Physiotherapy is an important part of the therapy for bursitis of the elbow and offers different treatment approaches. It is important that physiotherapeutic treatment should only be started after the acute inflammation has subsided, in order not to aggravate the symptoms and cause greater damage. The aims of physiotherapy in the case of bursitis of the elbow are
- To relieve the bursa so that the swelling is reduced
- Reduce pain
- Protect surrounding structures from damage
- Strengthen and stretch muscles and ligaments (preventive measure)
Therapy
The most important immediate measure in case of bursitis is immobilization of the affected joint. This can be done, for example, by applying a plaster cast or bandage. Regular cooling also helps to relieve the pain and combat the inflammation.
In addition, the temporary use of pain and anti-inflammatory drugs is useful to ensure that the inflammation subsides quickly. In the case of very severe swelling, it may be advisable to puncture the bursa, whereby the excess fluid is removed, thus reducing the pressure on the joint. The injection of painkillers or cortisone can also help to reduce the symptoms.
Afterwards, bursitis usually heals well with conservative methods. Operations are only necessary in rare cases. The scope of treatment in conservative therapy includes, for example, various physiotherapeutic measures, physiotherapy exercises, homeopathic medication and various home remedies. If an inflammation of the bursa at the elbow occurs, it is first important to consult a doctor to find out the cause of the bursitis and then to initiate an appropriate therapy.
Further treatment and physiotherapy
There are different approaches for the treatment of bursitis, which can be used depending on the cause, extent and previous diseases. Surgical removal of the bursa. This is especially recommended when bacterial infections are present, the bursa is opened or conservative methods do not show any success.
Pain and anti-inflammatory drugs as well as homeopathic medicines. Home remedies such as compresses or wraps. Puncture of the elbow to drain the fluid in order to relieve the pressure from the elbow joint.
Immobilisation of the elbow with regular cooling to help the inflammatory reaction subside and to take the irritation away from the elbow. Physiotherapy.
- Surgical removal of the bursa.
This is especially recommended when bacterial infections are present, the bursa is opened or conservative methods do not show any success.
- Painkillers, anti-inflammatory and homeopathic remedies.
- Household remedies such as envelopes or wraps.
- Puncture of the elbow to drain off the fluid in order to take the pressure off the elbow joint.
- Immobilize the elbow with regular cooling to help the inflammatory response subside and remove the irritation from the elbow.
- Physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy plays an important role in the conservative treatment of bursitis of the elbow. It is especially important to ensure the function and mobility of the elbow. Within physiotherapy there are many available treatment approaches.
To relieve the pain, grip techniques of manual therapy can help as well as passive movements by the therapist in combination with cold applications. A further possibility for pain relief is shock wave therapy, in which external pressure waves act on the bursa, thus relieving the pain and loosening any calcifications. An important factor of the physiotherapeutic treatment are also targeted mobility and strengthening exercises.
These not only help to make the elbow resilient again, but also to prevent a new development of bursitis. Furthermore, the physiotherapist gives the patients many helpful tips and advice on how to prevent injuries in the future. This is especially useful if the injury is caused by poor posture. The exact treatment plan is decided by doctors and therapists depending on the individual situation.
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