Bursitis vs Arthritis: What's the Difference & How Physical Therapy Can Help

Is Bursitis a Form of Arthritis?

No, bursitis is not a form of arthritis. While they share some overlapping symptoms, they are two entirely distinct conditions affecting different anatomical structures.

• Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion and reduce friction between bones, muscles, and tendons around joints.
• Arthritis is inflammation that occurs within the joint itself, affecting the cartilage and joint lining.

Think of it this way: bursitis is a problem outside the joint, while arthritis is a problem inside the joint. Both can occur in the elbow, shoulder, hip, and knee, but the sources of pain and the appropriate treatments are quite different.

What Is the Difference Between Bursitis and Arthritis?

Understanding the difference between bursitis and arthritis starts with knowing what each condition affects and how it develops.

Bursitis typically comes on suddenly and is often caused by:

• Repetitive motion (e.g., repeated bending of the elbow)
• Direct trauma or impact to the joint
• Prolonged pressure on the elbow (e.g., leaning on a desk)
• Infection in the bursa sac (septic bursitis)

Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, tends to develop gradually and is caused by:

• Natural wear and tear of cartilage over time (osteoarthritis)
• An autoimmune response that attacks the joint lining (rheumatoid arthritis)
• Previous joint injury or fractures that damage cartilage

One of the most important distinctions: bursitis is typically temporary, it can clear up within weeks with proper care. Arthritis is a chronic condition that tends to worsen over time without ongoing management.

Bursitis vs. Arthritis: Symptom Comparison

Both conditions share some symptoms, which is why so many people ask “is bursitis the same as arthritis?” Here’s a clear breakdown:

Key takeaway: If you notice visible, “squishy” swelling at the tip of your elbow after repetitive activity, bursitis is likely. If your pain is deep inside the joint with stiffness that worsens after inactivity, arthritis may be the cause.

Can You Have Bursitis and Arthritis at the Same Time?

Yes, arthritis and bursitis can occur simultaneously in the same joint. In fact, people with rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk of developing bursitis because the underlying inflammation from the autoimmune condition can spread to the surrounding bursae.

When both conditions are present, symptoms can be more intense and harder to distinguish without a clinical evaluation. Conditions like gout can also trigger bursitis through crystal deposits in the bursa, further complicating the picture.

This is exactly why a professional diagnosis matters. A physical therapist can assess your elbow’s range of motion, pain patterns, and functional limitations to help identify which condition, or combination of conditions, is driving your symptoms.

How Physical Therapy Treats Bursitis vs. Arthritis

Whether you’re dealing with elbow bursitis, arthritis, or both, physical therapy is one of the most effective non-surgical treatment approaches available. Here’s how our team at Physical Therapy of SA approaches each condition:

For Elbow Bursitis:

• Manual Therapy Hands-on techniques to gently mobilize the elbow joint, reduce tension in surrounding tissues, and restore range of motion
• Therapeutic Exercise Targeted strengthening exercises (bicep curls, tricep extensions, wrist curls) to support the joint and prevent re-injury
• Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) Techniques like the Graston Method to treat soft tissue restrictions around the bursa
• Electrical Stimulation (E-Stim) Helps reduce inflammation and manage pain during the acute phase
• Activity Modification Guidance Your therapist will identify which movements aggravate the bursa and provide personalized recommendations to protect the elbow during recovery

For Elbow Arthritis:

• Joint Mobilization Gentle manual techniques to maintain joint space and improve mobility
• Strengthening Protocols Building the muscles around the elbow reduces load on the arthritic joint
• Aquatic Therapy Low-impact movement in water reduces joint stress while building strength and flexibility
• Heat & Cold Modalities Applied strategically to manage stiffness and inflammation
• Ergonomic & Lifestyle Coaching Long-term strategies to protect your joints and slow progression

According to MedStar Health, physical therapy addresses the root cause of joint pain rather than simply masking symptoms, making it a superior long-term solution compared to pain medication alone.

Exercises That Help Both Conditions

Your physical therapist may prescribe some of these exercises depending on your diagnosis and pain level:

1. Assisted Elbow Flexion Bend your elbow to end range, then gently apply overpressure with the opposite hand; hold 20 seconds, repeat 3 times
2. Wrist Curls Forearm resting on a table, slowly curl a light weight upward; strengthens the forearm muscles supporting the elbow
3. Tricep Extensions — Hold a light weight behind your head and slowly straighten the arm; targets the posterior elbow
4. Forearm Pronation/Supination — Rotate the forearm palm-up to palm-down; improves elbow mobility and reduces stiffness
5. Grip Strengthening Squeeze a soft ball for 10–15 reps to rebuild grip strength lost due to pain

Always consult your physical therapist before starting any exercise program. Performing the wrong exercises at the wrong time can aggravate both bursitis and arthritis.

When Should You See a Physical Therapist for Elbow Pain?

Don’t wait to seek care if you experience any of the following:

• Elbow pain lasting more than 2–3 weeks with no improvement
• Visible swelling or a “golf ball” lump at the back of the elbow
• Redness, warmth, or fever around the joint (may indicate infection)
• Reduced grip strength or difficulty lifting objects
• Pain that disrupts your sleep, work, or daily activities

Early physical therapy intervention can reduce recovery time, eliminate the need for corticosteroid injections, and help you avoid surgery entirely. The American Physical Therapy Association recommends physical therapy as a first-line treatment for musculoskeletal conditions like bursitis and arthritis.

Ready to Get Rid of Your Elbow Pain for Good?

Whether your elbow pain is from bursitis, arthritis, or something else entirely, our experienced physical therapists at Physical Therapy of SA are here to help. We’ll evaluate your condition, create a personalized treatment plan, and get you back to doing what you love, pain-free.

👉 Book Your Free Consultation Today No referral needed.