What is Bursitis? / Part 2

The common presentation of Bursitis:

In acute or flare up stages, bursitis is very painful. Pain will be on palpation, or when the bursa is stressed by movement of the structure crossing it. There may be pain at rest I acute stages. Chronic bursitis may flare up and present as acute.

The severity of the symptoms depends on the amount of irritation the bursa is under, and how deep the bursa is. In some cases, superficial (closer to the surface) bursae may be red, hot, and visible swollen. Deeper bursae may not present with heat or redness, but will be quite tender on palpation. Bursitis pain may be exacerbated by both passive movement and resistant movement. Stretching or tensing the overlying tissue can irritate the inflame bursa.

How Massage Therapist may help..

The Massage Therapist will try to identify if it is a bursa issue by some special testing, such as Active Resisted which means client will resist certain movement against the therapist and if the pain came at the end of the contraction it may lead to think that there is some issue with the bursa.

Treatment:

In the acute stage if presents, the main goal of the treatment is to reduce inflammation. Cryotherapy is indicated. In order not to put undue pressure on a painful bursa, a cola towel wrapped in a doughnut shape may be placed around the bursa or the sore/painful area.

Increase muscle resting tension of tissues crossing the bursa should be addressed. Be mindful of the client’s comfort when positioning, or when working close to the bursa. Pain free range of motion is indicated to prevent adhesions and active free (client does the action on his own) as self-care is indicated.