Bursitis of the Shoulder can be successfully treated with Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) to achieve resolution.
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is the application of red and near infrared light over injuries to stimulate cellular repair. LLLT has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect as well as a healing effect on inflamed bursae and surrounding inflamed soft tissues. LLLT is completely safe and has no effect on normal tissues.
To view cost of treatment click here.
GP, Dr Shikha Parmar, has a special interest in providing a drug-free safe, effective treatment solution in Melbourne for acute injuries and chronic pain using low level laser light therapy (laser therapeutics).
Shoulder bursitis, also known as subacromial bursitis and/or subdeltoid bursitis is part of a problem involving inflammation of the bursa and injury of the related shoulder or rotator cuff tendons. In fact, bursitis is usually the secondary problem accompanying the primary problem in the soft tissues of the shoulder being the tendons and muscles
A bursa is a thin bag filled with lubricating fluid which reduces rubbing and friction between tissues such as bone, muscle, tendons, and skin. The shoulder bursa is one such small fluid-filled sacs that separate and reduce friction between muscles and tendons of the shoulder and bones. This usually become inflamed as a result of the associated muscles and tendons of the shoulder becoming strained and injured. Shoulder Bursitis refers to an inflammation or irritation of the shoulder bursa associated with tendon injury.
What Causes Shoulder Bursitis
Shoulder Bursitis and its related shoulder tendinopathy is most often caused by repetitive, minor impact on the area or excessive pressure. It can also occur after a sudden, more serious injury.
Movement of tendons and muscles over the inflamed shoulder bursa aggravates its inflammation, perpetuating the problem.
Age also plays a role. As tendons age they are less able to tolerate stress, are less elastic, and are easier to tear. This can put stress on the bursa causing bursitis. An arthritic joint can similarly irritate a bursal sac.
Overuse or injury to the joint at work or play can also increase a person’s risk of Shoulder bursitis. Examples of high-risk activities include gardening, raking, carpentry, shovelling, painting, scrubbing, tennis, golf, skiing, and throwing. Incorrect posture at work or home can also lead to bursitis. Inflammation of, or injury to, related muscles and tendons irritate the bursa impinging on it and restricting its area.
Sometimes the reason is unknown. It can also be associated with some chronic systemic diseases.
Shoulder Bursitis is more common in adults, especially in those over 40 years of age.
Shoulder Bursitis and related tendon injury causes pain in the joint of the inflamed shoulder bursa which may build up gradually or be sudden and severe. Shoulder Pain is aggravated during or after activity and often the Shoulder joint is stiff the next morning with reduced range of movement.
How is Shoulder Bursitis Treated?
Traditionally, treatments for shoulder bursitis and tendinopathy consist of temporary pain relief using anti-inflammatory medication, rest, and icing the area. While ice numbs the pain it also prevents healthy blood flow which is essential to providing oxygen and nutrients to the area to heal it, and remove waste products and CO2. Ice should therefore not be applied to injuries after the acute phase (the first day). Read more here.
Corticosteroid (cortisone) injections are also used to assist in the treatment of Shoulder bursitis. These can be painful and the procedure carries risks such as increase in pain (“steroid flare”), skin discolouration at the injection site, nerve damage, infection, to name a few.
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is the application of red and near infrared light over injuries to stimulate cellular repair. LLLT has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect as well as a healing effect on the inflamed shoulder bursa and surrounding inflamed soft tissues. LLLT is completely safe and has no effect on normal tissues. LLLT treats the underlying cause of the injury unlike pain medication which just masks the pain.
Inflammation is the body’s response to injury to attempt to heal it. But often the inflammatory reaction is excessive and this has a paradoxical inhibitory effect on the body’s natural healing mechanisms. This then perpetuates pain and dysfunction in the affected area. By improving circulation and increasing cellular repair functions LLLT provides an environment for your body’s own natural healing processes to be activated and restored. Once normal immune processes are restored, the excessive inflammation is reduced and healing can begin.
LLLT is very comfortable and does not exert any physical force on the Achilles tendon. Manipulation of the injured tendons just aggravates the problem, so you don’t want to actually handle the tendons. Instead decreasing excessive inflammation with the use of LLLT enables faster healing.
LLLT stimulates blood flow and lymphatic drainage, improved delivery of O2 and nutrition to the area, oxygen utilisation, removal of oxygen-free radicals and other waste products, and tissue healing. Read more on how Low Level Laser Therapy works.
You will be encouraged to move the affected area within range of movement/pain but not exert stretch or force during the healing phase.
The end result is resolution of inflammation and restoration of healthy tendons and local soft tissues. Once tissues are healed, pain is eliminated and normal range of motion and function is restored. Then muscle and tendon strength and flexibility can be addressed with graduated exercises and stretching. Calf strength and power should be gradually progressed from partial and then full weight bear and resistance loaded exercises. You may also require strengthening for other leg, gluteal and lower core muscles.
LLLT has no known side effects, is safe and effective. By treating the underlying problem, LLLT achieves resolution of pain and restoration of function.
Suite 8, 200 Toorak Rd, South Yarra, VIC 3141
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Wed: 9:00am – 6:00pm (later by arrangement)
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