Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that sits between muscles, tendons & bones to reduce the friction between them.
It often occurs in joints that perform repetitive movements such as the shoulders, hips, knees & elbows. Common causes of bursitis include:
1. Overuse
2. Trauma
3. Prolonged Pressure on a Joint
4. Underlying conditions like arthritis
Common sites
A. Upper Limbs
1. Sub-acromion
2. Olecranon Process
B. Lower Limbs
1. Pre-patellar Area
2. Tendon -Achilles
3. Medial side of the great toe
4. Lateral side of the little toe.
Symptoms
1. Pain and tenderness in the affected joint
2. Swelling
3. Redness
4. Stiffness
5. Reduced range of motion
6. Discomfort during movement
Physiotherapy management
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing bursitis by addressing pain, inflammation & joint mobility. The primary goal is to relieve symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening or recurring.
Here are the main ways through which physiotherapy can help:
1. Pain relief: In the early stages, physiotherapy focused on relieving pain and reducing inflammation.
Ice therapy- applying ice to the affected joint can help reduce swelling and numb the pain.
Gentle massage- soft tissue massage around the joint can improve blood flow and relax tight muscles.
2. Stretching and range-of-motion exercises: These exercises are an important part of physiotherapy treatment for bursitis as they help to alleviate pain and improve flexibility. Gentle stretches can help improve the range of motion and prevent the joint from becoming stiff or locked.
3. Strengthening Exercises: Weakness in the muscles around the affected joint can contribute to bursitis. Physiotherapy focuses on strengthening the muscles around the joint to better support it and reduce strain on the bursa. For example, in shoulder bursitis, strengthening exercises targeting the rotator cuff muscles can help to prevent future flare-ups.
4. Ultrasound therapy: It promotes healing by increasing blood flow to the affected area, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
5. Posture and Movement Training: Poor posture or repetitive incorrect movements often lead to bursitis, especially in the shoulders or hips. Physiotherapists assess your posture and teach you how to adjust your movements to avoid putting excess pressure on the bursae. This may include learning new ways to perform daily activities or work tasks, ensuring proper posture, and using ergonomic tools to reduce strain on joints.
6. Manual Therapy: Techniques like soft tissue mobilization or joint mobilization can help ease tension in the muscles around the joint, improving circulation helping the healing process, reduces stiffness and pain.
7. Dry needling: It is a technique that uses thin needles to target trigger points in the muscles. This can help to reduce pain and improve muscle function.
8. Education on Self-Care: Guide activity modification, proper stretching techniques, and ways to prevent flare-ups. They may also advise on the use of supportive equipment like braces or padding to reduce pressure on the affected joint during recovery.
9. Gradual Return to Activities: Physiotherapy also helps you return to your regular activities without risking reinjury. The exercises progress gradually to build strength and endurance in the muscles around the joint, ensuring you can return to work, sports, or hobbies safely.
Conclusion
So, Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa, typically caused by overuse, trauma, prolonged pressure, or underlying conditions like arthritis. It commonly affects joints such as the shoulder, elbow, knee, and hip. Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Physiotherapy plays a key role in managing bursitis through pain relief (ice therapy, massage), stretching, strengthening exercises, ultrasound therapy, and posture training. It helps reduce inflammation, improve joint function, and prevent recurrence, ensuring a gradual return to regular activities.
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