Bursitis vs. Tendinitis

[Prodigy]

I know the clinical differences, but what physical signs can help you know when with an actual client? Precautions?This is what I get for doing a 500 hour program  :-/Thanks

 

[Gladiator]

Location location location....if I remember right, they often occur together, since they are both a result of overuse/ misuse.  Bursitis is most often found in joints of shoulders, elbows, hips and knees; tendinitis can occur anywhere in the body (obviously at tendinous tissues near muscle attachments). Bursitis has pain with passive movement where tendinitis has pain on resistive movements and stretching.

 

[Ben H]

Hi there!  It's been awhile since I've posted, I had to jump in on this one!  I have bursitis in both my knees - it can feel stiff to me and at times is swollen.  Ice is nice after I've worked out or went for a run.  Of course, massage feels wonderful, I love it when my MT massages my vastus medialus and rectus femoris.  Ahhh...     I've been told by Dr.'s it's from being on my knees too much - I think it's from years of tennis and running.  Yoga really helps strengthen the muscles without the jarring movements.Good luck with your client!  P.S. -  Don't feel bad about going to a 500 hr. program, so did I!  I feel it's all about what you put into it, and what you take upon yourself to learn after you're done. I've learned so much from this message board - I love it!!!      

 

[Wickie W]

Here is the simple assessment to determine between bursitis and tendonitis...Do a Active free test in the area affected.. I'll give an example as I go here... cuz it is so hard to type how to do this..hehe... :-/For instance:If your patient has suspected (a) olecranon bursitis or possibly (b) distal tricep tendonitis, here is the rule for you to follow..1. do active free testing of the elbow first to determine your patient's willingness to move the elbow.2. passive next...3. lastly do active resisted elbow extension...YES, it will hurt doing this but it is the pain that the patient reviews that will give you the answer...If the patient reviews constant pain when doing this is is probably tendonitis, now as the patient releases the triceps and comes out of contraction the patients pain will increase as the bursa "wobbles" back into place...  If there is a spike of pain when the patient releases elbow extension then you have your answer..Tendonitis - constant pain with resisted testing.Bursitis - pain is fairly constant BUT there'll be a pain spike when resisted contraction is released...Hope this helps...I use this in my clinic all the time..   ;DRegards,Krystyne

 

[Pompal 09.]

Bursitis vs. Tendinitis

What exactly is the active free testing of the elbow? just have them extend and release the elbow on their own? is there a certain position it should be held in?Thanks

 

[Rajendra M]

Bursitis vs. Tendinitis

Hi there,Active Free motion of the elbow is have them perform flexion, extension, pronation and supination all on their own.Test active resisted extension of the elbow in a neutral position. Therapist resistance should be above and below the elbow joint. ;D-Krystyne

 

[Ashleigh P]

the following was suggested as well:

Whitney Lowe's Functional Assessment in Massage Therapy from http://www.omeri.com

 

[bender_xr217]

Bursitis, Tendonitis, Arthritis & Trigger Points

One more thought. Often, trigger points in the muscles can refer pain to the joints and mimick bursitis, tendonitis and arthritis. A great book is the "The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook" second edition, by Clair Davies. Whenever a client reviews any of the above conditions, I reference the book to see which muscles might be the cause. I'm amazed by how often massage relieves the pain. Here's a link to more information: http://www.triggerpointbook.com/tendinit.htm