Frozen Shoulder vs Bursitis: What You Need To Know

Frozen Shoulder and bursitis are frequently mistaken for one another, leading to misdiagnosis. This happens because patients with Frozen Shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) and Bursitis often experience similar night pains and diminished shoulder mobility.

In this article, we’ve highlighted key differences between the two conditions.

What is the difference between Bursitis and Frozen Shoulder?

Bursitis and Frozen Shoulder are two distinct conditions that affect the shoulder, although they can share some similar symptoms. 

Definition and Cause

• Bursitis

Bursitis refers to the inflammation of the bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac that provides cushioning and reduces friction between bones, tendons, muscles, and joints. It can be caused by repetitive motions, trauma, infection, or underlying conditions such as arthritis.

• Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder is characterized by the thickening and tightening of the joint capsule surrounding the shoulder joint. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it can develop after an injury, surgery, or in association with certain medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders.

Range of Motion

• Bursitis

In bursitis, active range of motion may be limited due to pain and impingement, but passive range of motion is usually less restricted. With assistance, the affected individual can achieve greater movement.

• Frozen Shoulder

In Frozen Shoulder, both active and passive range of motion are significantly limited. Individuals have difficulty raising their arm beyond a certain point, regardless of assistance.

Pain Patterns

• Bursitis

The pain associated with bursitis is typically localized to the affected shoulder and may be felt on the front upper arm (deltoid area) and worsen with pressure or overhead shoulder movements. Night pain, especially when lying on the affected side, is common.

• Frozen Shoulder

Individuals with Frozen Shoulder often experience pain that encompasses the top of the shoulder and can radiate down the arm. As is the case with Bursitis, night pain is also common and can lead to sleep difficulties.

Shoulder Mobility

• Bursitis

While bursitis can cause some limitation and pain during shoulder flexion and abduction (typically between 70-120 degrees), individuals usually retain a relatively good degree of shoulder mobility in other directions.

• Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder leads to a global decrease in overall shoulder range of motion. External rotation and abduction are mostly restricted, followed by internal rotation and flexion. Extension of the shoulder is relatively less affected.

MCD Procedure for Frozen Shoulder and Bursitis

Dr. Oolo-Austin’s neuro-muscular treatments can address bursitis if the underlying cause is neuro-muscular dysfunction. Impingement syndrome may occur when there are muscular imbalances within the shoulder rotator cuff muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis). 

In this condition, there is insufficient space for the bursa and tendons within the subacromial space, leading to irritation and inflammation.

The rotator cuff muscles collectively depress the humerus (arm bone), ensuring adequate subacromial space. If even one rotator cuff muscle experiences dysfunction, the deltoid muscles (larger superficial shoulder muscles) will compensate excessively, elevating the humeral bone and reducing the subacromial space, resulting in shoulder impingement syndrome. 

Dr. Oolo-Austin created a unique neuro-muscular advanced functional soft-tissue assessment and treatment system that effectively evaluates and corrects neuro-muscular imbalances. 

For shoulder bursitis with impingement, he typically employs a specialized procedure known as the Myoneural Shoulder Impingement Procedure or “MSIP.”

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, request a free consultation with a consultant from the World Frozen Shoulder Clinics head office today.

Categorised in: Blog - World Frozen Shoulder Clinic