Treatment of bursitis begins with avoidance of the aggravating activity. If the injury was traumatic (eg a fall), avoidance is easy.
Non-traumatic onset bursitis is commonly related to “how you move” or your biomechanics. In these cases, you should be assessed by a health professional who understands how subtle changes in how you move can cause injury. Experienced physiotherapists are the ideal health professional for discovering “what” has caused your bursitis, “how” to fix it, and “what” you need to do to stop it occurring again. 

Immediate Bursitis Treatment
Ice

Until you seek the advice of your doctor of physiotherapist, we recommend that you apply ice to the area to decrease bursa inflammation. We generally recommend that you apply a large ice pack on the affected area for 20 to 30 minutes. You should repeat the ice application 2 to 3 times a day until your physiotherapist advises you to cease.

Physiotherapy
Bursitis symptoms can have other causes as well. If you suspect bursitis, be sure to consult your physiotherapist. It is not uncommon that many people with bursitis also have other conditions, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, which can make it hard to diagnose. You can also have torn tendons or ligaments that are causing the bursa to become irritated.

After assessing your biomechanics, your physiotherapist may also recommend specific exercises (stretches or strengthening) to improve your pain and ability to move, plus prevent a recurrence.

Untreated bursitis can result in calcification (bone growing) within the bursa and even nastier pain and disability.