From Jonathan Cluett, M.D.,
Your Guide to Orthopedics.
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About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD

The first step of shoulder bursitis treatment is to decrease the inflammation. This is best done by avoiding the problems that cause inflammation. The best rule of thumb to follow: 'If it causes pain, don't do it!' This includes simple activities such as reaching high objects or reaching behind yourself.

How is shoulder inflammation treated?
Inflammation can also be treated with anti-inflammatory medications such as Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Celebrex, or one of many others. These all fall within the category of 'non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.' Taken by mouth, these medications help with the inflammation of the tendons and bursa, and also help treat the pain.

Once the initial pain subsides with oral medications, some simple exercises or physical therapy may help you return to normal activities without pain. These exercises help to strengthen the rotator cuff and help the shoulder move more effeciently. In addition, it is important to avoid activities that irritate the rotator cuff tendons. These include:

• Overhead weight lifting (such as military press, etc)
• Throwing activities
• Sleeping with the arm over or behind your head

When is a cortisone injection appropriate?
If the symptoms are not adequately treated, the next step is usually a cortisone injection, or steroid shot, into the area of inflammation. If the symptoms are significant, your doctor may opt to perform this cortisone injection on an initial visit. The cortisone injection places medication to treat the inflammation directly in the problem area. The most significant downside is that cortisone injections can weaken tendons, and repeated cortisone injections should be carefully considered.

Read on for more information about surgical treatment of shoulder bursitis...