affected bursa, reducing inflammation and helping to relieve pain and restore shoulder function.

Benefits of Cortisone Injections for Subacromial Bursitis

Reduction in Inflammation: Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory steroid, which works by reducing inflammation in the affected subacromial bursa, relieving pain and swelling.
Long-lasting Pain Relief: The injection provides sustained relief from the discomfort associated with bursitis, often lasting for several weeks or months.
Improved Mobility: By decreasing inflammation and pain, cortisone injections help restore shoulder mobility, allowing patients to move more freely.
Non-Surgical Option: For many, cortisone injections are an effective non-surgical alternative to relieve symptoms and avoid more invasive procedures.
Faster Recovery: Patients often experience quicker relief compared to oral medications or physical therapy alone, helping them return to normal activities sooner.

Benefits of Ultrasound Guidance

Increased Accuracy: Ultrasound allows the clinician to precisely visualize the subacromial bursa and surrounding structures, ensuring the cortisone is injected directly into the inflamed area for optimal effectiveness.
Avoids Complications: By using real-time imaging, the clinician can avoid critical structures like tendons, nerves, and blood vessels, reducing the risk of complications.
Enhanced Safety: The precision offered by ultrasound reduces the chances of misplacement of the injection, making the procedure safer and more comfortable.
Immediate Feedback: Ultrasound provides immediate feedback on the position of the needle, ensuring the medication is delivered exactly where it is needed.
Improved Patient Confidence: Seeing the procedure guided by advanced imaging technology can boost patient confidence in the treatment, leading to higher satisfaction.

What to Expect During the Procedure

The procedure is straightforward and typically completed in a short clinic visit:

Ultrasound scan: We use an ultrasound probe to locate the inflamed bursa in your shoulder.
Sterile preparation: The area is cleaned, and a local anaesthetic may be applied to ensure your comfort.
Injection: Using ultrasound guidance, a fine needle is carefully inserted into the subacromial bursa, delivering the cortisone directly to the site of inflammation.

Patients often experience a significant reduction in pain within a few days of the injection, and the effects can last for several weeks to months, depending on the severity of the condition.

When to Seek Treatment

If you are experiencing persistent shoulder pain, tenderness, or difficulty with shoulder movement, it is important to seek medical advice. Early intervention with ultrasound-guided cortisone injections at RAD Clinics can prevent the condition from worsening and help restore full function to your shoulder. Contact us today for assesment, scaning and treatment. Your one stop MSK Clinic providing you expert care and relief.

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DISCLAIMER

We do not accept insurance coverage. If you wish to reimburse your fees, then please kindly check with your insurance provider prior to booking as we cannot be held responsible for any non-payments.