X Online Chat
close window
 
 

Bursitis

Dr. Howard Liss treats disorders that cause pain and disability by providing consultative services and soft tissue and joint injections when needed. When medically appropriate, he makes specific referrals for diagnostic testing (lab work, imaging, electrodiagnosis), physical and occupational therapy, interventional procedures (epidurals and facet joint injections), and surgery.

When the bursa (fluid-filled sac that provides cushion for bones as muscles and tendons move over them) becomes inflamed, individuals can experience a condition called bursitis. Bursitis occurs when a joint is overused and stressed, such as repetitively reaching overhead or in athletes that train using the same motions. In turn, bursitis may be a result of an sports injury. In both cases, the symptoms of bursitis consist of pain and swelling of the joint as well as impaired range of motion.

Treatment and Rehabilitation of Bursitis

For individuals experiencing what they assume to be bursitis, there are a few things to know while waiting to see a doctor. First, early treatment can begin at home by avoiding the movement or activity that causes pain and aggravation. This is referred to as “active rest.” In addition, applying ice (not heat) for the first 2-3 days following the injury or onset of symptoms is a tried and true method that reduces pain by reducing inflammation. Generally speaking, it’s best to apply ice 2-3 times each day for 20 minutes.

As the ideal health professional for treatment and rehabilitation for bursitis, physiatrists are well-positioned to identify and propose therapy based on the individual. When it comes to bursitis, physiatrists realize that in most non-traumatic cases, it is related to a patient’s biomechanics. This means that the onset of symptoms are tied to how the person moves, and any subtle change in movement can cause injury.

Under the direction of a physiatrist, the following types of treatments and rehabilitation for bursitis may be advised:

  • Acupuncture, dry needling
  • Electrotherapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation
  • Closed chain kinetic exercises (closely mimic daily activities)
  • Balance enhancement exercises
  • Agility training
  • Soft tissue massage
  • Bracing, taping, or strapping
  • Neurodynamics (consideration of neural tension and neural response)
  • TENS machine
  • Stretching and strength exercises

At the Howard Liss, M.D. Rehabilitation Institute in Tenafly, patients can rely on Dr. Liss to put together the right treatment, therapy and rehabilitation plan to ensure the most optimal outcome. Dr. Liss works closely with other specialists required to rehabilitate patients suffering from chronic pain or serious injuries, and Dr. Liss will refer patients as needed to ensure appropriate treatment. With extensive education and exposure to a variety of conditions that affect the cervical and lumbar spine, bones, nerves, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, brain, and spinal cord, Dr. Liss is uniquely positioned to help patients manage their pain and maximize their functioning.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Liss, contact the Howard Liss, M.D. Rehabilitation Institute today.

 
 

Rehabilitation Institute

111 Dean Drive Suite 1
Tenafly, NJ, 07670
Fax: (201) 871-2214

Call Us: (201) 390-9200