Bursitis is a painful condition that occurs when the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs near your joints, become irritated. These bursae protect your joints by cushioning bones, tendons, and muscles. When bursae become inflamed due to injury or repetitive motion, it results in pain, swelling, and limited mobility that can affect everyday activities.
Bursitis is most commonly seen in the elbow, shoulder, hip, and buttocks. Athletes, manual workers, and individuals with repetitive movements in their jobs are at a higher risk. If left untreated, bursitis can cause long-term discomfort and limited function.
At Perfect Balance Clinic in Moorgate, our team of expert physiotherapists and osteopaths offer specialised bursitis treatment to help reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and prevent the condition from returning. Book your consultation today, and let us help you regain full movement and get back to a pain-free, active lifestyle.
What Causes Bursitis?
Bursitis develops when bursae suffer repeated irritation. Bursitis often results from the following contributing factors:
1. Repetitive Movements
Doing the same action over and over can strain joints and cause bursitis. Activities such as:
- Lifting heavy objects repeatedly
- Kneeling or squatting for long periods
- Overhead reaching, such as throwing or lifting weights
The constant stress from these movements can lead to bursae inflammation. Those who engage in sports, physical work, or jobs with repeated actions face a higher chance of bursitis.
2. Prolonged Pressure
Joints under too much stress are at risk of bursitis. Those who put constant pressure on their joints are more likely to get bursitis, including:
- Leaning on elbows for long periods (elbow bursitis)
- Sitting on hard surfaces (buttock bursitis)
These activities compress the bursae, leading to inflammation and pain.
3. Injury or Trauma
Direct impact from accidents like falls can trigger bursitis. Trauma can cause the bursae to swell rapidly, leading to discomfort.
4. Underlying Health Conditions
Some medical conditions can raise the chances of getting bursitis, like:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis – Immune system issues may make bursitis more likely.
- Gout – Excess uric acid can create sharp crystals that irritate the joints.
- Diabetes – Inflammation control can become harder if circulation is reduced.
- Infections – Septic bursitis occurs when bacteria infect the bursae.
Looking after these conditions well can help prevent bursitis.
5. Poor Posture and Biomechanics
Using incorrect movements or sitting with bad posture can increase joint strain. When the body is misaligned, or work and exercise setups are poor, the bursae may become overworked.
Recognising the Symptoms of Bursitis
The way bursitis appears changes by joint, though common signs include:
- Pain and Tenderness – Bursitis pain may be constant or come in sharp bursts around the joint. Applying weight or using the joint may make the pain worse. Elbow bursitis may hurt when leaning on a surface, while hip bursitis can make walking difficult.
- Swelling and Warmth – If bursitis occurs, the joint may become visibly swollen. Inflamed joints can feel hot compared to other areas.
- Limited Range of Motion – The joint may feel stiff, making normal movement harder. Limited movement from bursitis can make simple tasks difficult.
- Redness and Fever – When bursitis is caused by bacteria, you may develop fever and swelling. Visit a hospital right away if you experience this.
Don’t ignore persistent bursitis symptoms—it’s important to seek professional care.
Effective Bursitis Treatment Approaches
1. At-Home Remedies and Self-Care
Managing mild bursitis often involves basic home strategies.
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- Rest: Give the joint a break by limiting stressful movements.
- Ice Therapy: A cold compress can help reduce bursitis swelling.
- Elevation: Keep the joint raised to reduce swelling.
- Compression: A compression wrap may help manage inflammation.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Over-the-counter painkillers may relieve bursitis discomfort.
A healthcare provider can help if the issue remains.
2. Physiotherapy and Medical Interventions
If home remedies don’t provide relief, physiotherapy and medical treatments may be necessary to address the root cause of bursitis and restore normal movement:
Physiotherapy Treatment
At Perfect Balance Clinic in Moorgate, our physiotherapists use a holistic approach to treat bursitis. We design personalised rehabilitation programs to:
- Strength training helps support the joint and reduce bursitis risk.
- A greater range of motion can help reduce stiffness and discomfort.
- Correct posture and movement mechanics, preventing future strain.
Manual Therapy and Joint Mobilisation
Our specialists use manual techniques to relieve tight muscles and stiff joints.
Shockwave Therapy (Available in Moorgate)
For chronic bursitis, we offer shockwave therapy, a non-invasive treatment that stimulates healing and reduces inflammation in affected areas.
Corticosteroid Injections
In serious cases, a doctor may recommend a steroid injection to reduce swelling.
Fluid Drainage (Aspiration)
In cases of significant swelling, fluid may be drained from the bursa to relieve pressure and improve mobility.
Surgical Intervention
In rare cases, surgery may be required to remove the bursa if all other treatment options fail to provide relief.
3. Joint-Specific Bursitis Treatment
Bursitis can affect various joints in the body. The treatment approach can vary depending on the location:
Elbow Bursitis
- Rest and avoid leaning on the elbows.
- Ice therapy and compression to reduce swelling.
- Arm exercises increase strength and reduce strain on the joint.
Hip Bursitis
- Hip-strengthening movements improve mobility and comfort.
- Reduce pressure on your joints by avoiding long standing or rough terrain.
- Postural adjustments and ergonomic changes to reduce strain on the hips.
Shoulder Bursitis
- Modify overhead movements to prevent strain on the shoulder joint.
- Strength training for the rotator cuff helps shoulder health.
- Manual therapy to improve joint mobility and flexibility.
Buttock Bursitis
- Choose soft seating to avoid hip and lower back strain.
- Stretching and muscle strengthening exercises for the glutes.
- Postural adjustments and proper alignment when standing or walking.
Preventing Bursitis from Returning
After successful treatment, taking steps to prevent future flare-ups is essential:
- Adjust Workspaces and Habits: Good ergonomics help manual labourers avoid injuries.
- Strengthen and Stretch: Regular strength and stretch exercises keep joints strong.
- Take Frequent Breaks: Resting often can stop injuries caused by overuse.
- Wear Proper Footwear and Protective Gear: Using pads helps absorb shock and prevent joint pain.
When to Seek Professional Help
Worsening bursitis needs expert care—speak to a professional. The sooner bursitis is treated, the better the recovery outcome.
Book Your Bursitis Consultation at Perfect Balance Clinic in Moorgate
If you’re struggling with bursitis, don’t wait. The team at Perfect Balance Clinic in Moorgate is ready to help. Whether your bursitis affects the shoulder, elbow, hip, or buttocks, our specialists will provide the right treatment for your needs.
Book your consultation today and take the first step toward pain-free living. We’re here to help you recover and regain your full range of motion.
