Please note! The text below does not serve as medical advice. This text is composed based on our own knowledge, user experiences and various online sources. If in doubt, always consult a medical specialist
Table of contents
What is bursitis?
Bursitis, also known as bursitis , occurs when the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions your joints, becomes inflamed. This can lead to pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected area, making normal movement difficult.
Symptoms
The symptoms of bursitis are often obvious and can seriously disrupt your daily activities. These include:
- Pain in the affected joint, especially with movement.
- Swelling or redness around the joint.
- Stiffness in the joint, making movement difficult or painful.
- A feeling of warmth around the inflamed area.
Causes
Bursitis can be caused by several factors:
- Overuse : Repetitive motion or prolonged pressure on a joint can cause irritation.
- Injury : A fall or direct trauma to a joint can also lead to inflammation of the bursa.
- Infection : Although less common, a bacterial infection can also cause bursitis.
- Chronic conditions : Diseases such as rheumatism or gout can also contribute to the development of bursitis.
Common locations of bursitis
Bursitis can occur in different parts of the body, but some joints are more sensitive than others:
- Shoulder : Bursitis often occurs here due to repetitive movements, such as during sports or work above shoulder height.
- Elbow : Often caused by leaning on the elbow or by repetitive use in activities such as painting or writing.
- Hip : Overuse from walking, running or standing for long periods of time can lead to hip bursitis.
- Knee : Many people develop knee bursitis from prolonged kneeling or intense activities such as gardening or roofing.
- Ankle : Sports or activities that put a lot of pressure on the ankle, such as running or dancing, can cause bursitis.
How can I treat the inflammation?
Treatment for bursitis is often aimed at relieving pain and reducing swelling. The most common treatments are:
- Rest : Avoiding activities that aggravate the pain is essential to promote recovery.
- Ice : Applying an ice pack regularly can help reduce swelling and pain.
- Medication : Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, may be used to relieve symptoms.
- Physical Therapy : Guided exercises can help improve mobility and prevent further irritation.
Although these methods often provide relief, they are not always effective in the long term. This is where infrared light therapy can play an important role.
Why is light therapy the solution?
Red and near-infrared light therapy offer great potential to reduce pain and inflammation without the risks of traditional medications. But what exactly does this therapy entail?
Infrared light therapy
Infrared light therapy is increasingly used to treat inflammation, such as bursitis. The infrared rays penetrate deep into the skin and muscles and improve blood circulation , which accelerates the healing process of damaged tissue.
This not only reduces pain, but also helps to reduce stiffness and make joints more flexible.
Red light therapy
Red light works at a different wavelength than infrared, but also has anti-inflammatory effects. Although red light does not penetrate as deeply, it can be a useful adjunct in treating superficial inflammation, such as mild bursitis, and helps with cell repair.
Want to know more? Read our blog: Red light lamps: Everything you need to know!
Scientific substantiation
According to Dr. Michael Hamblin , an expert in photobiomodulation, red and near-infrared light can significantly reduce inflammation.
These wavelengths activate protective mechanisms in the cells, such as more efficient energy harvesting and the production of anti-inflammatory substances and antioxidants. This makes light therapy effective for joint disorders and other inflammation-related problems.
