Article: This type of injection is one of the main medical treatments for bursitis. Essentially, your doctor will use a needle to inject cortisone into the joint.  If you're worried about the pain, most doctors use an anesthetic first to numb the area. He or she may also use an ultrasound to help guide the needle to the right place.  These injections should help both the inflammation and the pain, though it may become worse before it gets better. Sometimes, the inflammation is caused by an infection. A round of antibiotics can help your body fight off the infection, reducing the inflammation and the bursitis. If the bursa is infected, your doctor may drain the infected fluid first with a needle. Physical therapy may be a good option for you, especially if you have frequent flare-ups. A physical therapist can show you how to best exercise to improve your range of motion and pain level, as well as how to help prevent the problem in the future. Water can help you move the joint easier without as much pain, so that you can slowly regain motion. However, be gentle in your swimming. Swimming can lead to bursitis in the shoulder, so keep the intensity down. Focus on recovering motion and lessening pain not on an intense workout. Another option is water physical therapy, which allows you to improve your pain under the direction of a professional. A surgeon can surgically remove the bursa if it becomes a severe problem, but this treatment is usually the last one a doctor will recommend.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Ask your doctor about corticosteroid injections. Take antibiotics. Pursue physical therapy. Try swimming, or get in a hot tub. Use surgery as a last option.