How long does shoulder bursitis take to heal?

Mild to moderate subacromial bursitis can show significant improvement within a small number of weeks with the right physiotherapy. Severe or long-standing presentations take longer, but the prognosis is generally very good when the underlying cause is addressed.

Should I use ice or heat for bursitis?

During the acute phase with significant swelling and heat in the shoulder, ice is preferable for symptomatic relief — applied for 15-20 minutes, protected by a cloth. Heat can be useful for muscle tightness and chronic presentations. Neither addresses the underlying cause.

Can I keep training with shoulder bursitis?

In most cases, modified training is preferable to complete rest. Avoiding overhead loading and movements that reproduce sharp pain, while maintaining lower body and non-painful upper body training, prevents deconditioning.

Is a cortisone injection necessary?

Cortisone injection is not necessary for all cases. When pain is severe or limiting sleep, injection can be an effective adjunct. However, injection alone without rehabilitation is associated with higher recurrence rates.

What is the difference between bursitis and impingement?

Subacromial impingement describes the mechanical process of compression of the subacromial structures against the acromion. Bursitis describes the inflammatory response of the bursa to that compression. In clinical practice, they are treated similarly.

Shoulder Bursitis Treatment Perth | Subacromial Bursitis

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Full initial assessment, diagnosis and personalised treatment plan. No referral needed. Available to new and returning patients at all Perth locations.

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Shoulder Bursitis

Shoulder Bursitis Treatment in Perth

Subacromial bursitis is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain — a painful arc of movement, difficulty reaching overhead, and often significant pain at night when lying on the affected side. It frequently co-exists with rotator cuff tendinopathy, which is why accurate diagnosis matters before treatment begins.

A skilled assessment can distinguish bursitis from a rotator cuff tear, frozen shoulder, and AC joint pathology — conditions that look similar but are managed differently. In most cases this is straightforward clinically, without imaging. When we need to confirm a diagnosis or rule out a tear, we can refer you directly for ultrasound or MRI without needing a GP referral first.

Shoulder bursitis responds very well to physiotherapy when the underlying cause is addressed. Treatment focuses on reducing compression in the joint, restoring pain-free movement, and progressively strengthening the rotator cuff so the shoulder can do its job properly.

We see shoulder bursitis patients across our four Perth clinics: Beeliar, Booragoon, East Fremantle, and Jandakot. No referral is needed to book.

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Satisfaction Guarantee

Have we met your expectations? If not, we will refund your out-of-pocket expense — no questions asked.

Shoulder Bursitis

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Satisfaction Guarantee

Have we met your expectations? If not, we will refund your out-of-pocket expense — no questions asked.

VALD Technology

Technology-Based
Injury Assessment

Included gap-free with every initial assessment.

Move Physiotherapy uses VALD force measurement technology — the same systems used by AFL, NRL and Olympic programs — to objectively measure your strength, symmetry and recovery. This means your physiotherapist can track your progress with clinical precision, making data-driven decisions at every stage of your rehabilitation rather than relying on subjective estimates.

Rotator cuff weakness and strength asymmetry between sides are primary drivers of subacromial compression. VALD force plate testing lets us objectively measure these deficits, compare left to right, and track how your shoulder strength changes through the course of treatment.

Learn more about VALD technology →

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Limb Symmetry Index (LSI)

Track strength symmetry between limbs objectively — the key metric for safe return to activity.

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Force Plate Testing

Measure landing mechanics, single-leg stability, and explosive power with real data.

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Objective Stage Gates

Technology removes subjectivity from progression decisions — you advance when the numbers confirm readiness.

VALD technology assessment at Move Physiotherapy

Gap-free with every initial assessment

Technology-based assessment is included as standard — no additional out-of-pocket cost.

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Our Approach

The Move Process

Confirm the Diagnosis

Distinguish bursitis from rotator cuff tear, frozen shoulder, and AC joint pathology — because the cause determines the treatment.

Reduce Pain and Compression

Hands-on treatment, load modification, and positioning strategies to reduce mechanical compression and allow the bursa to settle.

Strengthen the Rotator Cuff

Progressive loading of the rotator cuff to restore its ability to centre the humeral head and clear the subacromial space during movement.

Return to Full Function

Graduated overhead loading, scapular control training, and sport or work-specific rehabilitation to restore full capacity and prevent recurrence.

Find Us

Four Perth clinics

Early morning, evening and Saturday appointments available. No referral needed.

Ready to get moving?

Beeliar, Booragoon, East Fremantle and Jandakot — early morning, evening and Saturday appointments available.

Book Online Call 08 6113 8062