Bursitis: Small Sacs, Significant Pain

Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between bones, tendons, and muscles. When bursae become inflamed (bursitis), they cause localised pain, swelling, warmth, and tenderness. Bursitis can occur near any major joint -- shoulder, hip, elbow, knee, and ankle are most common.

Types of Bursitis Treated

Subacromial bursitis (shoulder): most common form, part of shoulder impingement syndrome. Greater trochanteric bursitis (hip): outer hip pain, often misdiagnosed as IT band syndrome. Olecranon bursitis (elbow): swelling over the elbow tip from repeated pressure. Prepatellar and infrapatellar bursitis (knee): from kneeling. Retrocalcaneal bursitis (heel): posterior heel pain associated with Achilles tendinopathy.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Bursitis

Activity Modification and Rest

Identifying and modifying the specific activity causing repetitive bursa compression is the first step. This does not mean complete rest -- just avoiding the provocative activity temporarily.

Electrotherapy

IFT, laser therapy, and therapeutic ultrasound are effective for reducing bursal inflammation and pain. These treatments allow earlier return to activity.

Address Biomechanical Causes

For subacromial bursitis: scapular and rotator cuff strengthening. For greater trochanteric bursitis: hip abductor strengthening and load management. For retrocalcaneal bursitis: modified Achilles loading programme.