Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa — a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints. When a bursa becomes irritated, the resulting pain and swelling can make even simple movements excruciating. Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for bursitis, addressing not just the symptoms but the underlying causes that led to the inflammation in the first place.
Common Types of Bursitis
There are over 150 bursae in the human body, but bursitis most commonly occurs in joints that perform frequent repetitive motions. The most prevalent forms include trochanteric bursitis (hip), subacromial bursitis (shoulder), olecranon bursitis (elbow), prepatellar bursitis (knee), and retrocalcaneal bursitis (heel). Each location has unique contributing factors, but the treatment principles of reducing inflammation and correcting the biomechanical cause remain consistent.
Bursitis can develop from repetitive movements, prolonged pressure on a joint, sudden injury, inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout, or infection. Understanding the specific cause of your bursitis is essential for effective treatment and prevention of recurrence.
The Physical Therapy Approach
Pain and Inflammation Management
In the acute phase, your physical therapist will use strategies to reduce pain and inflammation without relying solely on medication. This may include ice application, gentle range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness, activity modification guidance, and modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation. The goal is to calm the irritated bursa while maintaining as much function as possible.
Identifying and Correcting the Cause
This is where physical therapy truly shines compared to other treatments. While a cortisone injection can temporarily reduce inflammation, it doesn’t address why the bursa became inflamed. Your physical therapist will perform a thorough biomechanical evaluation to identify contributing factors such as muscle weakness, tightness, postural dysfunction, or faulty movement patterns.
Progressive Strengthening
Once acute inflammation subsides, strengthening the muscles around the affected joint is critical for long-term recovery. For hip bursitis, this means building gluteal and core strength. For shoulder bursitis, rotator cuff and scapular stabilizer strengthening is essential. Your therapist will progress exercises from isometric holds to dynamic, functional movements that prepare you for your daily activities and recreational pursuits.
Flexibility and Manual Therapy
Muscle tightness increases compression on bursae, perpetuating inflammation. Your therapist will use manual therapy techniques including joint mobilizations, soft tissue massage, and stretching to restore normal mechanics. For example, hip bursitis is frequently associated with tightness in the IT band and hip flexors — addressing these restrictions reduces the compressive forces on the trochanteric bursa.
Recovery and Prevention
Most cases of bursitis respond well to physical therapy within four to eight weeks, though chronic cases may take longer. Your therapist will design a home exercise program that maintains your gains and prevents recurrence. This includes ongoing strengthening, ergonomic modifications for your work environment, and activity modifications for your hobbies and sports. Using a reusable ice pack wrap after activity can help manage inflammation during the recovery period.
Effective bursitis treatment goes beyond reducing inflammation — it requires identifying and correcting the mechanical factors that caused the problem in the first place.
Find Lasting Relief
If bursitis is limiting your ability to move comfortably, the team at Kinito Physical Therapy in Oklahoma City can help. We’ll get to the root cause of your bursitis and build a treatment plan that provides lasting relief, not just temporary symptom management.
Reach out at (405) 848-5005 or contact us online to get started.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. Results may vary. Affiliate Disclosure
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. This content is not intended to serve as legal advice. Reliance on any information provided in this post is solely at your own risk.
Ready to take the next step? Call or text us at (405) 633-0783 or fill out our contact form to schedule your appointment today. We’re here to help you move better and feel better.
