The subacromial bursa is a fluid filled sac, which is located under the acromion, and functions to decrease friction between the rotator cuff and coracoacromial arch.
Bursae are found in many locations within the body such as the knee and hip and like any soft tissue, can become injured. In the case of the subacromial bursa, primary inflammation of the subacromial bursa is relatively rare and may arise from autoimmune inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, crystal deposition (gout or pseudo gout), calcific loose bodies (rheumatoid arthritis) and infection. More commonly, a subacromial bursitis occurs secondary to tendon degeneration or tendinopathy as part of a shoulder impingement syndrome.
The most common feature of a subacromial bursitis is shoulder pain which is worse at night. This is often associated with restricted movement of the shoulder especially with overhead activities. As this condition is commonly associated with a rotator cuff tendinopathy, it is difficult to differentiate the symptoms between both of these conditions as they usually coexist.
(The list of conditions given above and subsequent explanations are intended as a general guide and should not be considered a replacement for a full medical examination. Furthermore, we do not purport to treat all the conditions listed. Should you wish to discuss any of these conditions with our chiropractors, please do not hesitate to phone the clinic on 020 7374 2272 or email enquiries@body-motion.co.uk).
Our team of chiropractors and massage therapists are on hand to answer any questions you may have, so get in touch today via enquiries@body-motion.co.uk or on +44 (0)20 7374 2272.