Chiropractic Treatment for Bursitis

Physical therapy for bursitis is very helpful to eliminate such inflammations occurring in an individual’s body.

Can Chiropractic help bursitis? 

Bursitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near the joints. It typically affects the shoulder, elbow, hip, or knee and can make it difficult to perform everyday activities. While chiropractic care is not a cure for bursitis, it can help reduce pain, and inflammation, and improve mobility. Here are some steps that chiropractors take to treat bursitis:

Conduct a thorough examination

Before any treatment, a chiropractor will perform a comprehensive examination to determine the root cause of bursitis. This may involve physical tests to assess a range of motion, strength, and flexibility, as well as imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs. By identifying the underlying cause, the chiropractor can develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to the individual’s needs.

Use manual therapy

Chiropractors use a variety of manual therapy techniques to help relieve pain and improve joint function. These may include:

• Joint mobilization: Gentle, repetitive movements to loosen up stiff joints and improve range of motion.
• Soft tissue therapy: Massage, myofascial release, or trigger point therapy to relieve muscle tension and reduce inflammation around the affected joint.
• Spinal manipulation: Gentle, controlled thrusts to the spine to restore proper alignment and reduce nerve irritation. While spinal manipulation is not a direct treatment for bursitis, it can help improve overall joint function and alleviate referred pain.

Prescribe therapeutic exercises

In addition to manual therapy, chiropractors may prescribe exercises to help strengthen the affected joint and improve flexibility. These exercises may include stretches, resistance training, and balance and coordination exercises. The goal is to improve joint function and prevent further injury to the affected area.

Provide lifestyle advice

Chiropractors may also provide lifestyle advice to help patients manage their bursitis symptoms. This may include:

• Ice or heat therapy: Applying ice or heat to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
• Rest and activity modification: Resting the affected joint and avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain can help reduce symptoms. However, too much rest can also weaken the joint and delay healing, so chiropractors may recommend light exercise or physical therapy to keep the joint active.
• Ergonomic modifications: Chiropractors may suggest modifications to the patient’s workplace or home environment to reduce stress on the affected joint. For example, using a cushioned chair or standing desk can help alleviate hip bursitis.

Collaborate with other healthcare providers

Chiropractors may also collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care for the patient. This may include referring the patient to a physical therapist or orthopedic specialist for further evaluation or treatment.

In conclusion, chiropractic care can be an effective treatment option for bursitis, helping to reduce pain, and inflammation, and improve joint function. By using a combination of manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and lifestyle advice, chiropractors can develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the underlying cause of bursitis and promotes long-term healing. If you are suffering from bursitis, consider consulting a chiropractor to explore your treatment options.