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How Physical Therapy Can Help with Bursitis

Understanding Bursitis
Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa, small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion and reduce friction between bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints. Commonly affected areas include the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, and limited movement, which can interfere with daily activities and sports.

The Role of Physical Therapy in Treating Bursitis
Physical therapy (PT) is an effective approach for managing and rehabilitating bursitis. Here’s how PT can help you recover:

1. Pain Relief
Physical therapists utilize various techniques to manage pain and inflammation, such as ice and compression therapy. Applying ice and compression can help reduce swelling, inflammation and pain. 

2. Restoration of Range of Motion
Bursitis can lead to stiffness and decreased mobility. A physical therapist will create a tailored program that includes gentle stretching and mobility exercises to restore your range of motion and improve joint function.

3. Strengthening Exercises
Once pain subsides, strengthening the muscles around the affected joint is crucial. Physical therapists design specific exercises to enhance muscle strength and stability, helping to support the joint and prevent future episodes of bursitis.

4. Activity Modification and Education
Understanding how to modify activities can be key to preventing flare-ups. Your physical therapist will educate you on proper body mechanics, ergonomics, and activity modifications to reduce stress on the bursa.

5. Manual Therapy
Physical therapists may use hands-on techniques to relieve tension in muscles and soft tissues surrounding the joint, improving mobility and reducing pain.

6. Personalized Treatment Plans
Every case of bursitis is unique. Physical therapists develop individualized treatment plans based on your specific condition, activity level, and recovery goals, ensuring a focused and effective rehabilitation process.

Your Physical Therapy Journey

1. Initial Assessment
Your first visit will involve a comprehensive evaluation of your shoulder and overall physical condition. The therapist will assess your pain levels, range of motion, strength, and functional abilities.

2. Customized Treatment Plan
Based on the assessment, a personalized treatment plan will be created. This plan may include a combination of exercises, manual therapy, and other modalities tailored to your specific needs.

3. Ongoing Support
Regular follow-up sessions will monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary. Your therapist will also provide you with home exercises to continue your recovery outside of the clinic.

4. Rehabilitation and Return to Activity
As you improve, the focus will shift to functional rehabilitation and gradually returning to your usual activities. The goal is to help you resume normal activities without pain and prevent future episodes of impingement.

5. Independence in Maintaining Gains
By the end of your care, you will have learned a routine specific to improving and preventing your condition from returning. It is very important to continue your home exercise program consistently in order to maintain gains and prevent return of pain and symptoms.

Recovering from bursitis is achievable with the right physical therapy intervention. By addressing pain, restoring mobility, and strengthening the affected area, PT can help you return to your daily activities and enjoy a more active lifestyle. If you’re experiencing symptoms of bursitis, reach out to Dynamic Physical Therapy today to start your path to recovery!

Dynamic Physical Therapy : an outpatient orthopedic physical therapy clinic. 

​Serving the Coachella Valley and cities of Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Bermuda Dunes, Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City, Palm Springs, and Indio.