Conditions we treat
Bursitis
Reviewed by Andrew Macdonald, Senior Physiotherapist — AHPRA registered, APA member
What is Bursitis?
Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion and reduce friction between bones, tendons and muscles near joints. Bursitis occurs when a bursa becomes inflamed, most commonly in the hip (trochanteric bursitis) or shoulder (subacromial bursitis), usually as a result of repetitive movement, prolonged pressure, or as a secondary reaction to another underlying issue like a rotator cuff or tendon problem.
Symptoms
Symptoms include localised tenderness and swelling directly over the affected area, pain that worsens with movement or pressure (such as lying on the affected hip at night), and stiffness after periods of rest.
Treatment
Treatment focuses on reducing the inflammation driving the pain — manual therapy and soft tissue techniques to offload the irritated bursa, activity modification advice, and electrotherapy such as ultrasound or TENS where appropriate. Because bursitis is often secondary to another biomechanical issue, Andrew’s assessment also looks for — and addresses — the underlying cause, whether that’s a tendon problem, muscle weakness or movement pattern, so the bursitis doesn’t simply return.
How we treat it
Treatments used for bursitis
Manual TherapyManual therapy uses hands-on techniques — soft tissue work, trigger point therapy, joint mobilisation and fascia distortion release — to ease pain, restore movement and speed recovery.
Electrotherapy (TENS & Ultrasound)TENS and ultrasound therapy are used alongside hands-on treatment to manage pain and support tissue healing, particularly for inflammatory conditions like bursitis and acute injuries.Frequently asked questions
What triggers bursitis to flare up?
Repetitive movement, prolonged pressure on the joint (like lying on the affected hip at night), or an underlying issue such as a rotator cuff or tendon problem can all irritate a bursa. Identifying and addressing the trigger, not just calming the current flare-up, is key to stopping it recurring.
Does bursitis go away on its own?
Mild bursitis can settle with activity modification, but if it's recurring or persistent, there's usually an underlying biomechanical cause that needs addressing. Andrew's assessment looks for what's driving the bursitis — whether that's a tendon problem, muscle weakness or movement pattern — so it doesn't simply return.
Is heat or ice better for bursitis?
Ice is generally more helpful for an acute flare-up to calm inflammation, while heat can ease stiffness once the acute irritation has settled. Andrew can advise on what's appropriate for your specific stage and location of bursitis.
Can physiotherapy treat hip or shoulder bursitis?
Yes — treatment focuses on reducing the inflammation driving the pain through manual therapy, soft tissue techniques and electrotherapy such as ultrasound or TENS, while addressing the underlying cause so it doesn't come back.
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