Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursae, the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints. This condition can be caused by an injury, repetitive use of the joint, arthritis, or infection. The most common joints affected are the elbows, knees, hips, and shoulders. There are a number of prescription medicines on the market to relieve the pain and reduce the swelling, but with more people turning to unconventional medicine and treatment, there are alternative treatments available for bursitis pain.
Acupuncture Treatment for Bursitis
Acupuncture has been used by the Chinese for years to relieve pain, and can also be used to restore the function of the joint and eliminate joint pains for bursitis sufferers.
An acupuncturist will take a complete history to look beyond the bursitis symptoms and understand the overall health of an individual. Tiny needles are inserted at certain points of the body. These needles disperse energy and bring it back to the normal level. These points are stimulated by the needles and electrical current, as well as pressure, heat, and cold.
Chinese herbs may be used in combination with the acupuncture for joint therapy treatment.
Chiropractic Treatment for Bursitis
Chiropractic medicine has shown promising results for hip treatment and other joints affected by bursitis. By performing adjustments or manipulations with the hands, a chiropractor directs treatment to the injured joint as well as the whole body. This treatment unlocks the nerve interference that might be caused by misaligned vertebrae.
The goals of chiropractic treatment are to restore proper posture and movement and reduce inflammation.
Osteopaths, naturopathic physicians, physical therapists, and massage therapists may also be able to apply these techniques.
Bodywork Treatment for Bursitis
Bodywork is a Swedish massage treatment using rhythmic, flowing strokes directed toward the heart. There are several different forms of bodywork that are useful to treat the chronic joint pain of bursitis sufferers. These therapies are no a cure to the condition, but they have been shown to ease the pain.
* Applied kinesiology focuses on the muscles to correct imbalances in the body's energy system.
* The Feldenkrais Method uses specific movements to retrain the body to function.
* Reflexology applies pressure to certain reflex points on the feet and hands to help the body heal itself.
* Rolfing involves manipulation of the muscles and connective tissue to help realign the body within the field of gravity.
It is important that you seek a trained practitioner to perform these or any other therapies to ensure that you will receive the proper treatment for your chronic joint pain.
Other Therapies
A few other therapies that may be useful in treating bursitis include herbal medicine, osteopathy, and nutritional therapy.
* Herbal treatments such as arnica oil, turmeric, comfrey, and willow may be helpful.
* Osteopathy treatment involves aligning the spine, mobilizing the joints, and correcting the posture to help blood flow freely.
* Nutritional therapy tells us that a poor, vitamin-deficient diet may predispose individuals to bursitis. An increase in vitamins C and A, in addition to other natural supplements, can help restore nutrients lost due to a poor dietary intake.
If you don't want to expose your body to chemicals in some prescription medicines, you may want to consider some of the alternative treatments for pain in joints.
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