Bursitis
Definition: Inflammation
of a bursa - the small fluid filled synovial sacs between tendons, ligaments
and bone that minimize friction. Sacs are very rich in nerves and blood
vessels. False bursas may form over some bony point that has become prominent
due to disease or deformity.
Causes: bacterial
infection, injury, chronic overuse, misalignment of joint, allergic reactions
to food or airborne particles, calcium deposits, tight muscles; Hip and
shoulder and elbow joints most affected.
Signs/Symptoms: pain,
tenderness, limitation of movement, redness, swelling: dull persistent
pain that increases with movement;
Common locations: subdeltoid,
subacromion (jackhammerer's shoulder), olecranon (student's elbow), pre
and supra patella (housemaid's knee), retrocalcaneal (achilles), ischial
(weaver's bottom), first metacarpal.
Indications: Massage
to reduce pain and inflammation, relieve tight muscles, realign areas affected
to reduce area of friction, limit adhesion formation, relieve trigger points,
gymnastics. Heat to relax muscle, Ice to reduce swelling or pain.
Contraindications:
May need to work above and below area, not directly on it unless you know
otherwise. Be cautious working on a painful ROM limited joint that is undiagnosed.
Bursa easily
aggravated by movement and pressure in early stages of inflammation.
Once aggravated they are easily re-aggravated.
-
Subacromial Bursitis
- By Ben Benjamin, PhD
