Can Acupuncture Help Bursitis?

Bursitis is a condition in which the small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones and tendons in joints become inflamed. This can happen due to overuse or injury, and it can cause pain and stiffness in the affected joint. Some people turn to acupuncture for relief from their bursitis symptoms.

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting thin needles into the skin at specific points. It is said to work by stimulating the body's natural healing process. There is some scientific evidence to support the use of acupuncture for pain relief, and it is thought that it may help to reduce inflammation.

A small study published in 2011 found that acupuncture may be effective in treating shoulder bursitis. Participants in the study had acupuncture treatments twice a week for three weeks. The researchers found that the acupuncture treatments led to a significant reduction in pain and an improvement in range of motion in the affected shoulder.

There is also some evidence that acupuncture may help to reduce the pain of other types of bursitis. A 2012 review of studies found that acupuncture may be helpful in treating hip bursitis. The reviewers found that the evidence was not strong enough to recommend acupuncture as a first-line treatment for this condition, but they suggested that it may be worth trying for people who have not responded to other treatments.

Acupuncture is generally considered to be a safe treatment, but there is a risk of side effects, such as bruising and soreness at the needle site. It is important to see a trained and experienced acupuncture practitioner to minimize the risk of complications.

If you are considering acupuncture for your bursitis, it is important to talk to your doctor first. They can help you to understand the potential benefits and risks of this treatment and can advise you on whether it is right for you.

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Most acupuncture sessions last between 30 and 60 minutes. The length of the session depends on the number of points being treated and the severity of the condition being treated. The first session is usually the longest, as the practitioner will take a thorough medical history and may do a physical examination. subsequent sessions are generally shorter as the practitioner will focus on the specific points to be treated.