Maven Sports Medicine effectively combines our high standard of orthopedic rehabilitation practice with our clear understanding of elite fitness and sports performance. Maven’s Doctors of Physical Therapy have decades of combined practice experience in orthopedic rehabilitation, sports strength/conditioning, fitness, and athletic training. Our dedication to providing excellent evidence-based care to all our active and athletic patients remains consistent.

Bursitis refers to inflammation that may occur at any of the bursae (fluid-filled) located near tendon-bone interfaces. The function of the bursa is primarily to reduce friction of the tendon during movement. Injury or irritation to the bursa results in localized pain and tenderness to palpation, swelling, and/or redness. With regards to the knee, there are three bursae-

Prepatellar- The prepatellar region refers to the outer surface of the patella; symptoms typically occur on the outer surface with people who are often on their knees.

Infrapatellar-This bursa is located below the patella and behind the patellar tendon.

Pes anserine- The pes anserine bursa is located behind the triad complex on the medial knee; as with pes anserine tendonitis, this typically occurs with breastroke swimmers.


Physical Therapy Intervention- Bursitis is often treated by using passive modalities (phonophoresis, iontophoresis), but an emphasis on activity modification and an examination of joint mechanics during activity is addressed while the bursa heals. Physicians may prescribe an oral anti-inflammatory or administer a cortisone injection if physical therapy does not benefit the patient’s symptoms.