How Do You Successfully Treat a Bursitis?

Bursitis Treatment Tips

Bursitis can be caused by trauma or how you move, so it is important to avoid aggravating activities. If you have non-traumatic bursitis, it is recommended that you see an experienced physiotherapist to assess your biomechanics, identify the cause of your bursitis, and recommend exercises to prevent a recurrence.

Immediate treatment for bursitis includes applying ice to the affected area to reduce inflammation and consulting with a physiotherapist to diagnose any underlying conditions or injuries that may contribute to your bursitis. Your physiotherapist may recommend specific exercises, electrotherapy modalities, weight loss, or cortisone injections to treat your bursitis.

It is important to seek medical advice for bursitis-related injuries, such as shoulder, hip, knee, elbow, and heel bursitis. Your doctor or physiotherapist can provide specific advice for your condition.

Remember, untreated bursitis can lead to calcification and more severe pain and disability, so seeking timely treatment is crucial for recovery.

Bursitis Treatment Options

Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation. It is recommended to use a large ice pack on the affected area for 20 to 30 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day, until your physiotherapist advises you to stop.

Physiotherapy: Consulting with a physiotherapist is essential, as bursitis can have other underlying causes, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. A physiotherapist can assess your biomechanics and recommend specific exercises such as stretches or strengthening, to improve pain, and mobility and prevent a recurrence. Untreated bursitis can lead to calcification within the bursa, causing more pain and disability.

Electrotherapy Modalities: Your physiotherapist may use electrotherapy modalities to speed up your healing process and reduce inflammation in the affected area. Bursitis responds well to different forms of electrotherapy, which can be discussed with your physiotherapist.

Medications: NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen are sometimes prescribed. However, they may be ineffective as the bursa is isolated from the bloodstream. Gel applications may be more effective.

Weight Loss: Reducing weight through the joint and adjacent bursa is important, especially for lower limb bursitis. Weight loss may be recommended if you are overweight to reduce stress through any weight-bearing joint and bursa.

Cortisone Injections: Hydrocortisone injections are effective for treating bursitis, but potential side effects should be discussed with your doctor. The most effective injections are those performed under ultrasound guidance.

Remember to consult your physiotherapist or doctor for specific advice regarding your condition.

Bursitis Related Injuries

• Bursitis – General Bursitis Information
• Bursitis Shoulder (Subacromial Bursitis)
• Bursitis Hip (Trochanteric Bursitis)
• Bursitis Knee (Patella Bursitis)
• Bursitis Elbow (Olecranon Bursitis)
• Bursitis Heel (Retrocalcaneal Bursitis)