84 Burnett St Bundaberg
If you've been experiencing hip pain, especially around the glutes, you may be dealing with a condition known as gluteal tendinopathy. Let's look at what is gluteal tendinopathy in this blog.
If you're in the menopausal phase, you may have heard about the connection between menopause and an increase in this condition. Let’s dive into the why behind it and how you can naturally support your tendons during this phase of life.
Gluteal tendinopathy is a painful condition that affects the tendons around the glutes, the large muscles on your backside. It often causes pain and discomfort in the outer hip area and can make simple activities like walking or climbing stairs feel like a challenge.
As women go through menopause, their body experiences a significant hormonal shift, including a decrease in estrogen levels. This drop in estrogen is believed to play a role in the development of gluteal tendinopathy.
Estrogen has a protective effect on tissues like ligaments and tendons, and as its levels decrease, these structures may become more susceptible to injury and inflammation. Jamie also sees an increase in bursitis in hips and shoulders in menopausal women.
If you’re experiencing tendinopathy or just want to support tendon health as you age, certain supplements can help strengthen and nourish your ligaments and tendons, while also reducing inflammation.
- Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body and a key building block for tendons and ligaments. Taking collagen supplements can support tissue repair and improve tendon strength.
- Zinc & Vitamin C are crucial for collagen production and can aid in tendon repair. Zinc is also important for immune function, which helps manage inflammation. Vitamin C, on the other hand, is a potent antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress, helping to maintain healthy tissues.
- Quercetin is a flavonoid that has natural anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce the swelling and pain often associated with tendinopathy.
- Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger is fantastic for reducing pain and inflammation in the body. It may also help improve blood flow, supporting healing processes in tendons.
- Grapeseed Extract is rich in antioxidants and has been shown to improve collagen production and fight inflammation. This can promote healing and reduce the discomfort of tendon injuries.
- Bioflavonoids are plant compounds, found in fruits and vegetables, work synergistically with Vitamin C to help support collagen health and manage inflammation.
There are several herbs known for their anti-inflammatory properties that may support you in managing gluteal tendinopathy:
- Turmeric is packed with curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory effects. It’s one of the most well-known herbs for reducing joint pain and inflammation.
- White Willow Bark is often called the natural version of aspirin, white willow bark has been used for centuries to relieve pain and inflammation. It’s particularly helpful for musculoskeletal pain, like tendinopathy.
- Jamaican Dogwood is known for its ability to ease muscle and tendon pain and help with inflammation,
- Californian Poppy is a herb that has a calming effect on the body, helping to relax tense muscles and reduce pain.
- Boswellia is also known as frankincense and is a fantastic anti-inflammatory herb.
If you’re looking for an additional way to support tendon healing, acupuncture might be just what you need.
Acupuncture can help with reducing pain and discomfort, improving circulation to the area, reducing inflammation and may help stimulate the healing of damaged tendons.
While menopause can bring its own set of challenges, understanding how changes in hormones can affect your body is key to managing conditions like gluteal tendinopathy. Incorporating supplements and herbs into your daily routine may help reduce inflammation, support collagen production, and ease the discomfort of tendon pain.
Remember to always consult with a professional before adding any new supplements or herbs to your routine, especially if you’re dealing with a specific health condition or taking medication.
Your body may be going through changes, but with the right tools and support, you can help it stay strong and resilient through this stage of life.
If you suspect you may have gluteal tendinopathy, book in for an acupuncture session with Jamie for pain relief and with Trish our naturopath for herbs and supplements that can ease the inflammation.
Book online here or give us a call on (07) 4152 2372.
