Bursitis is when the small sacs that cushion our joints get swollen, which can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness. This is common in older people and can happen in any joint, but it often affects the shoulder, hip, knee, or elbow.
The good news is that physical therapy can often help treat bursitis. It is often suggested as a first treatment before surgery or other invasive options are considered. Let’s take a closer look at how physical therapy can help with bursitis.
Pain Management: When you have bursitis, pain is a common symptom. Physical therapy can help manage this pain in different ways like manual therapy, stretching, and using things like ice or heat therapy. Also, the way to manage your pain will depend on your specific symptoms and needs.
Improving Range of Motion: Bursitis can make it hard to move the joint. Physical therapy can help by teaching you exercises and stretches that target the affected area. In other words, your physical therapist will create a personalized exercise program that fits your needs and goals.
Strengthening: Weak muscles can make bursitis worse. Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the affected joint to reduce symptoms and prevent future flare-ups. Your physical therapist will create a strengthening program that fits your needs and goals.
Correcting Posture and Body Mechanics: Having poor posture and body mechanics can make bursitis worse. Physical therapy can help fix these problems and lower pressure on the affected joint. Physical therapists use specific exercises and techniques to improve posture and mechanical issues causing bursitis.
Education and Prevention: Physical therapists can help patients manage their bursitis symptoms by providing tools and strategies to prevent future flare-ups.
Physical therapy can help reduce pain, improve range of motion, and prevent future flare-ups of bursitis, so it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. A physical therapist can develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.
At Kinito Physical Therapy, our experienced therapists specialize in treating bursitis and other musculoskeletal conditions. We offer a variety of services to help you achieve your goals, including manual therapy, exercise therapy, and modalities. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your journey towards pain-free living.
