Bursitis and Bursitic Pain refer to pain caused by inflammation of or injury to a bursa. Many people will experience Bursitis or Bursitic Pain in their lives, due to the nature of their work, sporting activities, or due to the effect of other issues and injuries.

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Bursitis is caused by the inflammation of a bursa. A bursa is a fluid-filled pocket of tissue that lies between two other structures, that allows these structures to move smoothly relative to each other. Repeated, forceful, or traumatic movements may result in irritation of the bursa, which commonly causes inflammation and swelling of the tissue pocket. This results in the tissue pressing against the structures surrounding it, which causes pain. Bursitis can be acute, as in the case of inflammation following injury in sport, or chronic if it follows a months' long pattern of irritation.

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Bursitis and Bursitic Pain are typically aggravated by specific and sustained movements, continued effort throughout the day, and relieved by resting the affected part. The sepcific cause of the bursitis depends on the age of the person experiencing the pain, their occupation, as well as other variables.

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Common areas affected by bursitis are the shoulder in the case of subacromial bursitis, the knee which experiences bursitis of the patellar bursae surrounding the kneecap, the hip joint, and the side of the hip which is referred to as trochanteric bursitis.

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Management of Bursitis depends on the cause of the pain, how it feels and changes over the day, what makes it better or worse, and the length of time you have been experiencing the pain. All of these factors will be addressed in your initial assessment, which is the first step towards minimising and managing any pain or discomfort. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific cause of your Bursitis, and will focus on minimising pain, maximising your ability to move pain free, and developing a plan to minimise the risk of a flare-up in the future. 

At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in and out of the clinic. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.