Yoga for Bursitis

(November 9, 2010)

I enjoy doing yoga. I had bursitis in my right hip years ago, but now lately it has been very stiff and painful. When I turn my hip outwards or inwards it is quite painful. Are there any yoga poses you suggest?

Before getting into details about yoga for bursitis, it is important to understand exactly whet the condition of bursitis is and the impact it is likely to have on the way in which you live your life. The condition is primarily the inflammation of the bursa, which is a collection of fluid filled sacs collectively called the bursae that act as a gliding surface to help reduce the amount of friction between different parts of the body. all in all, medical studies have shown that there are about 160 bursae in the human body – most commonly located in the shoulders, wrists, knees, elbows and hips. The inflammation of these bursae can be influenced by any number of factors. For instance, the condition can be caused by some kind of infection, injury, or even as the result of some kind of underlying rheumatic condition. Sometimes, the injury that cases the condition to develop could be nothing out of the ordinary of your daily routine as something as simple as lifting a bag could cause the injury. The most noticeable symptoms of the condition are the pain, swelling and tenderness around the affected region. The symptoms are usually amplified when you try and perform some kind of physical activity with the impacted joint.
Although yoga has been around for centuries, it is only in the last few years that the discipline has come into prominence and is being highly regarded by a large number of the medical fraternity all over the world. However, starting yoga when the bursitis pain and discomfort is at its peak is not recommended as it could tend to worsen the condition. If you are a regular practitioner of yoga, and are absolutely sure that it is not the yoga that caused the injury, you can continue to practice – so long as it doesn’t cause too much discomfort. Yoga for bursitis, yoga for rotator cuff, yoga for bursitis hip, yoga for tendonitis and yoga for shoulder pain are very similar and performing a few yogic poses should cover almost all of these categories. Some of the more highly recommended yoga for bursitis poses includes the hero’s pose, the extended side angle pose and the supported headstand. For more information on how to safely attempt these poses, it is recommended that you approach your yoga trainer. It is important to remember that you not attempt the more complex yogic poses without the supervision of a yoga trainer as there is a chance that incorrect technique could potentially cause significant damage.

Submitted by A on November 9, 2010 at 06:29

A bursa is a fluid filled sac that is helpful to reduce the friction between the tissues of the body. The bursae are located adjoining the tendons near the large joints like shoulders, elbow, hip and knees. If inflammation of bursae occurs, it is termed as bursitis.

Hip bursitis is the major cause for hip pain. There are two bursae of the hips. Trochanteric bursa is located on the sides of the hips and ischial bursa is located in the upper part of the buttocks. Individuals suffering from trochanteric bursitis can have a tender hip. People find it difficult to lie down on that side where bursitis has taken place. There is difficulty in sleeping. A slight pain is felt on the affected area which gets aggravated while walking and climbing stairs. Individuals suffering from ischial bursitis can have a slight pain in the buttocks area. After sitting on hard surfaces for longer period of time, pain occurs which is called as weavers bottom and tailor’s bottom.

Hip bursitis occurs in the athletes or runners or in any sport that involves running activity. It is also observed in individuals who fall on the upper thighs. Patients who had surgery related to hips like hip fracture or hip replacement may have pain on the upper thighs.

People suffering from hip bursitis require proper rest. If bursitis is non infectious then ice compresses regularly placed on the affected area can be beneficial. Pain can be relieved with reduction of the body weight, stretching exercises and use of correct footwear for the exercise. It is necessary to consult the doctor regarding the pain due to hip bursitis.

Specific yoga postures may not be available for hip bursitis. Once the symptoms are controlled it is necessary to strengthen the joints. Some people may find relief with stretching of the muscles and tendons. Thus by stretching, the muscles can become well toned and it can glide easily thus avoiding the recurrence of hip bursitis. Certain stretching exercises that can be beneficial are:

Hip stretch: Cross left leg over the right knee. Place the hands behind the right thigh and pull the right thigh towards you. You can do this stretch with the other leg.

Hamstring stretch: Lie on the floor and bend the knees. Slowly straighten one leg and bring it towards you. Clasp the thigh or ankle or calf. The knees need to be kept slightly bent. Do the same exercise with the other leg.

Submitted by A V on August 18, 2008 at 12:53