Often, massaging the bag itself will lead to increased pain and problems. However, massage therapy applied by a trained and licensed professional in the surrounding area can help relieve muscle tension, reduce symptoms associated with tendonitis, and help increase range of motion. Although massage can't cure bursitis, it can help relieve muscle pain and tension surrounding the joint. This will help relieve inflammation and pressure on the joint.
Inflammation of a bursa is not affected by direct massage. Directly massaging an inflamed pouch will cause more pain. Massage therapy can reduce bursitis pain and increase blood supply to tissues, allowing the body to recover faster and heal on its own. One of the main reasons massage is successful in treating non-specific hip pain is that it can decrease joint inflammation, speed healing time of tense muscle tissue and ligaments, relax muscles, and increase blood circulation.
Especially if hip pain is attributed to trochanteric bursitis, it is important to have a massage therapist who understands that directly massaging the inflamed bag can do more harm than good. In most cases of bursitis, excluding prepatellar bursitis, direct massage or pressure is contraindicated directly on the bag. The only time massage benefits this discomfort is if the adjacent muscles are tightening or if the person experiences muscle spasms. Instead, massage therapy will reduce compression caused by muscle tension above and below the joint.
Soft tissue massage will focus on connective tissue, such as the fascia, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
