What Is Bursitis ?
Bursitis is an inflammation or irritation of the bursa.
A bursa is a thin bag filled with lubricating fluid which reduces rubbing and friction between tissues such as bone, muscle, tendons and skin.
What Causes Bursitis ?
Bursitis is most often caused by
- Repetitive, minor impact on the area or excessive pressure.
- After a sudden, more serious injury.
- Overuse or injury to the joint at work or play can also increase a person’s risk of bursitis. Examples of high-risk activities include gardening, raking, carpentry, shoveling, painting, scrubbing, tennis, golf, skiing, and throwing.
- Incorrect posture at work or home can also lead to bursitis.
- Sometimes the reason is unknown. It can also be associated with some chronic systemic diseases.
Parts of body affected by tendonitis
Bursitis is more common in adults, especially in those over 40 years of age.
Symptoms of Bursitis
Bursitis causes pain in the joint of the inflamed bursa which may build up gradually or be sudden and severe. Pain is aggravated during or after activity and often the joint is stiff the next morning with reduced range of movement.
Difference between normal and inflamed bursae
What Parts of the Body Does Bursitis Affect?
- Shoulder
- Elbow
- Hip (Greater trochanter)
- Knee
- Achilles tendon
Parts of body affected By bursitis
Treatment
Treatments for bursitis consist of temporary pain relief using anti-inflammatory medication, rest and icing the area.
Corticosteroid (cortisone) injections are also used to assist in the treatment of bursitis.
Low Level Laser Therapy Treatment for Bursitis.
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is the application of red and near infrared light over injuries to stimulate cellular repair. LLLT has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect as well as a healing effect on inflamed bursae and surrounding inflamed soft tissues.
- By improving circulation and increasing cellular repair functions LLLT provides an environment for your body’s own natural healing processes to be activated and restored. Once normal immune processes are restored, the excessive inflammation is reduced and healing can begin.
- LLLT stimulates blood flow and lymphatic drainage, improved delivery of O2 and nutrition to the area, oxygen utilization, removal of oxygen-free radicals and other waste products, and tissue healing.
You will be encouraged to move the affected area within range of movement/pain but not exert stretch or force during the healing phase.
The end result is resolution of inflammation and restoration of healthy bursa and local soft tissues. Once tissues are healed, pain is eliminated and normal range of motion and function is restored. Then muscle and tendon strength and flexibility can be addressed with graduated exercises and stretching. LLLT has no known side effects, is safe and effective.