Shoulder bursitis
An irritated fluid filled sac in the shoulder that flares with overhead use and lying on that side.
By Andrew Ellis, AHPRA registered physiotherapist · Reviewed July 2026
What it is
The subacromial bursa is a small fluid filled cushion that sits between the rotator cuff tendons and the top of the shoulder. When it gets irritated and inflamed, usually alongside a rotator cuff or impingement problem rather than on its own, it causes a sharp catch with overhead movement and a deep ache that is worse lying on that side at night.
Signs and symptoms
Everyone is different, but these are common with shoulder bursitis. You may have some and not others.
How physiotherapy helps
Bursitis rarely settles while the shoulder keeps getting loaded the same way, so we look for the reason the bursa is irritated, usually how the rotator cuff and shoulder blade are working. Treatment settles the flare with load management and hands on care, then builds cuff and shoulder blade strength so the bursa stops being pinched, which is what keeps it settled.
- Shoulder and shoulder blade assessment
- Load management to settle the flare
- Hands on therapy and dry needling where useful
- Progressive rotator cuff strengthening
How we treat it
The right mix depends on your assessment. These are the services we most often draw on for this.
Exercise and rehabilitation
Tailored programs to rebuild mobility, strength and confidence in the movements that matter to you.
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Trigger point dry needling
Fine needles into trigger points to release muscle tension and ease referred pain. A core focus at PACT.
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Spinal and joint mobilisation
Gentle, controlled movement to improve a stiff joint and ease the pain that comes with it.
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What you pay, with or without cover
Every appointment is a full, unhurried session with the time to work through complex, persistent problems. The fee is $165 for an initial visit and $142 for a follow up, and if you have Medicare, private health extras or an accepted claim, here is what you pay.
Paying privately
No referral or paperwork needed. Every visit is a full, unhurried session with the time it needs.
With a Medicare plan
A GP Chronic Disease Management referral rebates $61.80 on every visit, up to 5 a year.
With private health extras
Claim on the spot through HICAPS. The gap depends on your fund and level of cover. See all health funds
Workers comp & CTP
Accepted workers compensation and CTP claims are billed straight to your insurer, and we handle the paperwork.
Every bar is drawn to the same scale, from $0 to the standard fee. Private health gaps vary with your fund and your level of extras cover.
Other problems we help with
Pain rarely sits in one neat box. These are commonly linked, and we treat them all.
Good to know before you book
Do I need a cortisone injection for shoulder bursitis?
How much will it cost?
Do I need a referral?
Can it be managed by telehealth?
Read more on this
Plain English articles from our physiotherapist, written to answer the questions we get asked most.
Sources and further reading
Written and reviewed by Andrew Ellis, AHPRA registered physiotherapist. Last reviewed July 2026.
This page is general information about shoulder bursitis, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an assessment. If you are concerned about your symptoms, book an appointment or see your GP.
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Same day appointments often available at our Miranda clinic, or by telehealth across Australia.