Hip Bursitis Case Study
Bursitis refers to the inflammation of a bursa. A bursa is a fluid filled sac that prevents friction between bony surfaces and soft tissues in the body, especially in or around joints. When one of these bursae is inflamed, it becomes swollen and painful.
The inflammation of a bursa may occur as a result of excessive movement or pressure on the bursa, direct impact, infection or other diseases that may affect the joint and its environs (eg. arthritis, gout etc).
Basically, anything with the word ‘itis’ at the end means inflammation.
However, it can affect almost any joint in the body, such as the elbow, ankle or shoulder. It is more likely that a person will contract bursitis if they are involved in a job or a hobby that involves repetitive movement or constant pressure on a particular joint or groups of joints, or constant pressure on a particular area (eg playing lots of tennis or golf, or poor posture whilst sitting for long periods of time).
Approximately 60% of cases of hip pain are caused by trochanteric bursitis, the painful inflammation of the bursa that covers the part of the thigh bone (femur) called the greater trochanter. Triggered by an injury or disease, this form of bursitis can affect anyone, but is more common in women and middle aged and the elderley than in men or younger people.
CASE STUDY
A 63 year old woman came in to describing severe hip pain that would not go away. Three steroid shots did not help. Physiotherapy did not help. The pain was on the side of her hip and made walking and sleeping on her side very difficult. This bursitis acupuncture case study describes how she was able to resolve her pain safely and naturally.
The Problem
Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa. The bursa is a sac filled with lubricating fluid, located between bones, muscles and tendons that decreases friction. Bursae act like shock absorbers in the body and are located in specific places. These locations include the hips, knees, shoulders, elbows and heels. When a bursa becomes inflamed it causes pain. Our patient had a bad case of hip bursitis, and the pain was not going away.
The Solution
Acupuncture works wonders for clearing inflammation from the body. It works equally well in cases of bursitis and tendinitis. Tendinitis is inflammation of the tendon, most commonly seen in tennis elbow and Achilles tendinitis. When acupuncture needles are positioned near a bursa or tendon that is inflamed, Qi and blood circulation are increased. This enhanced circulation literally clear the excess heat, reducing inflammation.
And best of all, acupuncture delivers lasting results. So unlike taking aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications, which only work temporarily, acupuncture primes the body to heal itself for much longer term relief.
How do Treatments Work?
The first thing I did to assess our patient was to have her show us where her pain was located. Sure enough, the examination confirmed that her pain was coming from inflammation of the bursa at the level of her hip. Pressing in the location of the Greater Trochanter (which is located on the femur just distal to the hip joint) was tender and painful.
The patient lay down on her back and got in a comfortable position. Then sterile, single-use, hair thin needles were inserted at specific acupuncture points in the body to stimulate the nerves that communicate with the hip area. These points were specific for this patient and were chosen to target the specific location of her pain. Another patient with bursitis may receive different points. Each treatment is custom made to deliver the best results.
After the first treatment, our patient’s pain levels decreased by 30%. By the end of 6 treatments her pain was completely resolved. At a six month follow up call the patient reported that the pain had not returned.
The patient’s experience receiving acupuncture was positive. Treatments were comfortable. While she had been nervous about the needles beforehand, after the first treatment she was reassured that her sessions would be pleasant. In fact, she felt very peaceful and relaxed afterwards.
Next Steps
If you are struggling with bursitis anywhere in your body, come for acupuncture. It will relieve your pain quickly and efficiently, with no side effects and long lasting results. The results described in this bursitis acupuncture case study are typical for Yin Studio patients. Bursitis responds well to acupuncture.
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Doctor of Chinese Medicine,
Registered Acupuncturist AHPRA
Yin Studio:
Founded in 2006 by Cathy Bell, Yin Studio has become a sought-after health and wellness clinic, known for its warm, inviting atmosphere and sincere, compassionate care for its patients.
Cathy Bell provides results-oriented, natural wellness care for people of all ages. Her goal with each patient is a long-term, self-sustained shift in core factors that determine health and wellness. These core factors bridge all levels of being — physical, psychological, even spiritual.
My mission is simple: To support YOUR health and goals, and help you make the most of them. Whether you want to complement your conventional medical treatments with natural support, or go with a 100% natural solution, I do my best to help you achieve the best outcome possible. Treatments are based on getting results as quickly and efficiently as possible. Results matter, and I am proud of a proven history of positive outcomes.
Your body’s natural healing intelligence never forgets how to restore balance and vitality to every cell, tissue, and organ. All you have to do is give it the right support. At Yin Studio you are an active participant in the healing process. You will be educated on the proper way to get your healing system back on track via a targeted, customised treatment plan that will include one or more of the following: acupuncture, nutrition, herbs, lifestyle/mind-body coaching.
YIN STUDIO AUGUST 3, 2020