Archives
February 2025
Categories |
Back to Blog
What is Bursitis?2/19/2025  What is it? Bursitis is a common condition that occurs when a bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that sits between muscles, tendons, and bones, becomes irritated and inflamed. These sacs play a crucial role in cushioning and reducing friction. Bursitis often develops secondary to another condition such as impingement or tendinopathy. My scans showed bursitis – is this why my joint hurts? Even if bursitis is identified on imaging tests such as ultrasounds, it may not always be the primary source of pain. In most cases, bursitis is secondary to an underlying cause, such as tendinopathy. It is also worth noting that thickened bursas are commonly found in non-painful hips and shoulders. A recent study found that 78% of non-painful shoulders had some degree of bursal thickening when imaged. This is because the thickening of a bursa can be an adaptive mechanism to deal with extra demands – like getting calluses on your hands. Do I need a cortisone injection? As a powerful anti-inflammatory, cortisone can provide short-term relief and make movement more comfortable. Cortisone can be helpful when the pain is especially intense and you are unable to perform physiotherapy exercise. However, it’s important to note that cortisone does not address the underlying cause of the pain, and symptoms often return once the medicine wears off. Can physiotherapy help? Physiotherapy plays a pivotal role in managing bursitis and addressing the root cause. The treatment approach will vary depending on the cause, but it typically includes a combination of manual therapy, strengthening exercises, and strategies to manage physical load. Physiotherapists also emphasise educating patients about their condition, enabling them to take an active role in their recovery and prevent future issues. Do I still need physiotherapy if I have a cortisone shot? Even if cortisone provides temporary relief, physiotherapy is essential for long-term recovery. Without physiotherapy to address the underlying cause of the bursitis, pain is very likely to return once the effects of cortisone fade. Combining both approaches ensures a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both the symptoms and the root cause of bursitis.
0 Comments
Back to Blog
What is Osteoarthritis?2/9/2025  What is it? OA usually presents as an ache in the joint that made worse with a lot of activity or long periods of stillness. Osteoarthritis is often described as wear and tear of the cartilage inside joints, although this can be a helpful analogy when talking about the condition, it is often not the whole story. Osteoarthritis (OA) is usually something that builds up over time and can become more or less painful with sudden changes to activity. What Causes OA? Researchers are not certain what causes osteoarthritis. There are a number of risk factors, such as age, trauma or surgery to the joint, and a family history of OA. Over-use or repetitive use of a joint is though to play some role in the development of the condition. However, experts believe the benefit of activity far outweighs the possible risk of developing OA and that exercise can sometimes even be protective against osteoarthritis. Do I need to stop exercising? No, in fact, well prescribed exercise is how the condition is treated. While your symptoms are especially flared up, you may need to reduce weight-bearing exercise such as walking or running, while you work with a physio to settle your pain and begin to strengthen your knee. You physio can also work with you to find alternative exercise and activities, such cycling or swimming, while your pain settles. Can it be fixed? While the cartilage itself may not improve when looked at on x-rays, pain levels can be improved significantly with activity modification, strength and mobility exercises. Specific exercise to improve strength of the muscles surrounding the knee will improve the body’s ability to adsorb shock through the muscles rather than the joint itself. If you think you might have OA get in touch with us as let us see how we can help!  |
RSS Feed
