Subacromial bursitis is a common and often painful shoulder condition that can significantly affect your ability to lift, reach, or sleep comfortably. If you’ve noticed sharp pain when raising your arm, especially above shoulder height, this guide is for you.
At Adaptive Physiotherapy & Massage in Booragoon, we provide evidence-based treatment for subacromial bursitis using a combination of manual therapy, stretching, and tailored exercise rehabilitation to restore pain-free movement and prevent recurrence.
What Is Subacromial Bursitis?
The subacromial bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that sits between the acromion (part of your shoulder blade) and the rotator cuff tendons. Its main role is to reduce friction between these moving structures.
In subacromial bursitis, the bursa becomes inflamed, often due to repetitive movement, overhead activity, or postural dysfunction. This inflammation leads to pain, swelling, and a pinching sensation with shoulder movement.
Common Causes of Subacromial Bursitis
At Adaptive Physiotherapy & Massage in Booragoon, we often treat clients with bursitis caused by:
Overuse and repetitive overhead activity (e.g. painters, swimmers, gym-goers)
Poor posture, especially forward shoulder/rounded upper back
Muscle imbalances affecting scapular control or rotator cuff function
Previous shoulder injuries, including rotator cuff strain or impingement
Sudden trauma, such as a fall onto the shoulder
Age-related changes, such as bony spurs or tendon degeneration
What Are the Symptoms of Subacromial Bursitis?
You may benefit from seeing an Adaptive Physiotherapist in Booragoon if you experience:
Pain at the top or front of the shoulder
Painful arc: sharp pain between 60° and 120° of shoulder elevation
Night pain, especially lying on the affected side
Weakness or restricted range during overhead tasks
Tenderness with pressure over the tip of the shoulder
A feeling of “catching” or “pinching” during arm movement
Left untreated, subacromial bursitis can lead to chronic pain, rotator cuff issues, or even frozen shoulder.
How We Diagnose Subacromial Bursitis at Adaptive Physiotherapy & Massage
Our expert team of Physiotherapists in Booragoon uses a thorough clinical assessment including:
Range of motion testing
Palpation over the subacromial space
Provocative tests (Neer’s, Hawkins-Kennedy)
Postural and movement analysis
Strength testing for rotator cuff and scapular muscles
Imaging (ultrasound or MRI) is sometimes used, but in most cases, we can confirm the diagnosis without scans.
Treatment: Evidence-Based Management of Subacromial Bursitis
At Adaptive Physiotherapy & Massage in Booragoon, our approach to treating subacromial bursitis is based on the latest research and clinical guidelines.
Step 1: Reduce Inflammation and Pain
Initially, we aim to settle inflammation:
Relative rest from aggravating overhead activities
Ice application to reduce swelling
Postural modifications
Education on load management and sleeping positions
In some cases, clients may be referred to their GP for a corticosteroid injection if inflammation is severe—but this is always done in conjunction with a rehab plan.
Step 2: Manual Therapy
Manual therapy can provide significant relief and improve biomechanics. At Adaptive Physiotherapy & Massage, we use:
Joint mobilisations of the shoulder and thoracic spine to improve mobility
Soft tissue release for overactive muscles like the upper trapezius, pec minor, and levator scapulae
Myofascial release around the shoulder girdle
Scapular mobilisation to restore natural shoulder blade rhythm
We do not apply direct pressure to the inflamed bursa, as this can aggravate symptoms. Instead, we focus on normalising surrounding structures to offload the bursa.
Step 3: Individualised Exercise Rehabilitation
Exercise is critical to resolve bursitis and prevent recurrence. Your Adaptive Physiotherapist in Booragoon will guide you through a progressive plan including:
Early Phase (Pain-sensitive phase):
Pendulum swings
Shoulder blade control exercises
Isometric external/internal rotation
Wall slides and assisted range exercises
Mid Phase (Restore strength and mobility):
Theraband resistance work
Prone scapular stabilisation drills (T/Y/I)
Side-lying external rotation
Controlled range overhead reaching
Final Phase (Return to function):
Overhead pressing (pain-free)
Plyometric or sport-specific loading
Work-task simulations
Rotator cuff and scapular strength maintenance
Exercises are progressed based on symptom response, not time alone—a key factor in avoiding flare-ups.
Step 4: Targeted Stretching and Mobility
Poor posture, tight muscles, and reduced thoracic mobility can all contribute to bursitis. We include:
Pectoralis major/minor stretches
Thoracic extension over foam roller
Posterior shoulder capsule release (cross-body stretch)
Sleeper stretch (only when appropriate and not aggravating)
These drills are critical to restore joint space, improve overhead movement, and reduce mechanical compression of the bursa.
Preventing Recurrence of Shoulder Bursitis
Once your pain settles, ongoing prevention is key. At Adaptive Physiotherapy & Massage in Booragoon, we help you:
Maintain rotator cuff and scapular strength
Improve thoracic posture (especially for desk workers)
Adjust training load and avoid overuse
Learn proper lifting and overhead techniques
Stay active with a shoulder maintenance program
We’ll also teach you how to recognise early signs of overload—so you can act before it becomes painful.
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions About Subacromial Bursitis
❓ How long does recovery take?
Mild to moderate cases typically improve within 4–8 weeks. Chronic or recurrent cases may take longer, but most people recover well with a tailored physiotherapy program.
❓ Can I keep training or going to the gym?
Yes—with adjustments. We help you stay active with modified movements and teach you how to avoid provocative positions.
❓ Will I need surgery?
Very unlikely. Surgery is rare for bursitis. Most people improve significantly with non-surgical care, including exercise, manual therapy, and load management.
Why Choose Adaptive Physiotherapy & Massage in Booragoon?
✔ Evidence-based treatment tailored to your goals
✔ One-on-one sessions with highly experienced physiotherapists
✔ Focus on restoring full function—not just relieving pain
✔ Support through every phase of recovery
✔ Conveniently located in Booragoon, Perth
If shoulder pain is affecting your work, training, or sleep, don’t wait. Book an assessment with an Adaptive Physiotherapist in Booragoon and get a clear path forward.
Book Your Appointment Today
Take the first step toward a pain-free shoulder. Call us or book online at Adaptive Physiotherapy & Massage in Booragoon to start your recovery from subacromial bursitis.
References
Lewis, J. (2016). “Subacromial impingement syndrome: A musculoskeletal disorder or a clinical illusion?” British Journal of Sports Medicine, 50(4), 213–215.
Kuhn, J. E. (2009). “Exercise in the treatment of shoulder impingement: A systematic review and evidence-based protocol.” Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 18(1), 138–160.
Littlewood, C., et al. (2019). “Shoulder pain and the role of the subacromial bursa: A contemporary perspective.” Shoulder & Elbow, 11(4), 275–285.
Hanratty, C. E., et al. (2012). “Physiotherapy for shoulder subacromial pain syndrome: A systematic review.” Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, 42(3), 297–316.
Coombes, B. K., et al. (2015). “Efficacy and safety of corticosteroid injections and other injections for shoulder pain.” British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(4), 233–242.
