Bursitis Physio Sydney

Our bursitis physio in Sydney encompass a full cycle of care, from comprehensive assessment and hands-on techniques like manual therapy, soft-tissue release, and dry needling, through targeted joint mobilisation and personalised exercise prescription, to education on activity modification and prevention strategies, delivered by our specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapists to restore function and prevent recurrence in every joint.

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Book a Physio for Bursitis

Our bursitis physio in Sydney is delivered by our expert team of clinicians—led by Jan Sargood (APA Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist), Kam Bhabra (former physiotherapist to Arsenal FC and PGA Tour athletes), and Karen Westcott (Principal Physiotherapist), supported by Niamh Davies (Physiotherapist) and Paul Raptis (Exercise Physiologist).

With decades of combined experience treating bursitis across all joints, our physiotherapists understand how to achieve lasting relief. Our goal is to reduce pain and inflammation, improve joint mobility, rebuild strength in supporting muscles, and restore your confidence.

Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing chronic bursitis, or getting back to sport, our tailored programs combine expert hands-on care with structured exercises to help you move confidently again.

You’ll find us at:

Opening Hours

  • Mon – Tue: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Wed: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Thu: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Fri: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sat: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Sun: Closed
Niamh, a knee physio in Sydney, demonstrating knee extensions, one of the best physio exercises for knee pain

How Does a Physio Help With Bursitis?

Through a combination of pain management techniques, targeted strengthening, and movement retraining, we help you achieve lasting recovery. Our goal is not only to relieve your current symptoms but also to equip you with the knowledge and tools to prevent recurrence.

Shoulder Bursitis (Subacromial/Subdeltoid)

  • Symptoms: Pain when lifting the arm, reaching overhead or rotating the shoulder; aching at rest and nighttime discomfort.
  • Common Causes: Repetitive overhead activities like painting, throwing or lifting; poor scapular control; rotator cuff weakness.
  • Physio Approach: Comprehensive rotator cuff and scapular stabilisation program; soft-tissue release to relieve tightness; manual joint mobilisation; posture correction.
  • Expected Recovery Timeline: Initial pain relief within 1–2 sessions, with 80% functional improvement by 4–6 weeks.
  • Home Management Tips: Ice pack application after activities, gentle pendulum exercises, ergonomic workstation adjustments, and activity modification guidance.

Elbow Bursitis (Olecranon)

  • Symptoms: Swelling, redness and soreness at the tip of the elbow; pain on leaning or bending; stiffness after periods of immobility.
  • Common Causes: Prolonged leaning on hard surfaces; repetitive bending such as typing, lifting or playing racket sports.
  • Physio Approach: Soft-tissue massage and cross-fibre friction to reduce scar tissue; padding and offloading advice; targeted triceps stretching and strengthening; gentle mobilisation to restore full range.
  • Expected Recovery Timeline: Noticeable reduction in swelling within 1–2 weeks; full symptom resolution often achieved within 6–8 weeks.
  • Home Management Tips: Use elbow pads during activities, perform gentle triceps stretches, avoid prolonged leaning, and apply compression as needed.

Hip Bursitis (Trochanteric)

  • Symptoms: Outer hip pain when walking, climbing stairs or lying on the affected side; tenderness when pressing the lateral hip.
  • Common Causes: Weak hip abductors, uneven gait patterns, prolonged walking on hard surfaces, leg length discrepancy.
  • Physio Approach: Progressive hip abductor and gluteal strengthening; gait analysis and correction; foam-rolling and stretching of iliotibial band; manual therapy to release lateral hip structures.
  • Expected Recovery Timeline: Clients often feel improved comfort within 2–3 weeks; full activity return by 8–10 weeks with adherence to program.
  • Home Management Tips: Sleep with pillow between knees to reduce pressure; avoid crossing legs; incorporate hip stretches and self-massage techniques.

Knee Bursitis (Prepatellar, Infrapatellar & Pes Anserine)

  • Symptoms: Swelling over the kneecap (“housemaid’s knee”), pain below the kneecap, inner knee ache when climbing or kneeling.
  • Common Causes: Excessive kneeling, running on hard surfaces, muscle imbalances between quadriceps, hamstrings and calf.
  • Physio Approach: Biomechanical assessment; quadriceps and hamstring strengthening; bracing or patellar taping advice; dry needling for trigger points; neuromuscular re-education.
  • Expected Recovery Timeline: Acute pain often subsides in 1–3 sessions; gradual return to kneeling and running by 6–8 weeks.
  • Home Management Tips: Use knee pads or soft surface when kneeling; ice after activity; gentle range-of-motion exercises; gradual load increase under guidance.

