Bursitis

What is Bursitis?

Bursitis is a condition that occurs when a bursa, a small, fluid-filled sac that helps reduce friction and cushion pressure points between the bones and tendons or muscles around the joints, becomes inflamed. Bursae are located throughout the body, and bursitis is most commonly found in major joints such as the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee. The inflammation of the bursa can cause pain, tenderness, and limited movement.

Symptoms of Bursitis:

Pain: A dull or aching pain near the affected joint, which may worsen with movement or pressure.
Localised Tenderness: The area around the bursa becomes sore to touch.
Loss of Range of Motion: The inflammation may make it difficult to move the joint fully.
Redness/Swelling: If the bursa is close to the skin, there may be noticeable redness or swelling.

Causes of Bursitis:

Bursitis is usually caused by repetitive tasks or pressure on the joints, such as frequent bending or leaning on certain body parts. It is also common in individuals who have poor posture, especially those who remain in the same position for extended periods (e.g., at work).

Treatment of Bursitis:

While bursitis can be treated effectively with the right approach, the first steps often begin at home:

Rest the affected area to prevent further irritation.
Ice packs can be applied to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, can help reduce inflammation (consult with a pharmacist for recommendations).

Physiotherapy for Bursitis:

Physiotherapy treatment can help you recover more quickly and address the underlying cause of bursitis. Treatment may include:

Joint Mobilisation: Techniques to improve the movement of the joint and reduce stiffness.
Soft Tissue Releases: Massage and other soft tissue techniques to relieve muscle tightness and pressure on the affected area.
Taping: Taping techniques may be used to reduce strain on the bursa and provide support.
Exercise: Once the acute pain reduces, strengthening and range-of-motion exercises will help restore function and prevent future episodes of bursitis by reducing friction on the bursa.

In some cases, imaging (e.g., ultrasound or X-ray) may be required, although this is generally uncommon.

With proper treatment and care, most cases of bursitis recover within a few weeks. However, addressing the root cause, such as poor posture or repetitive movements, can help prevent future flare-ups.

Should I have a cortisone injection?

Although a cortisone injection may relieve swelling and pain it does not address the cause of your bursitis. Physiotherapy can better direct you on how to prevent recurrence of bursitis.

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If you would like to learn more about our services, or have some questions regarding our treatment options in our Mount Lawley clinic, feel free to give us a call.

You can reach us at (08) 9271 8805 and one of our friendly team members will be happy to answer your questions.