Bursitis
Osteopath for bursitis in Chelmsford
What is Bursitis?
Bursitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of a bursa (a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions and reduces friction between bones, muscles, and tendons). When a bursa becomes irritated or inflamed, it can lead to pain, swelling, and restricted movement.
Bursitis commonly affects joints that are used repeatedly, such as the shoulder, hip, elbow, and knee.
Common Types of Bursitis
Bursitis can occur in different parts of the body. The most common types we treat include:
Shoulder Bursitis (Subacromial Bursitis)
Causes of Bursitis
Bursitis typically develops due to:
Symptoms of Bursitis
Common symptoms include:
How Osteopathy Can Help
Osteopathy focuses on improving how your body moves and functions as a whole. For bursitis, treatment aims to:
Self-Care Advice
Alongside treatment, you may be advised to:
When to Seek Treatment
You should seek professional advice if:
Book an Appointment
If you’re experiencing symptoms of bursitis, osteopathic treatment may be able to help. Book an appointment with our principal osteopath for an assessment.
Bursitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of a bursa (a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions and reduces friction between bones, muscles, and tendons). When a bursa becomes irritated or inflamed, it can lead to pain, swelling, and restricted movement.
Bursitis commonly affects joints that are used repeatedly, such as the shoulder, hip, elbow, and knee.
Common Types of Bursitis
Bursitis can occur in different parts of the body. The most common types we treat include:
Shoulder Bursitis (Subacromial Bursitis)
- Pain when lifting the arm
- Difficulty reaching overhead
- Often linked to rotator cuff irritation
- Pain on the outside of the hip
- Worse when lying on the affected side
- Common in runners and walkers
- Swelling at the tip of the elbow
- Tenderness or warmth
- Sometimes caused by prolonged leaning on elbows
- Swelling at the front of the knee
- Pain when kneeling
- Often seen in jobs requiring kneeling
- Pain at the back of the heel
- Aggravated by walking or tight footwear
- Can be linked to Achilles tendon issues
Causes of Bursitis
Bursitis typically develops due to:
- Repetitive movements or overuse
- Prolonged pressure on a joint
- Injury or trauma
- Poor posture or biomechanics
- Muscle imbalances
- Sudden increase in activity levels
Symptoms of Bursitis
Common symptoms include:
- Localised pain around a joint
- Swelling and tenderness
- Reduced range of motion
- Pain that worsens with movement or pressure
- Warmth or redness (in some cases)
How Osteopathy Can Help
Osteopathy focuses on improving how your body moves and functions as a whole. For bursitis, treatment aims to:
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Improve joint mobility
- Relieve pressure on the affected bursa
- Address underlying mechanical causes
- Prevent recurrence
Self-Care Advice
Alongside treatment, you may be advised to:
- Rest or modify aggravating activities
- Apply ice to reduce inflammation
- Improve posture and ergonomics
- Gradually return to activity
- Follow a guided exercise plan
When to Seek Treatment
You should seek professional advice if:
- Pain persists for more than a few days
- Movement becomes restricted
- Swelling increases
- Symptoms interfere with daily activities
Book an Appointment
If you’re experiencing symptoms of bursitis, osteopathic treatment may be able to help. Book an appointment with our principal osteopath for an assessment.