Elbow Bursitis Treatment
Elbow Bursitis Treatment
Elbow bursitis, also known as olecranon bursitis, is inflammation of the bursa at the tip of the elbow. The bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that cushions the bone against the overlying skin, and when it becomes inflamed it produces noticeable swelling, warmth, and pain at the back of the elbow. It can affect anyone, but is particularly common in people who spend long periods leaning on their elbows or who have sustained a direct blow to the area.
How Does Elbow Bursitis Develop?
Perhaps you knocked your elbow against a hard surface, or you’ve spent weeks resting it on a desk during long hours at work. In some cases, there is no obvious trigger at all, the bursa simply becomes irritated through repetitive pressure and friction over time, gradually filling with fluid and swelling at the tip of the elbow.
Less commonly, elbow bursitis can be linked to underlying conditions such as [gout or rheumatoid arthritis], or develop following an infection, known as septic bursitis. If the area becomes hot, red, and increasingly painful, it is important to seek medical advice promptly to rule out infection before starting physiotherapy.
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Our Treatment for Elbow Bursitis
Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and preventing the condition from becoming persistent. Our physiotherapy team will assess the elbow, identify the cause, and build a plan around your specific situation and daily demands.
In the early stages, manual therapy and soft tissue massage help reduce swelling and restore comfortable movement. As symptoms settle, we introduce strengthening exercises to support the joint and lower the risk of recurrence. We also provide practical guidance on activity modification, whether that means adjusting your workstation, managing load during sport, or protecting the elbow with appropriate padding during activity.
For persistent or recurring cases, shockwave therapy can be an effective option to stimulate healing and address chronic inflammation. Many patients find significant improvement within 4 to 8 weeks of starting treatment, though more established cases may take longer.
“True Physio at Blackburn are an amazing team. I went in with trouble with my elbow several weeks ago and had the pleasure of working with my physio Tanya. Her knowledge and expertise was second to none. Tanya’s professionalism made the whole experience brilliant and kept me informed of what to expect as I progressed through my treatment. I cannot recommend Tanya and the team enough.” Stuart Beaumont – Blackburn
Why Choose True Physio?
Expert Physiotherapy Team All of our Physiotherapists are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which means that they fulfil the highest standards of practice required by law. They are also a part of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), demonstrating our commitment to delivering outstanding expertise.
Initial Assessment At your initial assessment at True Physio, we will find out where your pain comes from and what your goal is before forming a plan to help you achieve that. Our clinicians will take the time to understand your condition, do a detailed assessment, and explain to you the nature of the problem you have. Treatment plans are created with your lifestyle in mind.
Book an appointment at your nearest True Physio clinic and take the first step towards recovering from elbow bursitis.
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