If you've ever dealt with bursitis, you know how much of a pain it can be — literally. Not only can this condition be pretty uncomfortable, but it can also stop you from doing some of the activities that you enjoy the most. Let’s look at bursitis, its common symptoms and causes, and, most importantly, how to manage it without the use of medication.
Let’s start by better understanding bursitis. Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that act as cushions between bones and soft tissues like muscles, tendons, and skin. They help reduce friction and allow for smooth, pain-free joint movement. When they become inflamed, however, they can cause significant discomfort and limit your ability to move the affected area. Bursitis is most common in the elbows, also called tennis elbow, the hips, and the shoulders. It can also appear in the knees.
How do you know if you might have bursitis? Here are some common symptoms to watch for:
Bursitis can be triggered by a variety of factors. Some of the most common causes include:
Some of the most common treatments include RICE: rest, ice, compression (to reduce swelling), and elevation. This is a good place to start before you see a chiropractor or another doctor for treatment. Medication can also be prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain. However, many people try to avoid the use of medicines, especially for long-term use.
Chiropractic care is effective in relieving inflammation and restoring range of motion for many patients. Rest will also be involved to allow the bursae to return to normal. At Village Chiropractic, we offer a range of treatments designed to alleviate pain and promote healing in the best way possible for each of our patients. A treatment plan is created for each patient based on their pain and where the pain is located. Several types of treatment may be included to get the best results as quickly as possible.
Cold laser therapy is one of our go-to treatments for bursitis. This innovative therapy uses low-level lasers to penetrate the skin and target the inflamed bursae. The laser light stimulates cellular activity, which reduces inflammation and promotes tissue repair. One of the best parts? It's a painless procedure that can significantly reduce your bursitis symptoms without any downtime.
Myofascial Acoustic Compression Therapy, or MyACT, is another treatment we use for bursitis. MyACT uses focused acoustic waves to target specific areas of myofascial tissue surrounding the inflamed bursa. This therapy is especially effective at releasing tension and improving blood circulation in the affected area. This reduces pain and inflammation in the bursa. It's a powerful tool in our arsenal for treating bursitis and helping our patients get back to their normal activities.
As inflammation is reduced, it’s also important to return your range of motion in the joints. A spinal adjustment realigns the spine and joints to help your body move as it should. Typically patients require a few adjustments to get the spine to realign and stay there. Talk to the chiropractor about how many are recommended and if it’s right for you based on where the bursitis is located. Each one takes only a few minutes.
If bursitis is affecting your knees, knee traction might be used. Knee traction involves gently stretching the knee joint to reduce pressure on the bursae and improve joint mobility. This treatment helps to alleviate pain by enhancing blood flow to the affected area, promoting faster healing, and reducing inflammation. It's a simple yet effective way to get relief from bursitis pain and regain your mobility.
You might be wondering why chiropractic care is a good choice for treating bursitis. Here are a few reasons why we think it's a great option:
Bursitis isn’t fun, but with the right treatment, you can manage the pain and get back to your normal activities. At Village Chiropractic, we’re committed to helping you find relief with treatments like cold laser therapy, knee traction, and spinal adjustments. Our goal is to provide personalized, non-invasive care that supports your body’s natural healing processes.
If you’re struggling with bursitis or other joint pain, schedule an appointment with us today at our office in The Woodlands, and start your journey to pain-free living.