Top Techniques: Physical Therapy for Knee Bursitis

According to American Family Physician, knee pain affects 25% of adults. Knee bursitis, a common issue where the bursae around the knee become inflamed, can limit movement and cause persistent discomfort.

Physical therapy for knee bursitis provides targeted techniques to reduce pain and boost mobility, helping individuals regain strength and stability. Join us as we look into methods of pain relief, key exercises, and rehabilitative practices!

Knee Bursitis

Knee bursitis occurs when one or more of the small fluid-filled sacs, or bursae, near the knee joint become inflamed. The bursae cushion and reduce friction between bones, muscles, and tendons, allowing for smooth movement. Inflammation in these sacs often leads to swelling, pain, and stiffness, making knee movement uncomfortable and sometimes difficult.

There are three main factors that contribute to knee bursitis:

• Physical stress on the knee from overuse or repetitive movements
• Direct trauma or injury to the knee joint
• Infection within the bursa or underlying joint structures

Physical Stress on the Knee

Overuse is a common cause of knee bursitis, particularly among people whose work or activities require frequent kneeling or bending. Repeated stress can irritate the bursae, leading to inflammation over time. Sports that put stress on the knees, like running, volleyball, or wrestling, can also increase the risk of bursitis.

Direct Trauma or Injury

Bursitis can occur suddenly if there is a direct injury to the knee, such as from a fall or an impact to the joint. The trauma can cause immediate inflammation and pain in the bursae. People with active lifestyles or those in physically demanding jobs often face a higher risk of these types of injuries.

Infection

In some cases, knee bursitis is caused by an infection within the bursa. Known as septic bursitis, this form requires prompt medical treatment to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the joint. It often presents additional symptoms like fever, warmth around the knee, and intense pain, which differ from the symptoms of non-infectious bursitis.

Goals of Physical Therapy for Knee Bursitis

Physical therapy for knee bursitis has several goals, each aimed at reducing pain and restoring comfortable knee function. The main objectives are to manage pain, improve mobility, and strengthen the knee to prevent future inflammation. Achieving these goals requires a mix of targeted exercises and techniques designed to work within the limitations caused by bursitis.

Reducing pain is often the first goal. By managing pain early, individuals can move more freely without discomfort, which is essential for successful therapy.

Many physical therapists use treatments like ice or heat therapy and light massage to help ease pain and reduce swelling. Physical therapy for knee bursitis also includes gentle stretches that relieve tension around the knee.

Improving flexibility and mobility is another primary goal. Therapists introduce gentle exercises that help maintain the knee’s range of motion, making it easier for patients to walk, bend, and carry out daily activities.

Strengthening exercises follow, focusing on the muscles that support the knee. When muscles like the quadriceps and hamstrings are stronger, they can better stabilize the knee and prevent further stress on the inflamed bursae.

Bursitis Exercises for Knee Mobility and Strength

To support recovery from knee bursitis, targeted exercises can help improve flexibility, build strength, and stabilize the knee. The focus on easing tension, restoring range of motion, and reinforcing muscles around the knee joint. Physical therapy often includes different types of exercises to ensure comprehensive support for the knee’s movement and structure.

Stretching exercises are a first step in managing knee mobility. Gentle stretches targeting the quadriceps and hamstrings can relieve tension and make it easier to move the knee without discomfort.

They help by gradually increasing the knee’s flexibility, which often becomes restricted due to bursitis. Stretching exercises are usually simple, but their effects can be powerful in reducing stiffness and keeping the knee loose enough for further therapy.

Strengthening exercises are equally important, focusing on muscles that provide direct support to the knee. The quadriceps and hamstrings are essential for knee stability and often bear extra strain when the knee experiences pain.

Exercises like straight leg raises and wall sits can improve these muscles, helping the knee better withstand physical activity. Strengthened muscles around the knee act as natural shock absorbers, which can lessen stress on the inflamed bursae.

In addition to flexibility and strength, exercises aimed at range of motion are crucial for maintaining the knee’s full movement capabilities. Gentle knee bends and extensions are examples of such movements, often done with little to no weight.

These exercises are particularly helpful in early recovery stages, as they prevent stiffness and ensure that the knee does not lose its natural range. Regular practice of these range-of-motion exercises helps keep the knee functional and adaptable to various activities.

Physiotherapy Methods for Knee Pain Relief

In addition to exercises, knee physiotherapy methods can play an important role in managing knee bursitis. Manual therapy, which includes gentle hands-on techniques, is commonly used to ease stiffness and tension in the knee area.

By working on the soft tissues around the knee, therapists can help reduce pain and improve circulation. It can prepare the knee for exercises aimed at flexibility and strength.

Heat and cold therapies are also key components of knee physiotherapy. Heat therapy is used to warm up the muscles and tissues around the knee, which can make it easier to stretch and move.

Cold therapy, on the other hand, is typically applied after exercises to calm any inflammation that might arise from activity. The combination of warming and cooling helps to keep the knee flexible and pain-free.

Some therapists may incorporate aquatic therapy, which involves exercises in water. This method reduces weight-bearing pressure on the knee, allowing for smoother, less painful movement.

The Best Knee Physiotherapy Methods

Physical therapy for knee bursitis provides a structured approach to easing pain, restoring mobility, and strengthening knee support.

At MPOWER Physical Therapy, we bring an athletic approach to physical therapy and wellness, tailored to optimize personal performance and recovery. With locations in Nashville, Brentwood, and Franklin, our integrated team of physical therapists, trainers, massage therapists, and nutrition experts provides holistic, patient-centered care for orthopedic and wellness needs.

Get in touch today to find out how we can help with your knee pain!