A Sore, Swollen Shoulder That Won't Calm Down

After a car accident or a repetitive strain at work, the shoulder is one of the first joints to flare up and one of the slowest to settle on its own. If reaching overhead, sleeping on that side, or lifting anything heavier than a coffee cup has become painful, you may be dealing with shoulder bursitis, inflammation of the small fluid-filled sac (the bursa) that cushions the shoulder joint. It is common after whiplash-type collisions, falls, and jobs that involve repeated overhead motion or heavy lifting. Left untreated, it tends to get worse, not better, and can start to limit how much you can work, drive, or care for your family.

What Is Shoulder Bursitis, and Why Does It Happen After an Injury?

The bursa is a small cushion that lets the tendons and bones in your shoulder glide smoothly. A direct hit in a collision, the sudden jolt of a rear-end crash, or months of repetitive overhead work at a job site can irritate that cushion until it swells and becomes painful. Common symptoms include a dull, aching pain that worsens with movement, tenderness on the outside of the shoulder, stiffness, and a noticeable loss of strength when lifting or reaching. Some people also describe a catching or grinding sensation. Because the symptoms overlap with rotator cuff strain and shoulder impingement, an accurate diagnosis matters. Our team examines the joint, reviews how the injury happened, and rules out other causes before building a treatment plan.

How We Treat Shoulder Bursitis Without Rushing to Surgery

Dr. Aaron Jorgensen, DC, and our multidisciplinary team built NorthWest Injury Clinics around one idea: patients recovering from a car accident or work injury should not have to coordinate care across five different offices. Under one roof, we combine chiropractic care, Active Release Technique, and massage therapy to calm the inflammation, restore range of motion, and rebuild strength in the shoulder. For more stubborn cases, our interventional pain specialists offer targeted injections and PRP therapy alongside your conservative care, so surgery stays a last resort instead of a first step. Every plan is built around how your injury happened, whether that is a rear-end collision, a fall at work, or months of repetitive strain.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

assignment

Injury-Focused Evaluation

We assess your shoulder, review how the accident or injury happened, and confirm whether bursitis, impingement, or another issue is driving the pain.
healing

A Coordinated Treatment Plan

Chiropractic care, ART, massage, and medical support work together to reduce inflammation and rebuild strength, with injections or PRP available if needed.
description

Documentation for Your Claim

We provide the records your PIP or L&I claim needs, so your treatment and your paperwork move forward together.
trending_up

A Plan to Get You Back to Normal

As pain and swelling ease, we shift into strengthening and mobility work so you can return to work and daily life with confidence.

Getting Back to Work and Daily Life Without Shoulder Pain

Most people with shoulder bursitis improve significantly with conservative, hands-on care, especially when treatment starts early. Patients we see for this injury typically notice less swelling and better range of motion within the first few weeks, followed by a steady return of strength as therapy progresses. Because your care team is under one roof in Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, or West Richland, you are not driving across town between appointments while you are still in pain. Our goal is straightforward: calm the inflammation, rebuild what the injury took from you, and get you back to lifting, working, and sleeping through the night without pain in that shoulder.

Frequently Asked Questions

In most cases, yes. We regularly work with auto insurance (PIP) claims and Washington L&I workers' compensation claims for shoulder injuries. Our front desk can help verify your coverage before your first visit.
Bursitis and rotator cuff injuries can feel similar, which is why an in-person exam matters. We look at your range of motion, strength, and the mechanism of your injury to reach an accurate diagnosis before starting treatment.
Most patients improve with conservative care such as chiropractic treatment, ART, massage, and, when appropriate, targeted injections or PRP. Surgery is rarely the first option and is typically only considered if conservative treatment does not resolve the problem.
Recovery varies by severity, but many patients notice meaningful improvement in swelling and pain within a few weeks of starting treatment, with continued gains as strength and mobility work progresses.
It depends on your job duties and how irritated the joint is. We can help document any temporary work restrictions for your employer or L&I claim while you recover.

Don't Let Shoulder Pain Slow Down Your Recovery

One team, one location, one plan to get you back to normal

Schedule an evaluation at our Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, or West Richland clinic and let our multidisciplinary team build a plan around your injury.

BOOK NOW