$120+ Million
The amount we've recovered for clients.
How do you tell if you have Shoulder Bursitis?
Bursitis is characterized by inflammation of the bursae, which are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion and lubricate the joints, reducing friction between bones, tendons, and muscles. When these bursae become inflamed, typically due to repetitive movements, overuse, or injury, it can lead to pain, swelling, and limited mobility in the affected joint. Bursitis commonly occurs in areas such as the shoulder, elbow, hip, or knee joints. If any of the following symptoms arise after a vaccination, the initial injury may be bursitis caused by the vaccine administration:
- Pain when moving the arm, especially moving the arm out to the side or behind;
- Tenderness of the front and upper parts of the shoulder muscle;
- Burning pain.
How is Shoulder Bursitis diagnosed?
In some cases, the shoulder pain will resolve on its own within a few weeks. If it does not, the pain is likely caused by an injury such as bursitis. A person suffering from a shoulder injury following a vaccination should see a primary care physician as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis.
Primary care physicians will likely refer the patient to an orthopedist specializing in these injuries. To diagnose vaccination-related shoulder dysfunction, the orthopedist will often prescribe an MRI of the injured shoulder. MRIs are the most useful diagnostic test for shoulder injuries. The MRI may show inflammation, fluid collection, swelling, tears, impingement syndrome, or rotator cuff tendinitis. After an orthopedic surgeon reviews the MRI, they can offer a diagnosis that usually includes one or all of the following:
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Frozen Shoulder
- Ulnar Neuropathy
- Rotator Cuff Injury.
What is the flu shot?
The flu shot, also known as the influenza vaccine, is designed to protect against influenza viruses that cause seasonal flu. Administered annually, the flu shot is formulated to target the specific strains of influenza viruses expected to circulate during the upcoming flu season. Having a shot administered by a healthcare professional helps minimize the risk of complications, including shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA), such as shoulder bursitis or rotator cuff tears.
How long is the recovery time for Shoulder Bursitis?
In mild cases, those injured will recover fully after physical therapy. Physical therapy is usually prescribed two to three times per week for around three months.
If physical therapy is not beneficial, the orthopedic doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections or an anti-inflammatory medication. These steroid injections relieve inflammation and help the patient regain some of their strength and mobility. In some cases, the injections will completely remedy the problem. In others, the relief may be temporary with the help of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary for injuries such as shoulder impingement, rotator cuff tendonitis or traumatic bursitis. The damage could be substantial enough to require removal of the subdeltoid bursa or repair of the tendons through surgical intervention.
