Understanding Shoulder Injuries: Rotator Cuff and Bursitis Treatment at Encompass Sports Therapy
Shoulder pain is one of the most frustrating musculoskeletal complaints because it limits not only how we move, but how we live. Reaching, lifting, sleeping, and even dressing can become challenging. Two of the most common shoulder conditions we treat at Encompass Sports Therapy are rotator cuff injuries and shoulder bursitis. While they often occur separately, they can also develop together—and both respond well to early, targeted care.
At our Calgary clinics in Bridgeland, Coach Hill, and Cranston, our team of physiotherapists and chiropractors takes a whole-body, individualized approach to treating shoulder conditions. Whether your pain developed suddenly or has been building over time, we help guide your recovery using manual therapy, exercise-based rehab, and education tailored to your lifestyle.
What Is the Rotator Cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and allow it to rotate and lift. These muscles are small but incredibly important for everyday function. Injury to the rotator cuff can occur due to:
- Overuse from repetitive motions (e.g., swimming, throwing, lifting)
- Sudden trauma, such as a fall or lifting something heavy
- Age-related degeneration of the tendons
- Poor posture or movement patterns over time
Common Rotator Cuff Symptoms
- Dull ache deep in the shoulder
- Pain when lifting the arm, especially overhead
- Weakness in the shoulder or arm
- Pain that worsens at night or disrupts sleep
- Clicking or popping with movement
What Is Shoulder Bursitis?
Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that act as cushions between bones and soft tissues. In the shoulder, the subacromial bursa can become inflamed due to overuse, direct pressure, or injury—resulting in shoulder bursitis.
Bursitis may occur on its own or as a result of rotator cuff dysfunction, as the inflamed bursa gets pinched with movement. Common causes include:
- Repetitive overhead activity (e.g., painting, lifting)
- Poor shoulder mechanics
- Acute trauma
- Muscle imbalances
Common Bursitis Symptoms
- Sharp or achy pain on the outer shoulder
- Pain when lying on the affected side
- Swelling or tenderness
- Pain that increases with overhead or reaching motions
How Physiotherapy Can Help
At Encompass Sports Therapy, physiotherapy for rotator cuff injuries and shoulder bursitis begins with a detailed assessment to determine the cause of your symptoms. Once your specific issue is identified, your physiotherapist will guide you through a personalized plan that includes:
1. Manual Therapy
Gentle joint mobilizations and soft tissue techniques are used to reduce pain and improve range of motion. These hands-on therapies help relieve tension in surrounding muscles and promote better movement in the shoulder complex.
2. Targeted Exercise Prescription
Strengthening the rotator cuff, scapular stabilizers, and postural muscles is essential for restoring shoulder function and preventing reinjury. Your physiotherapist will guide you through exercises tailored to your stage of healing—starting with pain-free movements and gradually progressing to more dynamic functional work.
3. Postural and Movement Education
Shoulder pain often relates to how you move throughout the day. Your physiotherapist will help you modify daily activities and improve posture, which can take pressure off the injured area and support long-term healing.
4. Modalities
In cases of acute pain or inflammation, your therapist may use therapeutic ultrasound, TENS, or heat/cold therapy to calm symptoms and support the recovery process.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Our chiropractors at Encompass Sports Therapy provide care for shoulder injuries through an integrated approach that includes joint adjustments, muscle release, and functional rehabilitation.
1. Joint Mobilization and Adjustment
While chiropractic care is often associated with spinal treatment, chiropractors are trained to assess and adjust the joints of the shoulder and upper back as well. Restoring normal motion to these areas can reduce strain on the shoulder and help relieve symptoms.
2. Soft Tissue Treatment
Chiropractors may use active release techniques, instrument-assisted tools, or manual therapy to release tension in the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles. This can help improve range of motion and reduce pain during activity.
3. Kinesiology Taping and Supportive Strategies
In certain cases, taping techniques can help offload painful areas, support healing, and provide proprioceptive feedback to improve shoulder control.
4. Movement Re-Education
Your chiropractor may guide you through posture drills, shoulder stabilization work, and breathing mechanics to improve how your entire upper body functions.
What to Expect at Encompass Sports Therapy
Our team places a high value on personalized, one-on-one care. Whether you’re seeing a physiotherapist, a chiropractor, or both, your first visit includes a private assessment to evaluate your shoulder movement, posture, and overall function.
We make recovery as accessible as possible with:
- One-on-one treatment in private rooms
- Evening and weekend availability
- Direct billing to insurance
- All-in-one pricing so you know what to expect
We also believe in working as a team. If your case would benefit from a combination of physiotherapy and chiropractic treatment, we collaborate internally to make sure your care plan is cohesive and results-focused.
When to Book an Appointment
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain that doesn’t improve with rest or that limits your daily activities, it’s a good idea to seek care. Early intervention often prevents worsening or chronic issues and can help avoid unnecessary strain on other parts of the body.
Some signs it’s time to book:
- Pain with overhead activity or lifting
- Difficulty sleeping on the affected side
- Recurring flare-ups with use
- Decreased range of motion or strength
- Swelling or tenderness in the shoulder
Get Back to Movement with Confidence
Shoulder injuries don’t have to be a long-term setback. With a thoughtful combination of hands-on care, exercise therapy, and patient education, most cases of rotator cuff injury or bursitis respond very well to conservative treatment.
At Encompass Sports Therapy, our goal is to help you get back to what you love—pain-free and stronger than before. Whether you’re returning to sport, parenting, or daily work activities, we’re here to support you with individualized care that puts your recovery first.
Book your appointment at Bridgeland, Coach Hill, or Cranston and begin your recovery journey today. Visit www.encompasscalgary.com for more information or to schedule online.