There are a number of conditions that can affect multiple parts of the body, and a good example here is bursitis. This is a painful condition that impacts the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) in your body that cushion your bones, tendons and muscles in joint areas – will physical therapy help with bursitis symptoms?
At ImPackt Physical Therapy, we’re here to offer a wide range of physical therapy services from the top physical therapists around South Jordan, Riverton and nearby areas, from deep tissue massage and other forms of manual therapy to various advanced procedures. We treat many areas that can be impacted by bursitis, including hip and knee pain treatment, shoulder and back pain remedies and more. Here are some basics on what bursitis is and how it develops, the areas of the body where it can be a problem, and how physical therapy will aim to limit your pain and resolve your issues permanently.
What is Bursitis?
As we alluded to above, bursitis is a condition that involves inflammation of one or more bursae (the plural form of bursa), which are small, fluid-filled sacs in the body. These sacs are located throughout your body at various joints, and their primary purpose is to provide cushioning and reduce friction between bones, tendons, muscles and skin.
How Does Bursitis Develop?
Bursitis typically develops when a joint undergoes repetitive motions or suffers an injury that leads to increased pressure on the bursae. This can cause irritation and swelling in the affected area, leading to pain and discomfort.
Areas of the Body Affected by Bursitis
While any joint in the body can be impacted by bursitis, there are certain areas that are more commonly affected. These include:
- Knees: Bursitis in the knee is often caused by an injury or repetitive motions such as kneeling, resulting in discomfort and swelling around the kneecap.
- Shoulders: This type of bursitis can develop from activities that involve repeated overhead motion, such as painting or playing tennis.
- Hips: Bursitis in the hip can be caused by problems with posture or overuse of certain muscles, leading to pain and stiffness in the affected area.
- Elbows: Bursitis in the elbow is typically caused by repetitive movements like throwing a baseball or swinging a golf club.
Common Signs of Bursitis
While pain is the most common symptom of bursitis, there are other signs to look out for including:
- Swelling or redness in the affected area
- Difficulty moving or using the affected joint
- Tenderness or warmth around the bursa
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention and consider physical therapy as a treatment option.
How Physical Therapy Can Help with Bursitis Symptoms
Physical therapy can be an effective way to manage and alleviate symptoms of bursitis. Our expert physical therapists will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that may include:
- Manual therapy techniques such as massage and joint mobilization to reduce inflammation and improve mobility in the affected joint.
- Specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around the bursa and improve range of motion.
- Education on proper posture and body mechanics to prevent future injuries and flare-ups.
- Modalities like ice or heat therapy to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
Additional Treatment Options
In many cases, physical therapy will be combined with other forms of treatment for bursitis. These may include:
- Rest and modification of activities to avoid aggravating the affected area.
- Medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Injections of corticosteroids or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into the affected joint to decrease swelling and promote healing.
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the inflamed bursa or correct any structural issues causing pressure on the bursae. Our physical therapists will work closely with your doctor to determine the best course of action for your specific case.
What to Ask Your Physical Therapist
If you are dealing with bursitis, it’s important to ask your physical therapist questions and communicate any concerns you have. Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask:
- What is causing my bursitis?
- How long will it take to recover from bursitis with physical therapy?
- Are there any exercises or activities I should avoid while recovering from bursitis?
- Can you teach me proper body mechanics to prevent future bursitis flare-ups?
At ImPackt Physical Therapy, our goal is to help alleviate your pain and improve your overall function so that you can get back to doing the things you love. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your journey towards full health, whether you’re in South Jordan, Riverton or any nearby area.
