Tendonitis & Bursitis: A Reader-Friendly Guide to Understanding & Healing πͺβ¨
In this guide, we break down tendonitis and bursitis into simple sectionsβcovering symptoms, causes, natural remedies, and the chiropractic connection. Letβs dive in! πββοΈ
What Are Tendonitis and Bursitis? π€
- TendonitisΒ is the inflammation of tendons. It typically causes:
- Pain: Acute or chronic discomfort during movement. π₯
- Weakness: Often associated with noticeable muscle weakness in the affected area. ποΈββοΈ
- BursitisΒ involves inflammation of the bursae (the cushioning sacs around your joints), leading to:
- Pain: Deep, aching discomfort during movement. π
- Strength: Typically does not result in muscle weakness. πͺ

Causes & Common Locations π
Both conditions can result from overuse, trauma, or simply aging. However, they affect different parts of your body:
Tendonitis (Inflammation of Tendons)
- Biceps Tendinitis:
- Location: The long head of the biceps tendon in the shoulder.
- Causes: Repetitive overhead movements like lifting or throwing. ποΈββοΈ
- Symptoms:Β Pain in the front of the shoulder, especially when lifting or reaching, sometimes with a clicking sensation. π
- Elbow Tendinitis (Tennis Elbow/Golferβs Elbow):
- Location: Tendons around the lateral (outside) or medial (inside) epicondyle of the elbow.
- Causes: Repetitive gripping, twisting, or lifting. π€²
- Symptoms: Pain when gripping or twisting along with forearm weakness. π€

Bursitis (Inflammation of Bursae)
- Shoulder Bursitis (Subacromial Bursitis):
- Location: Under the acromion (bony part of the shoulder).
- Causes: Repetitive shoulder movements. π
- Symptoms: Pain when raising your arm, tenderness, and mild swelling. π£
- Hip Bursitis (Trochanteric Bursitis):
- Location: Outer side of the hip.
- Causes: Repetitive movement or prolonged pressure (for example, lying on one side). πΆββοΈ
- Symptoms: Pain on the outer hip, which can worsen when walking or climbing stairs. πββοΈ

Natural Approaches to Healing π±
When to Seek Medical Help π
- Acute Phase:
- If you experience sudden, intense pain with a loss of movement, seek immediate medical care. π
- Persistent Pain:
- If pain continues for two weeks even without movement loss, itβs a good time to consult your healthcare provider. π©Ί
Treatment Steps
- Acute Phase (First 24 to 48 Hours):
- Ice Therapy:
- Apply ice on the affected area to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. βοΈ
- Ice Therapy:
- Recovery Phase (After 48 Hours):
- Therapeutic Modalities:
Consider using techniques such as:- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) β‘
- Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) π‘
- Ultrasound Therapy π»
- Therapeutic Modalities:

Nutritional & Herbal Remedies ππΏ
- Vitamin C:
- Crucial for repairing injured tendons and bursae. π
- Bromelain:
- A natural enzyme that reduces tissue inflammation and edema, potentially shortening recovery time by half. π
- Curcumin:
- The active ingredient in turmeric, known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. β¨

The Chiropractic Connection π
- Structural Balance:
- Misalignments in your spine can alter body mechanics, stretching tendons or putting pressure on bursae. βοΈ
- Nervous System Health:
- A well-aligned spine helps your nervous system effectively monitor injuries.
- Chiropractic adjustments can reduce spinal stress, ensuring your bodyβs natural healing responses work efficiently. π€ΈββοΈ
Summary π
Understanding the differences between tendonitis and bursitis is key to effective management. By:
- Identifying symptoms early π,
- Following natural healing strategies during both the acute and recovery phases π±, and
- Integrating chiropractic care to restore structural balance ποΈββοΈ,
β¦you can take proactive steps toward recovery and long-term musculoskeletal health.
Thank you for reading our guide. Stay tuned for our next edition, where weβll explore personalized exercise routines and additional nutritional tips for optimal joint health. π
With health and balance