Home Treatment for Shoulder Bursitis

The shoulder is one of the most common parts of the body to be afflicted by bursitis. Bursitis is the result of overuse of the shoulder joint and is commonly associated with activity that can range from playing tennis to raking the yard. If not treated, chronic bursitis can result in a buildup of calcium deposits that will ultimately decrease your ability to use the shoulder. Several home remedies can be applied.

Causes

The causes of shoulder bursitis are related to repetitive motions or suddenly strenuous activity in a normally sedentary person. Heavy lifting is a frequent catalyst and the pain can be related to either the amount lifted or lifting a smaller weight from an uncomfortable position. A good way to prevent bursitis is not to engage in any strenuous activity for a long time after a long period of inactivity. Also, be aware of repetitive motions that use the shoulder.

Prevention

Preventative measures for those who must engage in the kind of actions that cause shoulder bursitis involve warming up the muscles. The idea is to keep from putting undue strain on the muscles in the shoulders. Warming up the muscles and ligaments in the shoulder stretches them and reduces the stress placed on tightened muscles.

Massage

Massage is an excellent remedy that can be done at home after the pain has already started. Rest the injured shoulder while you are feeling pain so that you don't worsen the condition. Massaging the area causing pain improves circulation while relaxing the muscles that surround the painful area.

Herbal Therapy

Increasing circulation is a vital elementin reducing the pain. Herbal therapy can help improve circulation, as well as reduce the inflammation. A common herbal treatment for bursitis is a mixture of willow bark, cramp bark, celery seed, and prickly ash.

Nutrition

Natural treatment involves vitamins and nutrients that are good for building muscle tissue. The best are vitamin C, vitamin A,and zinc. Vitamin C can be found in copious amounts in fruits and vegetables. The old-fashioned treatment of cod liver oil is still one of the best ways to get vitamin A. For zinc, eat pasta, cereals, nuts, and even oysters.