Expert Surgical and Non-Surgical Care for Shoulder Pain
Shoulder Bursitis and Impingement Treatment in Southern Illinois
Persistent shoulder pain that worsens when you lift your arm overhead can make simple tasks like reaching into a cabinet or brushing your hair a daily struggle. This type of pain is often caused by shoulder impingement and bursitis, two closely related conditions that create inflammation and pinching in the shoulder joint. While conservative treatments can be effective, chronic cases often require more advanced care to provide lasting relief. Finding a specialist who can accurately diagnose and treat these conditions is the most important step toward a pain-free life.
Dr. Srinath Kamineni is a world-class orthopedic specialist in Mount Carmel, IL, with extensive experience in treating shoulder bursitis and impingement. As a surgeon who is double fellowship-trained and board-certified in both the USA and England, Dr. Kamineni offers an elite level of expertise in both surgical and non-surgical care. He is dedicated to helping patients overcome shoulder pain and regain full function through state-of-the-art treatment methods. If you're looking for a bursitis doctor near you, a consultation with Dr. Kamineni is your best path to recovery.
Don't let shoulder pain limit your life. Contact our office to schedule an appointment and learn about your treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shoulder Bursitis and Impingement?
Shoulder impingement occurs when the space between the top of your shoulder blade (acromion) and the rotator cuff tendons becomes too narrow. This narrowing causes the acromion to rub against, or "impinge" on, the underlying tendons and the bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion. This rubbing leads to irritation and inflammation, a condition known as bursitis. The two conditions almost always occur together. The primary shoulder bursitis symptoms include pain, weakness, and a loss of motion, especially when lifting your arm out to the side or overhead.
What Causes Shoulder Impingement and Bursitis?
Several factors can contribute to the development of shoulder impingement and bursitis. The most common cause is repetitive overhead activity, which is why it's frequent in athletes who play sports like swimming, tennis, and baseball, as well as in occupations like painting or construction. The shape of your acromion bone can also play a role; some people are born with a curved or hooked acromion that provides less space for the rotator cuff tendons. Additionally, the development of bone spurs on the acromion can further narrow the space and lead to impingement.
What Does Shoulder Bursitis Treatment Involve?
Initial shoulder bursitis treatment is almost always non-surgical. The primary goals are to reduce inflammation and create more space for the tendons to move freely. Common conservative treatments include:
- Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding overhead activities to allow the inflammation to calm down.
- Anti-inflammatory Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription medications can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Physical Therapy: A crucial part of treatment, therapy focuses on strengthening the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles to improve joint mechanics and posture.
- Corticosteroid Injections: An injection directly into the bursa can provide powerful, rapid relief from inflammation and pain, allowing you to participate more effectively in physical therapy.
When is Surgery Recommended for These Conditions?
Surgery is considered when your shoulder pain does not improve after several months of consistent non-surgical treatment. If you have tried physical therapy, medications, and injections without lasting relief, you may be a candidate for impingement shoulder surgery. The goal of the surgery is to physically create more space in the shoulder, thereby relieving the pressure on the bursa and rotator cuff tendons. Dr. Kamineni will perform a thorough evaluation to determine if surgery is the right option for you.
What Happens During Shoulder Bursitis Surgery?
Shoulder bursitis surgery, also known as a subacromial decompression, is typically performed arthroscopically. This is a minimally invasive technique where Dr. Kamineni makes a few small incisions around your shoulder and inserts a tiny camera (arthroscope) to view the inside of the joint. Through other small incisions, he will insert specialized instruments to perform the repair. The procedure involves removing the inflamed bursa (a bursectomy) and shaving away any bone spurs from the underside of the acromion (an acromioplasty). This creates more room for the rotator cuff, relieving the impingement and allowing the tendons to move without being pinched.
How Do I Schedule an Appointment with a Bursitis Doctor Near Me?
If you are struggling with shoulder pain and looking for an expert in the Mount Carmel area, scheduling an appointment with Dr. Srinath Kamineni is simple. His extensive training, including fellowships at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, makes him a leading specialist in shoulder conditions. Our professional team is available to help you find a convenient time for a consultation to discuss your shoulder bursitis symptoms and treatment options. You can call our office directly or use our online appointment request form. Take the first step toward lasting pain relief by contacting us today.
What is the recovery time for impingement shoulder surgery?
Recovery from arthroscopic subacromial decompression is much faster than traditional open surgery. You will likely wear a sling for a short period for comfort, but you will be encouraged to start physical therapy soon after the procedure to restore motion and strength. Most patients can return to light daily activities within a week or two, with a full recovery and return to more strenuous activities taking a few months.
Can bursitis come back after surgery?
The surgical procedure to create more space in the shoulder is highly effective at preventing the mechanical rubbing that causes impingement and bursitis. When combined with a proper post-operative rehabilitation program to correct any underlying muscle imbalances, the recurrence of bursitis is very uncommon.
Are shoulder injections a long-term solution?
Corticosteroid injections can be a very effective tool for reducing severe inflammation and pain, providing a window of opportunity to make progress with physical therapy. However, they are not typically considered a long-term solution on their own. The relief can be temporary, and the number of injections that can be safely given in one area is limited. Dr. Kamineni uses them as one part of a comprehensive treatment plan.