Ankle Bursitis (Retrocalcaneal)

  • Symptoms: Pain and swelling at the back of the heel, aggravated by walking or tight footwear; stiffness in the morning.
  • Common Causes: Poor shoe fit, heel elevation, Achilles tendon tightness, repetitive jumping or sprinting.
  • Physio Approach: Calf stretching with manual assistance; Achilles tendon loading exercises; shockwave therapy to stimulate healing; footwear assessment and modification.
  • Expected Recovery Timeline: Symptom reduction within 2–3 weeks; full return to sports by 8–12 weeks with gradual progression.
  • Home Management Tips: Wear supportive shoes with heel cushioning; perform daily calf stretches; apply ice post-exercise; avoid high heels.

Foot Bursitis (Bunion)

  • Symptoms: Painful lump at the base of the big toe, redness, stiffness and reduced toe mobility; discomfort in narrow shoes.
  • Common Causes: Ill-fitting footwear, toe misalignment (hallux valgus), prolonged standing and walking on uneven surfaces.
  • Physio Approach: Toe mobilisation and joint gliding; intrinsic foot muscle strengthening; taping for alignment; gait retraining; advice on shoe selection.
  • Expected Recovery Timeline: Noticeable reduction in discomfort within 3–4 weeks; improved toe alignment support over 8–12 weeks.
  • Home Management Tips: Use bunion pads; choose wide-toe box shoes; perform toe separators and foot rolling exercises; limit high-impact activities initially.

Ischial Bursitis (Weaver’s Bottom)

  • Symptoms: Pain in the buttock when sitting, especially on hard surfaces; referred pain down the back of the thigh in some cases.
  • Common Causes: Prolonged sitting (e.g., cycling, driving), weak gluteal and core muscles, poor posture.
  • Physio Approach: Glute activation and core stability exercises; ergonomic seating assessment; manual trigger point release; pelvic stabilisation drills.
  • Expected Recovery Timeline: Pain reduction often within 1 week; return to comfortable sitting and cycling by 4–6 weeks.
  • Home Management Tips: Use cushioned seating; take regular standing breaks; perform glute stretches and foam-rolling; maintain neutral spine alignment.

Bursitis Physio Appointment Pricing

Initial Consultation: $160

Review Assessment and Consultation: $155

Standard Consultation: $125

Please note: A cancellation fee of $83 applies for cancellations within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment. Private health rebate applicable.

Ongoing Rehab & Exercise Classes for Bursitis

In addition to one-on-one physiotherapy, Lilyfield Physio offers group rehab and exercise classes designed to support your long-term health. These classes focus on building strength, improving mobility, correcting movement patterns, and maintaining joint resilience.

With a wide range of class types and convenient times, there’s plenty of opportunity to continue progressing safely under expert guidance.

Ready to Say Goodbye to Bursitis Pain?

If inflamed bursae are holding you back, our experienced team is here to help. Through personalised, evidence-based treatment, we target inflammation, rebuild strength and stability, and support your return to the activities you love. Book your bursitis physio appointment online today and take the first step toward lasting recovery.

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Jan providing knee physio in Inner West Sydney for a female patient with knee bursitis

Our Approach to Bursitis

  1. Comprehensive Assessment: Detailed history, movement analysis and palpation
  2. Manual Therapy: Soft-tissue release, joint mobilisation and lymphatic drainage
  3. Dry Needling & Modalities: Precise dry needling to reduce inflammation, enhance circulation, and support tissue repair
  4. Exercise Prescription: Strength, flexibility and proprioception tailored to your condition
  5. Education & Advice: Activity modification, load management and ergonomic recommendations
  6. Progress Review: Regular check‑ins to adjust treatment and ensure optimal recovery

What Causes Bursitis?

Understanding what triggers bursitis can help you prevent flare-ups:

  • Repetitive or Sustained Pressure (e.g. overhead lifting, prolonged kneeling)
  • Muscle Weakness or Imbalance that shifts load onto bursae
  • Joint Misalignment or Limb-Length Differences causing uneven strain
  • Poor Posture or Ergonomics at your desk or workstation
  • Age-Related Wear that reduces bursae resilience
  • Additional Factors: inflammatory conditions, past joint injury or surgery, excess body weight, smoking

Prevention Tips to Reduce Recurrence

  • Warm up effectively before exercise
  • Strengthen muscles around vulnerable joints
  • Use protective padding or ergonomic supports
  • Maintain healthy body weight to reduce joint load
  • Monitor workload and rest adequately between sessions
Soccer player holding his knee after inflaming his knee bursa

Meet Our Bursitis Physios

Lilyfield Physiotherapy is proud to offer some of Australia’s most experienced and highly qualified bursitis physiotherapists, committed to helping you move better, faster.

FAQs

What is bursitis?

Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursae; tiny, fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons and muscles around your joints. When bursae become irritated, they swell and cause sharp or aching pain, stiffness, and swelling that worsen with movement or pressure.

Do I need physio for bursitis?

Yes. Physiotherapy addresses the root causes—correcting movement patterns, relieving pressure on the bursae and building strength—to safely reduce pain and prevent future flare-ups.

How many physio sessions will I need?

