What is Bursitis, does it affect exercise, and can it be fixed?

Bursitis is inflammation of the fluid filled pads (bursae) that support most major joints around the body. Bursitis symptoms can include pain, swelling, stiffness and is most common around hips, knees, shoulders, and elbows.

Due to these symptoms Bursitis can affect exercise and the ability to complete certain movements or intensity. Repetitive motions at a fast pace may aggravate the site of bursitis and cause more symptoms, a common aggravator is running for the hip bursitis. There are recommended exercises for each area that is affected in order to strengthen the supporting muscles and alleviate the symptoms. Along with these exercises it is recommended incorporate stretching, anti-inflammatory medication and corticosteroid injections of the bursa.

By using these techniques, it can reduce persistent pain and symptoms. If you do have bursitis, it is important to seek medical advice from an Exercise professional or Exercise Physiologist to create an exercise intervention.

– Jackson Cockerill (Exercise Physiologist)