Bursa and Bursitis: How you’re Physiotherapist can help
The body’s musculoskeletal system is made up of bones, muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments, all working together to support movement. Among the many components that make up this intricate system are bursae (plural of bursa). These small, fluid-filled sacs act as cushions to reduce friction between the bones, tendons, and muscles around your joints. However, when bursae become inflamed, the result is a condition known as bursitis – a common and often painful issue that can disrupt your daily activities.
What is a Bursa and What Does It Do?
A bursa is a small, jelly-like sac filled with synovial fluid, which acts as a lubricant to reduce friction between tissues like muscles, tendons, and bones. There are over 150 bursae in the body, and they’re most commonly found around the major joints, such as the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. When everything is functioning correctly, the bursae allow for smooth, pain-free movement.
However, when the bursa becomes irritated or inflamed due to overuse, injury, or infection, it leads to bursitis – an inflammation of the bursa. Bursitis typically results in swelling, redness, warmth, and pain in the affected joint, particularly during movement or when pressure is applied.
What Causes Bursitis?
Bursitis can develop due to a variety of factors. Some of the most common causes include:
Repetitive Movement or Overuse: Overuse of a joint or repetitive motions, such as lifting, bending, or kneeling, can place extra pressure on the bursae, leading to irritation and inflammation.
Trauma or Injury: Direct impact to a joint, such as a fall or bump, can cause a bursa to become inflamed.
Infection: Though rare, a bacterial infection can invade a bursa, causing septic bursitis, which requires medical intervention.
Age: As we age, our bursae naturally become less elastic and more prone to irritation.
Underlying Conditions: Certain health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and diabetes can increase the likelihood of developing bursitis.
How Can a Physiotherapist Help with Bursitis?
If you’re dealing with bursitis, a physiotherapist can play an important role in managing the condition and helping you return to your normal activities. Here’s how they can assist:
Accurate Assessment and Diagnosis: A physiotherapist will begin by thoroughly assessing your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history to determine whether you have bursitis and what might have caused the inflammation. They’ll identify the specific bursa that is affected and develop a tailored treatment plan based on your needs.
Pain Relief Techniques: Physiotherapists use a range of techniques to help manage pain and inflammation associated with bursitis. These may include ice or heat therapy, soft tissue massage, and electrotherapy (such as TENS or ultrasound), all aimed at reducing pain and promoting healing.
Exercise and Stretching Programs: A key component of physiotherapy is rehabilitation through movement. Physiotherapists will design gentle stretching and strengthening exercises to help restore mobility to the affected joint. These exercises not only reduce stiffness but also prevent the muscles around the joint from weakening, which could contribute to further irritation.
Posture and Body Mechanics Education: Poor posture and incorrect movement patterns can exacerbate bursitis. Physiotherapists will teach you how to improve posture and body mechanics, both in daily activities and during exercise. This can prevent unnecessary strain on the joints and bursae, reducing the likelihood of future flare-ups.
Gradual Return to Activity: When bursitis symptoms subside, physiotherapists guide you in gradually returning to your regular activities. They’ll monitor your progress, ensuring you don’t push your body too hard and avoid re-injuring the affected bursa.
Preventative Measures: Once you’ve recovered from bursitis, your physiotherapist will provide you with strategies to prevent the condition from recurring. This includes strength training, flexibility exercises, and lifestyle modifications that reduce stress on the joints.
Final Thoughts
Bursitis may seem like a minor issue, but it can significantly impact your quality of life, particularly when it interferes with movement. Fortunately, with the help of a skilled physiotherapist, you can manage the pain, address the underlying causes, and regain full function of the affected joint. Through a combination of personalised treatment, targeted exercises, and education on injury prevention, a physiotherapist can guide you through your recovery and help you avoid future episodes of bursitis. If you’re struggling with pain or discomfort from bursitis, don’t hesitate to reach out to a physiotherapist for expert care and support.
