Physiotherapy For Bursitis

What is bursitis?

A bursa is a pocket of fluid located at friction points between bone and surrounding tissue. Bursae (i.e. multiple bursa) act as a cushion between bone and soft tissue and prevent friction in joints.

When bursae become infected or irritated they can become inflamed, known as bursitis. There are over 150 joints in the body that bursitis can affect. It is common in the elbow, knee, hip, Achilles, and shoulder.

What are the symptoms of bursitis?

Common symptoms of bursitis include a warm feeling in the affected area, redness, pain, stiffness, and swelling. Further movement of an affected joint further aggravates the problem, causing increased pain during and after movement. Some people have worse pain in the evenings.

What causes bursitis?

There are many causes of bursitis, including:

Overuse of a joint, especially when pulling or pushing heavy items.
Repetitive pressure activities, such as running long distances on hard surfaces, playing tennis (see Tennis Elbow), or kneeling for extended periods.
Injury/trauma to the joint, causing the bursa to no longer provide cushioning to the correct part of the joint.
Bacterial infection.
Inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout or diabetes.

Can I prevent bursitis?

There are a number of strategies you can use to minimise your risk of developing bursitis:

Use protective gear on areas prone to injury, such as wearing knee pads in occupations that require extended periods of kneeling.
Take adequate breaks when performing repetitive tasks.
Strengthen your muscles around joints to provide protection from injury.
Maintain a healthy body weight to reduce stress on your joints.

How can my physiotherapist help to treat bursitis?

Many people are able to manage bursitis at home by resting the affected area, using ice, and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Always consult a medical professional before taking NSAIDs, as these can have serious health consequences if used inappropriately.

If you are experiencing sharp joint pain, fever, redness or swelling in the affected area, or joint pain that lasts for more than two weeks, it may be time to see a physiotherapist who can help diagnose the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatments.