Bursitis

Bursitis — inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs cushioning joints — responds extremely well to SoftWave therapy combined with biomechanical chiropractic correction that addresses the mechanical cause of bursa overloading.

What Is Bursitis?

Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between bones, tendons, and muscles around joints. Bursitis occurs when these sacs become inflamed from repetitive mechanical irritation, trauma, or infection. Common sites include the shoulder (subacromial), hip (trochanteric), knee (prepatellar, pes anserine), and elbow (olecranon). The critical insight is that most bursitis has a biomechanical cause — abnormal movement mechanics overload the bursa repeatedly. Without correcting the mechanics, bursitis recurs even after injection therapy.

Common Symptoms

Localized joint pain worsening with movement and pressure
Swelling and warmth over the affected bursa
Limited range of motion in the affected joint
Pain with lying on the affected side (hip or shoulder bursitis)
Tenderness on direct palpation over the bursa
Aching pain at rest in severe cases

Common Causes & Contributing Factors

Repetitive movements overloading a specific bursa
Direct trauma — falling onto a knee or elbow
Biomechanical misalignment creating abnormal joint loading
Leg length discrepancy stressing the hip bursa
Forward shoulder posture loading the subacromial bursa
Inflammatory conditions — rheumatoid arthritis, gout

The Pura Vida Protocol: Chiropractic Care for Bursitis

SoftWave therapy is exceptionally effective for bursitis — its unfocused shock waves penetrate the inflamed bursa, reduce inflammation, and stimulate tissue repair without the side effects of steroid injections. Dr. Foss simultaneously addresses the biomechanical cause: pelvic alignment for hip bursitis, thoracic posture for shoulder bursitis, and knee tracking mechanics for knee bursitis. This combined approach resolves the acute inflammation while preventing recurrence. Most patients achieve lasting resolution where repeated steroid injections had only provided temporary relief.

At Pura Vida Chiropractic, Dr. Foss uses Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) — a gentle, category-based system that addresses the spine, pelvis, and craniosacral rhythm as one integrated unit. SOT restores proper biomechanics, reduces nerve interference, and creates the neurological environment your body needs to heal itself.

Advanced Therapies We Combine With Chiropractic

For many patients, combining spinal correction with regenerative therapies produces faster and more lasting results. Depending on your condition, Dr. Foss may incorporate one or more of the following:

SoftWave Therapy

Patented unfocused shock waves spread over a broad treatment area to reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and activate stem cells — promoting cellular regeneration and long-term pain relief.

Class IV Laser Therapy

Photobiomodulation with a 10–15W Class IV laser delivers therapeutic light energy deep into tissue, reducing inflammation, blocking pain signals, and speeding healing at the cellular level.

Why Choose Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio?

Pura Vida Chiropractic is a family-friendly, bilingual (English/Spanish) clinic serving San Antonio, TX. Dr. Dan Foss is trained in Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), a comprehensive chiropractic system that addresses the whole body — not just the area of pain. We combine hands-on spinal correction with the latest regenerative technology to help patients resolve the root cause of their condition rather than masking symptoms.

We are insurance friendly with most insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Ambetter, Oscar Health, Community First, and Molina Healthcare. New patient appointments are available promptly.

Ready to Get Relief from Bursitis?

Schedule your new patient appointment with Dr. Foss at Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio, TX. We'll identify the root cause and build a personalized care plan.

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