There are many bursae throughout the human body, with common locations for bursitis being in your shoulders, elbows, hips and knees. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that helps to cushion the bones, tendons and muscles near your joints. The condition bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, which causes pain on movement or compression. Causes of bursitis are often due to repetitive or overuse activities, however it can occur with sudden and more serious injuries.

Symptoms to look out for if you suspect it may be bursitis:

  • Localised pain at the above joints
  • Pain with movement
  • Pain with compression
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling and redness

Treatment of bursitis involves avoiding aggravating activities, resting the injured area, ice to decrease swelling. Physiotherapy treatments may involve releasing tight muscles, which may cause the compression, taping the area to decrease the compression on the bursa, postural corrections and strength training.