The evaluation of shoulder bursitis begins with a history and physical exam.

Physical findings in someone with shoulder bursitis may include:

• Shoulder tenderness:
• Over the bursa
• Over the rotator cuff tendons
• Over the biceps tendon
• Shoulder swelling over the bursa
• Skin redness over the bursa

Tests may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of shoulder bursitis and exclude other conditions that can cause similar pain.

Tests that may be used to evaluate shoulder bursitis include:

• Shoulder x-ray
• Rheumatoid factor
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• MRI scan of the shoulder