What is the difference between arthritis and bursitis and how is it treated through physical therapy?
Arthritis and bursitis are both inflammatory conditions that can produce pain, swelling, and loss of movement. Arthritis is the inflammation of a joint commonly caused by trauma, degenerative joint changes, or systemic disease. Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa sac (fluid filled sac) within soft tissue or bony structures and can develop from trauma or overuse activity. Once you have seen your physician, a referral for physical therapy may include the application of heat/cold based modalities to reduce pain and swelling, gentle therapeutic exercise to restore pain-free mobility/strength, education, and self care management Marianne E.