Most clients notice significant relief after 2–4 sessions. The exact number depends on how severe your bursitis is, your personal recovery goals and your commitment to the prescribed home exercises.

Can physiotherapy cure bursitis?

While physios can’t remove the bursa itself, our treatments effectively resolve inflammation, restore proper joint mechanics and greatly lower the chance of bursitis returning.

When should I see a physio for bursitis?

If you have ongoing joint pain, swelling or stiffness that’s affecting your daily life or sleep, it’s best to book an assessment promptly to avoid longer-term stiffness and weakness.

Can I claim a rebate for my treatment?

If you have private health cover and subscribe to the “extras” cover, you may be eligible to claim part of your treatment fee. There are many different schemes and you are best advised to check your level of cover with your insurer.  Most health funds are online with HICAPS, which allows you to claim your health fund rebate immediately at our clinic, leaving only the gap for you to pay. You will need to bring your health fund card with you. 

Is physio covered by Medicare?

Yes, in some cases. Medicare now offers chronic disease management referred to as Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plans, for people with chronic conditions. This allows for a Medicare rebate, for up to 5 physio or exercise physiology treatments a year. You must be referred by your GP and you need to bring your Medicare card with you.  If you have any queries regarding this service, please don’t hesitate to speak with our staff or discuss your eligibility with your GP.

What happens at my first treatment?

Following a comprehensive assessment, including functional testing and physical examination, we shall establish a preliminary diagnosis and discuss your treatment options and expected outcomes with you.

Treatment may involve different options for relieving pain, restoring function, flexibility and strength.

You will learn techniques to use at home to manage your problem, which may include preventative measures and exercise.

During your consultation, please feel free to ask ass any questions as you wish. A good understanding of your condition is important for your recovery. This includes your likely recovery time, number of sessions required and future exercise advice.

We may liaise with others involved in your care., If applicable, we shall also refer you onto other health professionals to play a role in your recovery.

What to bring to your first appointment?

You are welcome to wear whatever you are most comfortable in. For Exercise sessions and classes, please wear exercise clothes and a pair of socks, making sure you able to move freely 

Please bring along any doctor’s referral letters, scan or x-ray results and your private health insurance card so you can claim for your treatment on the spot. 

What should I expect at my first appointment?

Your Physiotherapist will complete a thorough assessment of your complaint and then provide you with a preliminary diagnosis and appropriate treatments based on their findings. This will generally consist of some hands-on treatment, advice and often you will receive some exercises to do at home. Your Physiotherapist will also discuss with you their plan for management which will include likely recovery time, number of sessions required and future exercise advice. 

What payment methods do we accept?

We accept cash, EFTPOS, VISA and MasterCard. If you bring your private health insurance card with you, we can process an on-the-spot claim via our HICAPS terminal and you will then only need to pay the gap fee.

Can a physio refer for an MRI?

Yes. Physiotherapists can refer patients directly for MRI scans, provided they have completed the appropriate training and accreditation. Your physiotherapist will determine if an MRI is necessary based on your assessment and condition.

Can a physio give a medical certificate?

Yes. Physiotherapists can provide medical certificates (sick notes) for issues related to musculoskeletal or physical health concerns. These certificates can cover time off work, recommendations for modified duties, or clearance for returning to regular activities.

CTP Insurance information

We accept referrals for Compulsory Third-Party Insurance claims. Once you have seen your GP and received a claim number, we are able to send any invoices directly to the insurer. If you need to start treatment before you have a claim number, we shall ask you to cover the cost of the treatment and claim from the insurer later. 

What is our cancellation or missed appointment policy?

You can cancel and re-schedule by calling our rooms on 9810 2203. For after hours, we have an answering machine service for you to leave a message. Our receptionist will contact you shortly after it is received to confirm cancellation or to help you re-schedule.

We request that if you are unable to make a consultation or class that you let us know at least 24 hours prior to your appointment so that someone else can use your treatment time.

We have a cancellation fee policy for late cancellations or missed appointments.

What is our privacy policy?

This practice takes great care to ensure that our information records are accurate and are treated with full regard to the privacy of our patients. We only collect information from our patients that is necessary for good health care and aim to ensure that any information we hold is accurate, complete and up-to-date.

The health information we hold helps us provide our patients with the best possible health care, and is disclosed only to others involved in your treatment, such as your doctor. If we need to disclose information about you to people other than those associated with your treatment, we will seek your permission first.

Occasionally we may be involved in research on health issues. If any data from this practice is used in research, it will not include information which identifies our patients.

This practice is bound by the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000, and operates in accordance with the Code of Conduct of the Australian Physiotherapy Association. If you would like to discuss any aspects of our privacy policy, or review your health records, please advise your treating Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist.

Find Us

780 Darling Street, Rozelle NSW 2039

Mon6:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Tue7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wed7:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Thu7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Fri7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sat7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
SunClosed

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Contact Information

  • (02) 9810 2203
  • info@lilyfieldphysio.com.au

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