Shoulder Bursitis: Causes, Treatments, and Medications That Help

When your shoulder bursitis, inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the shoulder joint. Also known as subacromial bursitis, it often happens after repetitive motion, injury, or prolonged pressure on the shoulder. This isn’t just a minor ache—it can make lifting your arm, sleeping on your side, or even putting on a shirt feel impossible.

Most cases of shoulder bursitis aren’t caused by infection but by overuse or trauma. Think of it like a swollen cushion inside your joint. The bursa, a small sac filled with lubricating fluid. Also known as synovial bursa, it normally lets tendons glide smoothly over bone. When it gets irritated, it swells, presses on nearby nerves, and triggers pain. People who paint, lift weights, play tennis, or work with their arms overhead are at higher risk. But even a bad fall or sleeping on one shoulder for too long can trigger it.

What helps? NSAIDs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen. Also known as anti-inflammatory painkillers, they’re often the first line of defense. They reduce swelling and ease pain without needing a prescription. If that doesn’t cut it, your doctor might suggest a corticosteroid injection, a targeted shot of anti-inflammatory medicine directly into the bursa. Also known as steroid injection, it can bring quick relief when oral meds fail. Physical therapy is just as important—it strengthens the muscles around the shoulder to take pressure off the bursa. And yes, rest matters. But not too much. Too much inactivity can make your shoulder stiff and worse.

You’ll also find posts here about how to tell if your shoulder pain is from bursitis or something else—like a rotator cuff tear or arthritis. Some people mistake one for the other, then end up taking the wrong meds or skipping physical therapy. Timing matters. If pain gets worse after starting a new drug, it might not be the bursitis flaring up—it could be a side effect. That’s why tracking symptoms and talking to your pharmacist is key.

There’s no magic cure, but the right combo of rest, movement, and medication works for most people. You don’t need surgery unless it’s severe and stubborn. And you definitely don’t need to guess what’s causing your pain. The posts below cover real cases, real meds, and real strategies—from how to use ice and heat effectively, to when to ask for an injection, to why skipping your NSAID dose might make things worse. What you’ll find here isn’t theory. It’s what actually helps people get back to their lives without constant shoulder pain.