Mon–Fri 7:30am–6:30pm · Sat 7am–3pm
Mon–Fri 7:30am–6:30pm · Sat 7am–3pm
— Conditions We Treat
Expert Assessment. Accurate Diagnosis. Personalised Rehabilitation.
— About This Condition
Shoulder bursitis is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain, making everyday activities such as reaching overhead, lifting, dressing or sleeping uncomfortable.
Although the bursa is the structure that becomes painful, it is often not the primary cause of the problem — in many cases, changes in shoulder strength, movement or loading place excessive stress on the bursa over time.
Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between muscles, tendons and bones. The subacromial bursa is the most commonly affected. Current evidence suggests bursitis often develops alongside other shoulder conditions, particularly rotator cuff-related shoulder pain, rather than occurring in isolation.
— RECOGNISE THE SIGNS
Pain over the top or outside of the shoulder, which may extend into the upper arm.
Pain reaching overhead, lifting or carrying objects.
Pain with everyday activities such as washing your hair or fastening a bra.
Difficulty sleeping on the affected shoulder.
Reduced shoulder movement or weakness due to pain.
Symptoms often develop gradually but may also follow a fall, sporting injury or sudden increase in activity.
— WHY EARLY ASSESSMENT MATTERS
Rather than simply confirming the bursa is inflamed, our assessment focuses on identifying why it became overloaded. Your assessment may include:
— Our Treatment Approach
Successful rehabilitation is about more than reducing inflammation. Our goal is to restore normal shoulder movement, improve strength and address the factors that contributed to the bursitis in the first place.
We identify the structures contributing to your pain, assess how your shoulder moves and determine the factors preventing your recovery.
Where clinically appropriate, manual therapy and joint mobilisation may be used to improve shoulder mobility, reduce stiffness and help restore comfortable movement.
Your rehabilitation program is individually tailored and may include rotator cuff strengthening, houlder blade stability and control, Progressive shoulder loading, mobility and flexibility exercises and functional strengthening for work, sport and everyday activities.
Improving the way your shoulder moves is often the key to preventing recurring symptoms. Rehabilitation focuses on restoring efficient shoulder mechanics, improving posture where relevant and building your shoulder's capacity to tolerate everyday activities with confidence.
We'll help you understand which movements and activities may be contributing to your symptoms and provide practical strategies to reduce irritation while keeping you active throughout your recovery.
— YOUR RECOVERY JOURNEY
Following your assessment, we’ll develop a personalised recovery plan tailored to your injury, lifestyle and goals.
Reduce irritation, improve shoulder mobility and restore comfortable everyday movement.
Improve rotator cuff strength, shoulder blade control and movement quality to address the underlying cause.
Progressively return to work, sport and everyday activities through evidence-based rehabilitation.
Not necessarily. Most cases of shoulder bursitis improve successfully with a structured physiotherapy rehabilitation program and do not require injections or surgery. If your symptoms are not progressing as expected, or your assessment suggests a more significant shoulder condition, we may recommend further investigation or specialist review. Where appropriate, we work closely with your GP, sports physician or orthopaedic specialist to ensure you receive the right care at the right time.
— THE KENMORE VILLAGE PHYSIO DIFFERENCE
At Kenmore Village Physio, we believe successful rehabilitation isn’t simply about treating the painful structure.It’s about understanding why your shoulder became painful, restoring the way it moves and building the strength and confidence to help prevent the problem from returning.
We identify the cause, not just the symptom.
Clear answers before we build your plan.
Tailored to your goals, work and lifestyle.
Long-term outcomes, not just short-term relief.
Everything you need to know before your first appointment.
Can’t find your answer? Get in touch.
Usually yes, with modification. Complete rest tends to reduce your shoulder's tolerance further. We'll identify which movements to pause temporarily and what you can safely continue, then rebuild from there.
No. With appropriate management, the large majority of people recover fully.
It can, particularly if the load-versus-capacity issue isn't addressed.
Yes, once irritability settles. Night pain is usually among the first things to improve.
No. You can book directly.
— GET IN TOUCH
We identify the cause of your shoulder pain—not just the painful structure—and combine hands-on treatment with progressive exercise rehabilitation for long-term recovery.
Or call: 0409 371 217
Evidence-based physiotherapy in Kenmore, Brisbane. Trusted by families and athletes since 2014.
Same day appointments available
