Get it checked at Bodyline Health, Lower Plenty
We see patients from across the Diamond Valley, including Eltham, Greensborough, Montmorency, Rosanna and Heidelberg. No referral needed, free parking, onsite X-ray when clinically indicated and HICAPS claiming on the spot.
Bursitis: a guide from the Bodyline Health team at 17 Main Road, Lower Plenty.
What is bursitis?
Bursae are small, slippery sacs of fluid that sit between bones, tendons and muscles. Think of them as tiny cushions that let tissues glide over each other.
When a bursa is squashed or rubbed too much – from repeated movement, pressure or a fall – it can become irritated and swollen. That is bursitis.
Where bursitis happens
- Hip – pain on the outside of the hip, often worse lying on that side or climbing stairs. See our page on hip pain treatment.
- Shoulder – pain at the point of the shoulder when lifting the arm. Read more about shoulder pain treatment.
- Elbow – swelling on the point of the elbow, often from leaning on it
- Knee – swelling at the front of the knee from kneeling
Bursitis symptoms
- Localised aching or sharp pain over the joint
- Tenderness when you press on the area
- Pain with particular movements or lying on that side
- Sometimes visible swelling
In many cases, especially at the hip and shoulder, the bursa is irritated alongside a tendon problem, so the tendon needs attention too.
How bursitis is treated
Reduce the pressure and friction
Avoid lying on the sore side, use a pillow between the knees for hip bursitis, and cut back on kneeling or leaning on the elbow.
Address the cause
Weak hip or shoulder muscles, stiff joints or a change in training often overload the area. Strength and movement work fixes the underlying problem.
Hands-on care
Soft tissue work to surrounding muscles, joint mobilisation and advice on posture and activity can reduce pain.
Medical options
Your GP may discuss medication or an injection for persistent bursitis.
Preventing bursitis from coming back
Build strength gradually, increase training load slowly, use knee pads for kneeling jobs and change position regularly. Our myotherapy and physiotherapy teams can set up a program.
Who at Bodyline Health can help with bursitis?
Because our practitioners work under one roof, your care can be shared between people who talk to each other.
- Dr Phillip Mifsud (Chiropractor): assessment of the joint, spine and movement patterns, with onsite X-ray when clinically indicated.
- Mary Fleming (Physiotherapist): strengthening programs for hip and shoulder bursitis.
- Keryn Arrowsmith (Myotherapist): myotherapy for tight surrounding muscles.
When to seek urgent medical help
See a doctor urgently if the area is hot, red and swollen, especially with fever, as an infected bursa needs medical treatment. In an emergency, call 000.
Further reading: Bursitis (Healthdirect Australia).
Common questions
How long does bursitis last?
Mild bursitis may settle in a few weeks. Hip and shoulder bursitis linked to tendon problems can take a few months with the right exercises.
Should I stretch with bursitis?
Gentle movement is helpful, but some stretches compress the bursa. It is best to get advice on which exercises suit you.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed for a standard appointment at Bodyline Health.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for individual medical advice. If you are unsure, see your GP or book an assessment.
