Are you a side sleeper who frequently wakes up with hip pain? Does your pain intensify when you engage in movements like standing up from a chair or walking uphill? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might be dealing with a condition known as Hip Bursitis.
Hip Bursitis refers to a painful condition affecting the outer hip area. In this region, small fluid-filled sacs called bursae act as cushions between the hip bone and nearby tendons. These bursae effectively reduce friction, allowing smooth movement. However, muscle imbalances and tightness in the hips can exert excessive pressure on the bursae, leading to swelling, inflammation, and ultimately, Hip Bursitis.
Fortunately, Hip Bursitis often responds well to appropriate treatment. Here are four solutions you can try today to help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with this condition:
Don't Sleep on the Affected Side:
When dealing with Hip Bursitis, it is essential to avoid sleeping on the affected side. The additional pressure from your body weight can further compress the bursae, causing increased swelling and pain. Opt for sleeping on your back or the opposite side to provide relief and minimize pressure on the affected area.
Avoid Sitting Cross-Legged:
Sitting cross-legged may worsen the symptoms of Hip Bursitis. This position can tighten the already overactive hip muscles, exacerbating the condition. It can also further stretch the muscles that are already unresponsive to stretching. By avoiding this sitting position, you can help prevent additional strain on the hip area and promote healing.
Massage Your Glutes:
Patients with Hip Bursitis often experience muscle tension and knots in the gluteal muscles (butt muscles) and surrounding hip muscles. Devoting just 10 minutes a day to self-massage with a trigger point ball can provide surprising pain reduction. Target the glutes and the sides of the hip, applying gentle pressure to release tension and knots in these areas. This practice can help relax the muscles, improve blood circulation, and alleviate discomfort associated with Hip Bursitis.
Seek Professional Help:
If you're experiencing severe pain or simply need assistance for quick resolution, don't hesitate to seek professional help from a therapist who has expertise in providing Hip Bursitis relief.
Enquire today for more information or to find out how we can help you.
Ryan Samuels, Dr TCM, Reg Acupuncturst
References:
Legge, David, Close To The Bone: The treatment of painful musculoskeletal disorders with acupuncture and other forms of Chinese medicine (Sydney college press, 3rd ed, 2011)
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