With caution and planning, you can continue to kickbox when suffering from bursitis. Bursitis is an inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that normally protects the tendons during movement. When you have bursitis, these sacs swell. In the shoulder, this causes them to impinge on the narrow space where the tendons are, making it painful to move your shoulder. Before hitting the ring or a class, check with your doctor for medical clearance.
Avoid Pain
If you're taking a kickboxing class for aerobic exercise, minimize the movement of the affected shoulder. If it hurts, don't move that arm as vigorously or stop moving it at all. The normal treatment for bursitis includes avoiding anything that causes pain, such as pressing upward; taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories; and icing the shoulder. Doing this before and after class can help minimize any potential for your shoulder to trouble you during your workout. If you're working out in preparation for a match, lead with the unaffected shoulder.
Use Your Body
Kickboxing is a vigorous sport that uses your entire body. To get a good workout even when suffering form bursitis, use the recovery time to focus on your form. Rather than engaging just your arm and shoulder muscles to perform punches and crosses, see how much power you can generate leading from your hip and using your body and legs to power the move. This reduces the stress on your shoulder without minimizing the vigor of your workout.
Use Your Legs
To avoid irritating an already inflamed shoulder joint, rest your shoulder and focus your training or workout on your kicking technique. Basic kicks can be effective in disabling your opponent, and roundhouse kicks require careful planning and execution to avoid injury. Hold your hands in a defensive position to avoid exacerbating your bursitis and work with your trainer or teacher on leg work exclusively.
Considerations
Most cases of bursitis subside with rest, ice and over-the-counter medication. But if you have acute, sudden pain, you may have a more serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. If the pain in your shoulder doesn't go away in a week or so, seek medical advice for more aggressive treatment.
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