Bursitis
What is it?
The bursa are fluid-filled sacs in the body. They are lined with a lubricating synovial membrane that secretes synovial fluid. Bursitis is defined as the inflammation of one or more of these bursa.
​
The human body contains over 150 bursa. Bursa are found where internal functionaries, such as muscles and tendons, slide across bone. These bursa create an almost frictionless, smooth surface for movement in a healthy body.
​
On the other hand, bursitis makes movement difficult and painful by relying on the inflamed bursa. Furthermore, moving tendons and muscles over an inflamed bursa aggravates the inflammation, exacerbating the problem.
What is the cause?
A bursa can become inflamed and irritated by overuse, impact, or poor biomechanics. A bursa can cause pain and impede normal movement. As a result, altered biomechanics, abnormal load, and chronic inflammation can occur.
Trauma from a fall can damage your bursa, causing pain and swelling in your joints.
Signs & Symptoms
-
Shoulder stiffness or a feeling of swelling.
-
Painful range of motion.
-
Nighttime pain when lying on the affected side.
-
Sharp or pinching pain with overhead shoulder motions.
What can we do about it?
Your physiotherapist may most likely recommend specific stretching and strengthening exercises after assessing your biomechanics to reduce your pain and improve your ability to move. When working with a physiotherapist and adhering to prescribed exercise regimens and activity modifications, excellent results are usually achieved.