Bursitis

Question 1

Bursitis

Answer 1

Inflammation of a bursa

bursa = small, flat sac lined w/ synovium

• reduces friction, usually b/n tendons & bones
• not palpable unless inflamed
• can re-grow in 6-24 months if surgically remove

Question 2

Causes of Bursitis

Answer 2

• overuse of structures surrounding bursa
• usually secondary to tendonitis
• muscle imbalances, poor biomechanics, postural dysfunctions, etc.
• can be infected if a needle is injected into it

Question 3

Acute Signs & Symptoms

Answer 3

• inflammation
• pain may be severe, throbbing or constant
• increased pain on bursa compression
• aggravated by a stretch across region
• occasionally painless, if not being compressed or aggravated

Question 4

Chronic Signs & Symptoms

Answer 4

• pain w/ activity/bursa compression
• chronic inflammation/mm spasm
• fibrosis/adhesions
• decreased ROM (not as severe as acute), disuse atrophy (rare)

Question 5

Acute Tx Goals

Answer 5

• decrease inflammation/swelling/edema
• increase RR/decrease pain
• decrease muscle tension/TP’s, tx compensations
• maintain ROM/function
• educate on possible cause & proper biomechanics

Question 6

CI’s for Bursitis

Answer 6

• compression on bursa in acute stage
• no techniques that put a drag on bursa
• meds (relative)

Question 7

Hydro for Bursitis

Answer 7

Acute - ice to decrease inflammation, analgesic
Chronic - heat to increase pliability, analgesic
Chronic - contrast to decrease chronic swelling