What is Bursitis?
Bursitis is the inflammation of one of more bursae–small sacs of synovial fluid in the body. This causes painful movement and possible muscle stiffness.
What causes Bursitis?
Bursitis is commonly caused by repetitive movement and excessive pressure. Shoulders, elbows, and knees are the most commonly affected areas. Bursitis can also be caused by other inflammatory conditions–such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout–as well as scoliosis, traumatic injuries, and some chronic systemic diseases.
How do we treat Bursitis?
Medical sources suggest treating with rest, ice, elevation, physiotherapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. What is NOT mentioned are approaches that treat the underlying causes of Bursitis. In the office, we use physical manipulations–such as electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound, cold laser, and acupuncture–soft tissue approaches, and Active Release Technique, all which treat the dysfunction rather than the symptom.