What Is the Treatment for Scapulothoracic Bursitis?
Scapulothoracic bursitis presents with pain and crepitus at the scapulothoracic articulation. Evidence-based management follows a structured nonoperative pathway with the goal of eliminating pain and crepitus and restoring full shoulder function.
Treatment Approach
Initial management centres on rest, activity modification, and a comprehensive shoulder rehabilitation programme that addresses scapular mechanics, postural reeducation, and endurance. Anti-inflammatory therapy and targeted local interventions also feature in the approach — the complete protocol provides the full sequence, options, and decision points.
Clinical Goals
- Resolution of scapulothoracic pain
- Resolution of scapulothoracic crepitus
References
DOI: 10.1177/1941738109338359
- Initial treatment consists of rest, systemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, activity modification, and shoulder rehabilitation.
- The planned rehabilitation program should be comprehensive and multifactorial, focusing on posture, strength, and endurance.
- A carefully designed rehabilitation program should continue for at least 3 to 6 months or until goals are met, with an emphasis on form and function.
- Other means of nonoperative management include local modalities, such as heat, massage, ultrasound, and ionophoresis.
- Sterile injection of corticosteroid and local anesthetics is also a viable option.
- Most patients improve with nonoperative measures, but for patients who fail nonoperative measures and for whom the diagnosis is certain, surgery may be beneficial.
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