Bursitis is a common condition that affects numerous patients that pass through our clinic doors. It can be a debilitating condition if not managed properly.
What is Bursae you may ask?
These Bursae are located in numerous positions around the body, most commonly affecting the knee, hip and shoulder. Bursae are fluid filled sacs that act as a lubricating medium to decrease the friction caused by moving joints and sliding tendons.
There are numerous ways Bursae can become irritated and painful including but not limited to trauma, unaccustomed repetitive activity, altered bio-mechanics and infection. Once the Bursae becomes irritated it will have a significant inflammatory response in which the Bursae, adjacent joint and musculature become painful, hot, swollen and tender to touch. Shoulder bursitis may be associated with difficulty raising your arm above your head or reaching for the seat belt. Where long distance walking or sleeping on the side of the injury, may be an indication that the major Bursae around your hips is irritated.
How do I fix it?!
Management of bursitis is typically broken down into different stages. Firstly, the main objective is to reduce the patients pain and inflammation of the Bursae and to correct poor habits patients may have fallen into because of their pain. This stage of recovery may involve heat and ice therapy, gentle range of motion exercises, utilisation of anti-inflammatory medications and in severe cases a cortisone injection.
In conjunction with this, our therapists at Osteohealth will provide soft tissue therapy and joint mobilisation to aid in the recovery process. We combine this with a structured rehabilitation program that will be designed to help improve strength, biomechanics and a gradual increase in loading through the tissue to get you back to your best in no time.
If you feel you may be suffering from any of the above ailment or know of someone who you think we could help, please get in touch so we can help you on your way to a happy, healthy and active lifestyle.
-Brant Dickson
