Burwood NSW · Shoulder Bursitis Treatment
Shoulder bursitis causes severe pain — especially with lifting or reaching overhead — and is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain we see. It responds very well to physiotherapy.
The subacromial bursa sits between the rotator cuff and the acromion. When inflamed, it causes sharp, localised shoulder pain. We identify why the bursa is irritated and eliminate the root cause for lasting relief.
How We Treat This Condition
Evidence-based treatment tailored to your specific presentation and goals.
Accurate Assessment
Clinical tests including Neer’s and Hawkins-Kennedy distinguish subacromial bursitis from rotator cuff tears and other shoulder conditions.
Learn more →Manual Therapy
Joint mobilisation and soft tissue techniques to restore subacromial space, reduce inflammation, and improve shoulder biomechanics.
Learn more →Rotator Cuff Strengthening
Targeted strengthening of the rotator cuff restores the humeral head depression needed to eliminate impingement and protect the bursa.
Learn more →Shockwave Therapy
Highly effective for chronic or calcific bursitis — shockwave breaks down calcium deposits and stimulates healing of the inflamed bursa.
Learn more →Dry Needling
Needling around the shoulder girdle releases muscle tension that alters shoulder mechanics and contributes to bursitis.
Learn more →Posture & Technique
Correcting posture and overhead movement patterns addresses the root cause — essential for preventing bursitis from returning.
Learn more →When to See a Physio for Shoulder Bursitis
Book an assessment if shoulder pain is limiting overhead reaching, disrupting sleep, or hasn’t settled within a week of rest and activity modification — early treatment helps prevent secondary stiffness.
What Happens at Your First Appointment?
Full Assessment
Detailed history, movement analysis and clinical tests to identify the root cause of your problem.
Diagnosis & Plan
We explain exactly what is going on and create a realistic, goal-focused treatment timeline.
Hands-On Treatment
Most patients receive treatment in their first session — manual therapy, needling, or exercise prescription.
Home Program
You leave with clear exercises and self-management strategies to accelerate your recovery.
Why Choose Burwood Physio?
- AHPRA-registered physiotherapists
- Same-day and next-day appointments available
- HICAPS on-site — claim health fund rebate instantly
- Medicare bulk billing with GP CDM plan
- NDIS registered provider
- WorkCover and icare accepted
- Evidence-based treatment — no unnecessary sessions
- 2 minutes walk from Burwood Station
📍 Located in Burwood: Shop 2, 36–38 Victoria St East, Burwood NSW 2134. 2 min from Burwood Station. Open Mon–Sat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is shoulder bursitis?
Shoulder bursitis is inflammation of the subacromial bursa — a fluid-filled sac that cushions the space between the rotator cuff and the acromion bone.
How long does shoulder bursitis take to resolve?
Acute bursitis typically improves in 4–8 weeks. Chronic or calcific bursitis may take 3–6 months and may benefit from shockwave therapy.
Do I need a cortisone injection for bursitis?
Not always. Physiotherapy alone resolves most cases. Injections can help in severe acute cases and work best alongside physiotherapy.
Can shoulder bursitis come back?
Yes, if the underlying cause is not corrected. We address posture, rotator cuff strength, and movement mechanics to prevent recurrence.
Is shockwave therapy effective for shoulder bursitis?
Yes. Shockwave is particularly effective for calcific bursitis and chronic bursitis that has not responded to other treatments.
What causes shoulder bursitis?
Shoulder bursitis usually develops from repetitive overhead activity, direct trauma, or compression of the bursa alongside rotator cuff or impingement problems, causing inflammation and pain with movement.
What are the symptoms of shoulder bursitis?
Common symptoms include pain on the outer/top of the shoulder, pain with overhead reaching or lying on the affected side, and a dull ache that can worsen at night.
What does physiotherapy for shoulder bursitis involve at Burwood Physio?
Treatment focuses on reducing irritation through activity modification and manual therapy, then progressively restoring shoulder strength and movement control to prevent recurrence. It often overlaps with care for shoulder impingement, which frequently coexists with bursitis.
Is shoulder bursitis serious?
Most cases resolve well with conservative treatment such as physiotherapy and activity modification. It’s rarely serious, but ignoring persistent symptoms can lead to compensatory movement patterns and secondary stiffness.
When should I see a physiotherapist for shoulder bursitis?
If shoulder pain persists beyond a week, disrupts sleep, or limits overhead activity, an assessment can confirm the diagnosis and start treatment before symptoms become chronic.
Shoulder pain making daily life difficult?
Expert diagnosis and treatment — most shoulder bursitis resolves quickly. Book today.