Bursitis makes your joints hurt a lot and for a long time, which makes it hard to move around every day. It usually gets worse at the knee, elbow, shoulder, or hip. Most individuals start with rest and medicines, but some opt for natural ways to feel better when the pain doesn’t go away. That’s when acupuncture for bursitis comes into play.

This guide explains how acupuncture works, what the research says about it, and whether or not you should try it if you have persistent joint pain.

What does bursitis mean?

When the little, fluid-filled sacs (called bursae) that protect your joints get inflamed, you get bursitis. These sacs make it easier for bones, muscles, and tendons to move around. But when they get irritated or used too much, they swell, which hurts, makes them stiff, and occasionally makes them red.

Some common causes are:

Doing the same thing over and over (like lifting or kneeling)
Injury or trauma that happens all of a sudden
Conditions like arthritis or gout that are underlying

What is the usual way to treat bursitis?

The usual treatment for mild instances is:

Ice and rest
NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Stretching and physical treatment that aren’t too hard
In more serious or recurring occurrences, doctors may suggest corticosteroid injections or, in rare cases, surgery.

But not everyone does well with medication or wants to depend on it for a long time. That’s why more and more individuals are using acupuncture as an extra treatment.

How Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It involves putting small needles into certain parts of the body to:

Make neurones and muscles work harder
Get more blood to the places that are hurt.
Start the release of endorphins, which are your body’s natural painkillers.

From a biological point of view, acupuncture may aid with swelling, blood flow, and relaxing tight muscles around the joint.

What Studies Say About Acupuncture for Bursitis

There isn’t much clinical research on acupuncture for bursitis, but it is growing. A number of short studies and case reports indicate that acupuncture may:

Lower shoulder pain induced by subacromial bursitis
Increase the range of motion in the joint that hurts
Less need for painkillers

Dr. Fiona Lee, a licenced acupuncturist in Melbourne, says, “We see a lot of success treating bursitis with acupuncture, especially in the shoulder and hip.” “Most patients say their pain goes down after just a few sessions.”

More high-quality research are needed, but the evidence we have thus far shows that some people can get real relief.

Acupuncture for Bursitis: What Are the Benefits?

Pain relief without drugs: Perfect for folks who want to stay away from NSAIDs for a long time.
Better ability to move: Loosens up stiff muscles and lets you move more freely.
Less inflammation: Acupuncture can help lessen the levels of pro-inflammatory indicators in the body.
Few side effects: Most people only feel a little sore after a session.

What to Expect During a Session

Acupuncturists usually work on points close to the joint that hurts and the muscles that are connected to it. A session normally lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. You might need one or two sessions a week for a few weeks, depending on your condition.

You can also get exercises or advice on how to stand up straight to help you heal.

Are there any Risks?

Acupuncture is usually safe when done by a trained professional. Side effects are rare, but they can happen.

Soreness or light bruising
Short-term tiredness
Dizziness (in very uncommon circumstances)

People who have bleeding disorders or are on particular blood thinners shouldn’t do it.

Should You Get Acupuncture for Bursitis?

If resting or taking painkillers hasn’t helped your bursitis, you might want to think about acupuncture. It doesn’t hurt and is low-risk. It might assist with both pain and swelling. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist first, especially if your symptoms are getting worse or are really bad. Make an appointment at our Adelaide Acupuncture clinic to find out how we can assist.

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