Bursitis is commonly caused by repetitive movements, prolonged pressure on a joint (such as kneeling or leaning on elbows), trauma, poor posture, joint misalignment, or underlying conditions like arthritis. It frequently affects the shoulder, hip, elbow, or knee.

A more serious case of bursitis may involve ongoing swelling, warmth, redness over the joint, significant pain with movement or touch, or difficulty using the affected limb. If symptoms don’t improve after a few days, or if daily tasks become difficult, it’s time to seek professional help.

You should see a physiotherapist if the pain continues for more than a few days, becomes more severe, or starts to interfere with your ability to move, work, or carry out everyday activities. Early intervention can prevent the issue from becoming long-term.

Recovery from bursitis varies depending on the joint affected and how long the problem has been present. With proper physiotherapy, many people see improvements within a few weeks, though chronic or stubborn cases may take longer.

Yes, but it’s important to exercise carefully. Certain movements may aggravate the inflammation, so a physiotherapist can help you choose safe stretches and low-impact exercises that support healing without placing stress on the affected area.

You can reduce your risk of bursitis by improving your posture, using good technique when lifting, avoiding repetitive strain, staying active, and strengthening the muscles around your joints. Take care to avoid prolonged pressure on joints—especially when kneeling or leaning.

Recurring bursitis is often due to unresolved issues such as poor posture, joint instability, or repeated strain. If the underlying cause isn’t addressed, flare-ups may continue. Physiotherapy helps correct these issues and build resilience to prevent it happening again.