Bursitis Acupuncture Case Study

A 63 year old woman came to our office describing severe hip pain that would not go away. Three steroid shots did not help. Physical therapy 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 we helps 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.

Bursitis Acupuncture Case Study

The first thing we 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.

We had the patient lie down on her good side and get in a comfortable position. Then 4 sterile, single-use, hair thin needles were inserted at specific acupuncture points in the area of the bursa. These points were specific for this patient and we were guided by the specific location of her pain. Another patient with bursitis may receive different points. Each treatment is custom made to deliver the best results.

Electric acupuncture was used on the points. This was done by attaching small clips to the needles once they were inserted, and passing a gentle electric current down the needle. Electric acupuncture has been used for the last seventy years to enhance the effectiveness of certain acupuncture treatments. It is safe, with no side effects. It is similar to a TENS unit used in physical therapy, but with better accuracy and effect.

After the first treatment, our patient’s pain levels decreased by 30%. By the end of 4 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 relaxed and peaceful 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 our patients. Bursitis responds well to acupuncture.

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If you have any questions about this bursitis acupuncture case study, feel free to read more about the Raleigh Acupuncture Bursitis Treatment.