Bursa Sacs are present all over our body and bursitis is common in major joints such as the shoulder, elbow, hip and knee. They are filled with fluid and are designed to ease rubbing and friction between soft bodily tissues such as muscles, tendons, skin and bone.
Bursitis is usually caused by repetitive tasks/ pressures. It is also common in people with poor posture at work.
Signs of bursitis are pain, localised tenderness, loss of range in the area and possible redness/ superficial swelling if the bursa is located close to the skin surface.
Initial steps can be taken at home to relieve pain and reduced function associated with Bursitis. These are.. resting the affected area, using ice packs and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (consult with your local pharmacist).
Physiotherapy treatment of Bursitis will enable you to recover faster and more effectively from bursitis- treating both the condition and its cause. Physiotherapy treatment will incorporate joint mobilisation, soft tissue releases such as massage and taping to relieve pressure on the area. We will then give you range of motion and strengthening exercises to restore your function and prevent friction on the bursa. In some cases imaging will be needed- although this is highly unlikely.
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.
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.
