Physiotherapy for Bursitis in London
Bursitis
Painful, stiff joints shouldn’t stand in the way of your day. Get the hands-on support you need for bursitis and say goodbye to swift, swollen joints with at-home care.
What Is Bursitis?
Bursitis is a condition that happens when one of the body’s small, fluid-filled sacs (called a bursa) becomes irritated or inflamed. These bursae sit between the bones, muscles, and tendons, acting like little cushions to help your joints move smoothly and comfortably.
When a bursa becomes swollen or irritated, it can lead to pain, tenderness, and stiffness around the joint. You might also notice swelling or warmth in the area, and certain movements (like lifting your arm, bending your knee, or leaning on your elbow) may feel uncomfortable or harder than usual.
Bursitis often affects areas like the shoulder, elbow, hip, or knee, but it can occur near any joint in the body. The good news is that while bursitis is common, it is also very treatable. With the right care, including physiotherapy, many people find they can ease the discomfort, protect their joints, and get back to moving more easily.
Common Symptoms of Bursitis
Bursitis symptoms can vary depending on which joint is affected, but they often share some common signs. You might notice:
- Pain or tenderness around a joint, especially when you move it or put pressure on it
- Swelling or warmth near the sore area, sometimes with visible puffiness
- Stiffness or difficulty moving the joint comfortably, making certain movements feel awkward or limited
- Discomfort when pressing on or using the joint, like leaning on an elbow or lifting your arm overhead
- Pain that feels worse with activity or after staying still for too long
These symptoms can make everyday tasks like reaching for something, walking up stairs, bending down, or lifting objects feel a lot harder than they should.
What Can Increase Your Risk of Bursitis?
Bursitis can affect anyone, but certain activities, habits, or health conditions may make it more likely to develop, or may cause symptoms to flare up more often. Here are some of the biggest factors that can increase your risk:
- Repetitive movements or pressure on joints: Regular activities like kneeling, lifting, leaning on elbows, or reaching overhead can put extra strain on the bursae over time.
- Previous injuries or joint issues: Past injuries, especially near the joints, can leave these areas more prone to irritation and inflammation.
- Poor posture or muscle imbalance: When the body isn’t well-aligned or certain muscles are weaker, other areas may work harder to compensate. This can increase the chance of bursitis.
- Age-related wear and tear: As we age, the joints and soft tissues naturally experience more stress, which can lead to irritation of the bursae.
- Certain health conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout can increase inflammation in the joints, raising the risk of bursitis.
- Carrying extra body weight: Additional weight puts more pressure on joints like the hips, knees, and ankles, which may contribute to bursitis in these areas.
What Causes Bursitis?
There are a few common causes of bursitis.
- Repetitive motion or overuse: Movements that put repeated stress on a joint, like lifting, kneeling, or overhead reaching, can slowly inflame the bursa.
- Direct pressure or trauma: A fall, bump, or frequent leaning on a joint (like resting on your elbows or kneeling on hard surfaces) can irritate the bursa and trigger inflammation.
- Poor posture or muscle weakness: When your posture isn’t well aligned or certain muscles are weaker than others, extra strain is placed on the joints and bursae, increasing the risk of irritation.
- Inflammatory conditions: Health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout can raise levels of inflammation in the body, making the bursae more likely to become swollen or painful.
- Infections: Occasionally, bursitis can be caused by an infection, especially in areas like the elbow or knee, if the skin is broken near the joint.
How Physit Treats Bursitis
At Physit, we understand how frustrating it can be when joint pain or swelling makes your everyday movement feel uncomfortable. That’s why we bring expert physiotherapy directly to your home, giving you personalised, hands-on care that is designed to ease your bursitis pain, calm any inflammation and irritation, and encourage your steady recovery.
Our approach isn’t just about treating the sore spot. It’s about understanding what’s causing the irritation, how it’s affecting your daily life, and what will help you move more comfortably and confidently throughout your day. Here’s a look at how we treat those dealing with bursitis.
