If you’re all too familiar with the nagging aches and pains of bursitis, you’ll know just how disruptive this common condition can be to daily life. Bursitis is the inflammation of the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the areas where muscles and tendons glide over bones, leading to severe tenderness, swelling and stiffness around the affected joint. Bursitis is often a temporary condition; however, it can become chronic if untreated and the cause is not addressed.
Common types of bursitis include:
- Achilles’ tendon bursitis. It’s caused by things like injury, disease, or shoes with rigid back support. These put extra strain on the lower part of the Achilles tendon which attaches the calf muscle to the back of the heel. This can lead to inflammation of the bursa located where the tendon attaches to the heel.
- Hip bursitis. Also called trochanteric bursitis, hip bursitis is often the result of injury, overuse, spinal abnormalities, arthritis, or surgery. This type of bursitis is more common in women and middle-aged and older people. Sometimes, hip bursitis occurs in people who do not change position at night and spend long periods on one hip.
- Elbow bursitis. Elbow bursitis is caused by the inflammation of the bursa located between the skin and bones of the elbow (the olecranon bursa). Elbow bursitis can be caused by injury or constant pressure on the elbow (for example, when leaning on a hard surface).
- Knee bursitis. This type of bursitis may be caused by lack of stretching before exercise, tight hamstring muscles, being overweight, arthritis, or out-turning of the knee or lower leg.
- Kneecap bursitis. Also called prepatellar bursitis, this type of bursitis is common in people who are on their knees a lot, such as carpet layers and plumbers.
Through the skilled application of targeted techniques and therapeutic exercises as well as advice, Physiotherapy works to provide soothing relief from bursitis flare-ups and treat the underlying causes. Here are just some of the ways Physiotherapy can help:
Manual Therapy
Hands-on massage, mobilisations and stretches can reduce inflammation, alleviate muscle tightness and increase flexibility around the inflamed bursa. Your Physiotherapist will apply the proper pressure to act on inflammation without aggravating the area.
Exercise Therapy
While movement may be the last thing on your mind during a bursitis flare, carefully prescribed exercises can play a vital role in recovery. Low-impact strength training builds the muscles surrounding the affected joint to prevent further strain. Flexibility exercises improve the range of motion and discourage stiffness. Exercising within part of the range of the joint will allow for strength to develop without affecting the inflammation in the bursa.
Joint Protection
Part of Physiotherapy’s therapeutic process involves educating you on preventing excess strain through proper joint positioning, assistive devices if needed, and simple adjustments to your daily activities. These joint protection strategies remove undue pressure on the inflamed bursa.
Correction of Biomechanics
For chronic or recurrent bursitis, Physiotherapists analyse underlying biomechanical factors like muscle imbalances, poor posture or movement habits that may cause the inflammation. Correcting these issues through tailored exercises and adjustment techniques can resolve the root causes rather than just treating symptoms. Poor fitting footwear can be a problem in some cases, and the Physiotherapist will be able to guide you with purchasing the right type of footwear for your needs.
Psychological Support
Living with chronic pain can undoubtedly be frustrating.
However, your Physiotherapist can offer empathetic listening and motivational coaching to improve mood and focus and help you return to normal function .
Ready to say goodbye to bursitis woes? Contact us today on 0330 335 1016 or use our contact sheet and we will contact you to discuss and help you to schedule an appointment see how we can help you.