Are you struggling with painful joints and reduced mobility? Have you been diagnosed with bursitis?
We rely heavily on our joints and if there is an issue causing discomfort or stiffness, it can significantly affect our day-to-day life. Problems can develop due to injuries, wear and tear, mechanics, and medical conditions. An underlying factor that may be involved in your discomfort relates to the fluid-filled sac in your joint called a bursa. This sac acts as a cushion between your bones and tendons. Sometimes, the bursa can become inflamed, which is known as bursitis, and may occur for several reasons and cause a range of symptoms.
If you are struggling with bursitis, you are no doubt keen to find a treatment for it. One option that may provide relief is dry needling. Find out more about dry needling and if it may be suitable for you.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling involves fine, single-use needles to pinpoint specific myofascial trigger points that are related to an area that is causing you discomfort. When a needle is inserted, it stimulates muscle contractions or twitching. The goal of this is to encourage better oxygen and blood flow to an affected area. It also works to promote the release of endorphins, eliminate acidic by-products, ease oversensitivity in nerves, and reduce tension.
This form of treatment should be performed by an experienced and qualified therapist who has the correct resources and equipment. Our physiotherapists may offer dry needling as part of your personalised care plan if they determine it may be of benefit.
What Causes Bursitis?
The bursas in our joints play an important role in maintaining our comfort and functionality every day. They reduce friction and absorb the shock our bodies are frequently subjected to. Unfortunately, there is a variety of reasons why your bursa may become inflamed, causing you pain, reduced range of motion, and stiffness. This can impact routine tasks such as walking, lifting, and twisting, and can negatively affect many areas of your life such as work, sleep, and social events.
Some reasons why bursitis may occur include:
- An injury, such as a fall or sporting accident, that involves direct trauma or impact to the joint. This action can damage the bursa and create an inflammatory response.
- Repetitive movements and overuse, such as continuously reaching overhead or prolonged periods of pressure on a specific area, can irritate, inflame, or strain the bursa.
- Bacterial infections can cause a bursitis known as septic bursitis. If bacteria enter the bursa due to an injury or a compromised immune system, it can cause inflammation and pain.
- Age-related changes, such as reduced synovial fluid within the bursa sac, may make the joints more susceptible to shock and stress, increasing the risk of bursitis developing.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that involves inflammation in the joints, which may affect the bursa and in turn, cause inflammation of the bursa.
- Gout, a form of arthritis, involves excess amounts of uric acid crystals. This build-up can also impact the state of the bursa in the joint.
Related Link: What Does Dry Needling Feel Like?
How Can Dry Needling Treat Bursitis?
Dry needling is an increasingly popular approach for managing many conditions, including bursitis, and can help people find relief and better functionality. It may offer an alternative to other treatment options such as steroid injections for some people with bursitis.
Because bursitis involves inflammation, dry needling may be useful because it can work towards releasing tension and tightness in the area. If these factors are impacting the bursa, the effects of dry needling may reduce some of the pressure or imbalances that are contributing to the inflammation. The improved blood flow and oxygen supply may also help to calm down the irritated and inflamed bursa and encourage healing.
Dry needling provides a holistic and natural approach to the management of bursitis, which may help to address symptoms as well as improve the functionality of the joint. This method of treatment is often considered more effective as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for bursitis, such as in combination with lifestyle changes and physical therapy.
Access Skilled Dry Needling in West Ryde
If you have been diagnosed with bursitis or are experiencing pain and stiffness that may be a result of an inflamed or irritated bursa, dry needling may be of use to you.
When you visit one of our friendly and experienced physiotherapists, they will provide a thorough assessment and determine the underlying factors that may be impacting your discomfort. If dry needling is an option, they will discuss what is involved with you and develop an appropriate and customised treatment plan.
Please contact our team to organise your initial consultation and find out if dry needling may help your bursitis!
