Bursitis

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What is a bursitis?

Inflammation of a bursa.

What is the function of a bursa?

Bursa reduces the frictions between tendons and bones. It is not palpable unless inflammed.

What is the cause of bursitis?

Overuse leading to excessive friction and inflammation. Usually secondary to other conditions such as tendinitis.

What are the contributing factors?

Muscle imbalance, poor biomechanics, postural dysfunction (scoliosis/hypK)

Where are common locations for bursitis?

Olecranon bursa, subscapular bursa, trochantric bursa, illipectineal bursa, isheal, patellar bursitis.

What is the symptom picture for acute bursitis?

Inflammation, heat and swlling, pain is deep and burning (both at rest and during activity), ROM is decreased, other conditions such as tendinitis could be present.

What is the symptom picture of chronic bursitis?

Painful or achiness duing activity or with compression, chronic inflammation, ROM is less restrcited then acute stage.

What are contraindications of bursitis?

Avoid direct compression or drag on the bursa or surrounding tissues, on site techniques, if infective bursitis is speculated then send them directly to med aid.

What are some of the assessement findings for bursitis?

Swelling, redness, antalgic gait, heat is palpated locally, spasm, hypertonic muscles, and TP in the muscles that cross the bursa.

What are the findings for ROM testing?

AF rom is decreased, PR rom has an empty end feel, AR isometric contractions are painful.

What are the special tests we can use to determine bursitis?

Ober's test, Faber's test, Painful arc test.

What type of hydrotherapy do we use in the acute stage of bursitis?

Cold hydrotherapy to affected bursa.

What massage techniques are used in the acute stage of bursitis?

Hydro to affected bursa, position for comfort, lymphatic drainage proximal, swedish techniques applied to trunk and proximal limb, gentle muscle squeezing to distal area.

What massage techniques are used for the chronic stage of bursitis?

Postion for comfort, hydrotherapy of deep moist heat, compensating structures with swedish techniques, muscle stripping, pain free PR ROM, friction to adhered structures.