- Gentle, hands-on techniques: Soft tissue release, massage, medical acupuncture, and joint mobilisation may all be used to ease stiffness, reduce swelling, and improve how well the joint moves.
- Targeted exercise therapy: Strengthening the muscles that support the joint and improving flexibility to help protect the area and reduce the chance of flare-ups.
- Practical advice on movement and posture: Clear guidance on how to adjust your everyday activities, improve your posture, and pace yourself so you can stay active without putting extra strain on the affected joint.
- Personalised care plans with regular check-ins: Your physiotherapist will give you a personalised plan, complete with clear instructions on how and when to do each of your exercises. We’ll track your progress and stay with you every step to ensure your treatment continues to match your goals.
At Physit, we’re committed to helping you feel better and continue doing the things that matter most to you. We give you in-home physiotherapy care in a way that is consistent, supportive, and tailored to you.
Conditions We Treat
Our London home and work visit physiotherapists are highly experienced in assessing and treating a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to:
0204 570 2391- Post-surgical rehabilitation (knee, hip, shoulder, and spinal surgeries, as well as general surgical recovery)
- Age-related mobility issues, including falls prevention and balance training
- Chronic pain management (back pain, arthritis, and joint stiffness)
- Neurological conditions impacting mobility and coordination
- Post-hospital deconditioning and general rehabilitation to restore strength, balance, and independence
- All musculoskeletal realted injuries or pain
Frequently Asked Questions About Physio for Bursitis
1. What can I do before my first physiotherapy appointment to take care of my bursitis?
Best at-home care practices without a practitioner include the RICE method — rest, compression, ice, and elevation. Rest the area, apply a compress, use ice(but do not apply ice directly to skin) in intervals, and elevate the area above the heart. Do not leave your ice — whether it’s a bag of peas wrapped in a towel or a drugstore cold pace — on the area for longer than 20-30 minutes at a time.
2. What is the best treatment for bursitis?
The best treatment for bursitis often includes a mix of rest, gentle movement, hands-on therapy, and specialised exercises to help ease pain, reduce swelling, and encourage healthy joint function. Physiotherapy helps by calming irritation, strengthening the muscles around the joint, and guiding you on safer ways to move.
3. Can bursitis go away on its own?
In some mild cases, bursitis may improve with rest and activity changes. However, without treatment, it can sometimes return or linger longer than it should. Physiotherapy helps address the root causes (like muscle weakness or poor movement patterns) to encourage long-lasting relief and reduce the risk of future flare-ups.
4. Is it possible my bursitis will require treatment beyond physiotherapy?
Yes, it’s possible. Our approach does everything possible to minimise the risk of the bursa becoming infected. However, if bursitis is persistent and does not respond to any treatment, it may become infected and require surgery. This is not common, and physiotherapy does not increase the chances of infection or surgery.
5. Do I need a referral to work with Physit for bursitis?
No. You can book directly with Physit, and one of our experienced physiotherapists will visit you at home for an assessment. We’ll take the time to understand your symptoms and create a personalised plan that works best for you.
6. How long does it take to recover from bursitis with physiotherapy?
Recovery time can vary depending on how severe the bursitis is, how long you’ve had symptoms, and how your body responds to treatment. Some people feel relief within a few weeks, while others may need a bit longer for full recovery. Your physiotherapist will track your progress, adjust your plan as needed, and support you every step of the way.
Take the Pressure Off Your Joints With Physit
Bursitis pain doesn’t have to decide how your day goes. With Physit’s expert physiotherapy, care comes to your home and it’s designed around you, your goals, and the way you want to move.
Whether you’re dealing with soreness, swelling, or stiffness that’s holding you back from simple tasks or your favourite activities, the right support can make all the difference. Our hands-on, personalised treatment helps ease discomfort, protect your joints, and build the strength you need for steady, lasting relief.
