Soft Tissue & Chronic Pain
Bursitis
Irritation of a fluid-filled sac that cushions a joint or tendon.
A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues near a joint. Bursitis is irritation of that sac, and it is often diagnosed in cases where tendon-related load is actually the larger part of the picture — particularly at the hip and shoulder.
Symptoms typically include localised tenderness and pain with specific movements or positions, such as lying on the affected side.
Why this matters
Sleeping on the affected side is usually the first thing people mention, since direct pressure on an irritated bursa is reliably uncomfortable.
Because bursitis so often overlaps with tendon load issues nearby, addressing only the bursa without looking at the surrounding mechanics tends to leave the underlying driver unresolved.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
The mechanics loading the area — how the joint moves, how muscles around it are coordinated — usually matter more to resolving symptoms than the specific name attached to the sore structure.
Compensatory movement patterns that develop to avoid the sore spot can spread the problem to nearby structures if they aren't addressed.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
This is a concern where medical evaluation, imaging or co-management may be the right first step. Dr. Mike Geran will say so plainly if that is what the history and examination suggest.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
A hot, red, swollen joint with fever needs urgent medical assessment to rule out infection.
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Joint Pain & Staying Active — Shoulders, hips, knees, ankles — extremity function matters as much as the spine.
- Achilles Tendinopathy — Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, usually load-related.
- Ankle Pain — Pain or restriction at the ankle, often after an old injury.
- Ankle Sprain — Ligament injury from rolling or twisting the ankle.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.