Bursitis

Bursitis

Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa – a small fluid-filled sac that functions as a cushion between a bone and a muscle, skin or tendon. It is frequently caused by overuse of a joint (e.g. gardening, carpentry, shovelling, tennis, golf), but can also be caused by an injury to the joint or by conditions that result in swelling such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis.

Bursitis commonly affects the shoulders, elbows, hips and knees, and have the following symptoms:

• Pain that increases with movement or pressure
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Loss of movement

Self-management strategies include resting the injured area, icing, avoiding activities that aggravate pain, and taking anti-inflammatory medications.

While following these management strategies will help to control the damage caused by the injury, it is important to follow up as soon as possible with your physiotherapist to properly diagnose the injury and start your programme to rehabilitate the area appropriately.

Here at Think Physio, our physiotherapists will aim to correctly diagnose the exact cause of the condition and set up a treatment plan to remedy the problem. Treatment of tendinopathy, tendinitis or bursitis will vary from case to case, depending on the cause of pain. Some treatments may involve hands-on joint/muscle mobilisation, stretching exercises or strengthening exercises.

For more information on the conditions we treat and services we offer, or to book an appointment please call (03)9790 4266 or email: [email protected]