7 Ways to Treat Bursitis at Home
What is Bursitis?
It is exactly what it sounds like “itis” means inflammation. Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae. This can be due to limited mobility or over use.
When the muscles become too shortened and the joint becomes overly compressed our bursae have too much pressure applied to them and they inflame. It’s important to reduce the severity of your bursitis symptoms with gently therapies like ice and rest. Once you are in less pain, we need to work on increasing mobility/flexibility of the affected joint.
For example, when we have clients with hip bursitis. If they are cleared for physical therapy and soft tissue therapies, we would perform myofascial release and stretching techniques on the muscles that are causing the bursa to inflame. We do this to reduce the amount of compression the bursa is experiencing. In some cases the client may need the iliospoas treated, glute medius or TFL/IT Band etc. Lengthening the appropriate tissues and improving flexibility reduces pressure and allows the bursa to return to a normal (non-inflamed) state. In most cases this relieves the client of the pain they’re experiencing.
Here are a few of our favorite home remedies that can help to treat bursitis:
- Rest the affected joint: Resting the joint that is affected by bursitis can help to relieve pain and prevent further damage.
- Apply ice: Applying ice to the affected joint can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Apply ice for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
- Use a compression bandage: Applying a compression bandage to the affected joint can help to reduce swelling and provide support.
- Elevate the affected joint: Elevating the affected joint can help to reduce swelling and improve circulation.
- Stretch and strengthen the affected area: Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help to improve joint mobility and reduce pain. Consult a physical therapist for appropriate exercises.
- Avoid activities that exacerbate symptoms: Avoiding activities that aggravate bursitis can help to prevent further damage and promote healing.
If home remedies do not relieve symptoms, it is important to seek professional guidance to help resolve the issue.
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