What Is Bursitis? Why Your Joints Hurt and How to Get Relief

That Nagging Joint Pain? It Might Be Bursitis.

Ever feel a sharp ache in your hip when climbing stairs? Or a burning sensation in your elbow after working all day? That’s not just “getting older”—it could be bursitis.

Bursitis is one of the most common reasons people come in complaining of joint pain, especially in active adults and aging populations. Whether it’s your shoulder, hip, or knee—bursitis can limit movement, disrupt sleep, and make your favorite activities painful.

But here’s the good news: it’s treatable. And with the right care, you can get back to moving freely again—without relying on medication or surgery.

What Is Bursitis?

A Simple Explanation

Inside your body, there are little fluid-filled sacs called bursae (think of them as shock absorbers). They sit between bones, muscles, and tendons to cushion your joints during movement.

But when one of those sacs becomes inflamed from overuse, pressure, or trauma—that’s bursitis.

It’s like having a tiny water balloon between bones that gets stepped on over and over. Eventually, it swells, stiffens, and starts to hurt.

*Double Click to Play Video*

View Full Video Transcript Here

Common Areas Affected

Bursitis can show up almost anywhere, but most commonly in the:

• Shoulder

• Hip

• Elbow

• Knee

• Heel

In the hip, it's often located over the trochanter—that bony ridge on the side of your upper thigh. If you've ever had hip pain from walking, standing, or going upstairs, there's a good chance it involved hip bursitis.

What Causes Bursitis?

Overuse and Repetitive Motion

• Sports (especially running, tennis, or lifting)

• Repetitive work tasks

• Improper biomechanics or technique

Any movement that overloads the joint without proper form can irritate the bursa.

Acute Trauma or Injury

A hard fall, direct impact, or even sleeping in the wrong position can trigger bursitis.

Postural and Structural Imbalances

Poor posture or alignment issues put stress on specific joints, overworking the surrounding tissues.

Age-Related Factors

As we age, joint tissues become less resilient, and inflammation is more likely—especially if you’re not moving regularly or stretching properly.

Signs and Symptoms of Bursitis

Classic Symptoms

• Sharp or aching pain in the joint

• Tenderness to the touch

• Swelling or warmth over the area

• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after activity

When It Interferes with Daily Life

If hip bursitis is keeping you up at night or making it hard to walk—don’t push through it. It’s a sign your body is asking for help.

How Chiropractors Diagnose Bursitis

Physical Exam and Functional Testing

During your visit, I’ll:

• Palpate the joint

• Test your range of motion

• Look for movement restrictions or imbalances

Identifying Contributing Factors

We’ll assess:

• Gait (how you walk)

• Posture (while standing, sitting, even sleeping)

• Muscle activation

Often, the pain is just the surface-level symptom—the real problem lies upstream.

Imaging When Necessary

If I suspect another condition or want a clearer picture, we may use:

• X-rays to rule out joint issues

• MRI to look at soft tissue inflammation

But most bursitis cases are diagnosed through hands-on testing and movement analysis.

Chiropractic and Conservative Treatments for Bursitis

Gentle Joint Adjustments

By restoring joint alignment, we can reduce mechanical stress on the bursa and promote natural healing.

Soft Tissue Therapies

This may include:

• Manual therapy

• Myofascial release

• And in some cases, dry needling to relieve deep tension

Rehab and Movement Therapy

We’ll build a plan that:

• Strengthens the right muscles

• Improves joint stability

• And restores safe, pain-free motion

You may also be directed to routines like those in our hip and postural care series.

Ergonomic and Lifestyle Advice

We’ll look at:

• Your sitting and sleeping habits

• Sports or exercise form

• Foot mechanics and shoes (yes, they matter!)

Everything gets adjusted to support joint recovery and long-term prevention.

Bursitis Prevention Tips

Warm-Up and Cool Down

Moving without warming up is like starting your car on a cold day and flooring it. A few minutes of activation can prevent months of pain.

Proper Technique and Equipment

From squats to typing—form matters. We’ll help you fine-tune the way you move so you stop irritating your joints.

Joint-Friendly Lifestyle Habits

• Focus on anti-inflammatory foods

• Stay active—but not at the cost of pain

• Keep your joints moving daily, even if it’s just gentle stretching

When to See a Chiropractor

Don’t wait if you’re experiencing:

• Persistent joint pain

• Swelling that doesn’t go down

• Difficulty walking, sleeping, or doing daily tasks

Chiropractic care offers natural, drug-free relief—with treatment plans designed around your goals and your life.

Let’s Get You Back in Motion

Bursitis is painful—but it's also treatable, preventable, and common.

Whether it’s from overuse, misalignment, or age-related changes, we’ll help you:

• Identify what’s causing your flare-ups

• Relieve the pain at the source

• And prevent it from coming back

Schedule your free joint evaluation with me today. You don’t have to live with joint pain—let’s work together to get you moving again.