Bursitis & arthritis treatment in Pennant Hills
Stiff, aching joints don’t have to be something you just live with. We help ease pain, keep you moving and build the strength that protects your joints — so you can keep doing what you love.
- No GP referral needed
- AHPRA-registered osteopaths
- HICAPS on-the-spot claims
“Wear and tear” isn’t the end of the story
Arthritis and bursitis are among the most common causes of joint pain, especially as we get older. But a diagnosis doesn’t mean things can only get worse — movement and strength can make a real difference.
Here’s what we believe:
- Movement is the best medicine for joints. Joints are nourished by movement. Staying active is one of the most effective ways to manage arthritis.
- Strength protects your joints. Stronger muscles take load off painful joints and improve how you move.
- X-ray findings don’t predict pain. Many people with arthritis on a scan have little pain — and many with pain have mild changes.
- Bursitis is often a load problem. Hip bursitis frequently comes with gluteal tendon irritation — it improves with the right loading, not just rest.
- Small changes add up. Weight, sleep, activity and how you pace your day all influence joint pain.
Sound familiar?
- Stiff joints first thing in the morning or after sitting
- Pain on the outside of your hip when lying on that side
- Aching knees on stairs or getting out of a chair
- Hands or fingers that ache or swell
- Pain that’s worse in cold weather or after a busy day
- You’ve been told to “just live with it”
What we commonly see
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Hip osteoarthritis
- Hip (trochanteric) bursitis
- Shoulder bursitis
- Hand & thumb arthritis
- Spinal arthritis & stiffness
- Gluteal tendinopathy
- Joint pain after injury
Not sure if your pain fits? Call us on 0457 796 468 and we’ll let you know if we can help.
How we treat bursitis & arthritis
Every appointment follows our Assess, Plan, Treat framework — so you always know what’s happening and why.
Assess
We learn about your joint pain, your health history and what you want to keep doing.
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We assess the joint and the muscles around it — range, strength, balance and how you move — and screen for anything that needs a doctor’s input, like signs of inflammatory arthritis.
Plan
A plan built around your goals — walking, gardening, golf, getting down to the floor with grandkids.
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We explain what’s happening in your joint, what will help, and how to pace activity so you stay active without big flare-ups.
Treat
Hands-on care and laser to settle pain, then strength and movement to keep it down.
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Treatment eases pain and stiffness, then we build a simple, sustainable exercise routine to protect your joints for the long term.
The tools we have at our disposal
We choose the right mix for you — every tool is there to ease pain, restore movement and get you back to what you love.
Exercise rehab
A progressive program to rebuild strength, control and confidence — the part that keeps you better.
How it helps with bursitis & arthritis
Strength and movement training tailored to your joints — one of the most effective treatments for osteoarthritis and bursitis-related pain.
Exercise has the strongest research support for most musculoskeletal pain.
Low-level laser therapy
Painless light therapy that energises your cells to calm pain and support tissue healing.
How it helps with bursitis & arthritis
Laser helps ease joint pain and stiffness and calm inflammation in arthritic joints — making it easier to stay active and keep strengthening.
Laser energises your cells’ mitochondria to support healing — a powerful adjunct to hands-on care and rehab.
Hands-on osteopathy
Soft tissue work, joint mobilisation and, where appropriate, HVLA adjustments to ease pain and restore movement.
How it helps with bursitis & arthritis
Gentle joint mobilisation and soft tissue work to ease stiffness and improve movement.
Hands-on care works best as part of a plan that includes exercise and advice.
NeuFit (Neubie)
Direct current stimulation while you move, to help switch on muscles that have shut down after pain or injury.
How it helps with bursitis & arthritis
Helps activate weak muscles around painful joints — such as the quads and glutes — during movement.
NeuFit helps your nervous system reconnect with muscles that have switched off — so every exercise works harder for you.
Dry needling & cupping
Fine needles and suction cups used to settle tight, overactive muscles and trigger points.
How it helps with bursitis & arthritis
Can ease tight, overactive muscles around an arthritic joint that add to pain.
Studies show dry needling can reduce muscle-related pain in the short term, especially alongside exercise.
Integrated naturopathy
For pain driven by inflammation, gut health, hormones or diet — with Dr Lydia Thompson, osteopath and naturopath.
How it helps with bursitis & arthritis
For joint pain linked to inflammation, diet or weight, integrated naturopathy with Dr Lydia Thompson can complement your osteopathic care.
What you can do right now
While you wait for your appointment, these simple steps help most people:
- Keep moving every day, even gently
- Use heat for morning stiffness
- Break up long periods of sitting
- Try low-impact exercise like walking, cycling or swimming
- Pace busy days rather than pushing through
- Sleep with a pillow between your knees for hip pain
When to see a doctor urgently
Please see your GP, go to an emergency department or call 000 if you have:
- A hot, red, swollen joint with fever or feeling unwell
- Sudden, severe joint swelling without an injury
- You can’t put weight on your leg
- Several joints swollen and stiff for more than an hour each morning
- Unexplained weight loss or night sweats
- Calf pain, swelling or redness
Common questions
Do I need a GP referral to see an osteopath?
No. Osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners, so you can book directly. If you have a Medicare Chronic Disease Management plan or a WorkCover claim, bring your referral to your first visit.
Can I claim on my private health insurance?
Osteopathy is covered by most extras policies, and we offer on-the-spot claiming through HICAPS. Check with your fund for your level of cover.
Can exercise make my arthritis worse?
The right exercise usually improves arthritis pain and function. Some discomfort while exercising can be normal; we’ll help you find the right level and progress safely.
Do you treat rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis?
We can help with movement, strength and pain alongside your rheumatologist’s care, but inflammatory arthritis needs medical management first.
Is hip bursitis the same as hip arthritis?
No. Bursitis and gluteal tendinopathy cause pain on the outside of the hip, while hip arthritis usually causes groin pain and stiffness. A thorough assessment tells the difference.
Related conditions
About osteopathy · All conditions we treat · Meet our osteopaths