Hip bursitis is a common cause of hip pain. It happens when the small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae become inflamed. The bursae help reduce friction between muscles and bones. When they swell, they can cause discomfort and limit movement. Many people experience hip bursitis due to repetitive motion, injury, or pressure on the hip.

Symptoms include sharp or aching pain on the outside of the hip. Sometimes the pain worsens with activity. If you are struggling with hip pain, you should not ignore it. Early treatment can make a big difference.

Different types of treatment are available for the condition. They include over-the-counter medication, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, and surgery in severe cases. If you seek a more conservative treatment, physical therapy may be the right option for you. At Suarez Physical Therapy, we offer safe and effective physical therapy services for our Las Vegas, CA, clients.

What is Hip Bursitis?

Hip bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa in the hip. A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues. The most common type of hip bursitis is trochanteric bursitis, affecting the outer part of the hip. It can cause pain when walking or climbing stairs. The pain may spread to the thigh or buttock. Hip bursitis is more common in women and older adults.

Causes of Hip Bursitis

Hip bursitis does not result from a single injury. Instead, it develops gradually due to repeated hip irritation. Common causes of the condition include:

Repetitive Motion

Repeating the same motion can irritate the hip bursa. These symptoms are often provoked by physical exertion such as running, biking, or climbing stairs. Repetitive use creates friction that leads to inflammation. Even standing or walking on hard surfaces for extended periods can contribute. This type of bursitis typically affects athletes or workers who engage in physically demanding work.

Injury or Trauma

A sudden fall or blow to the hip can damage the bursa. This kind of injury can cause pain to develop either immediately or gradually. Even minor trauma can lead to inflammation if it happens repeatedly. Trauma-related bursitis can make lying on the hip very painful.

Poor Posture

Bad posture while sitting, standing, or walking can strain the muscles and joints around the hip. The extra pressure can irritate the bursa, resulting in bursitis. People who spend long hours sitting, especially in chairs without support, may develop hip bursitis. Misalignment of the spine or legs can also add to the problem.

Hip Joint Problems

Other issues in the hip can change the way you move. They include arthritis, scoliosis, or differences in leg length. These changes often affect how your body balances weight, putting stress on one side of the hip. Besides, hip surgery can irritate the bursa during recovery. Scar tissue or changes in movement after surgery may lead to inflammation.

Age

As we get older, the tissues around the joints naturally wear down. Tendons may become weaker, and bursae may become more easily irritated. Hip bursitis is more common in people over 40. With age, healing slows down. Therefore, minor injuries or strains can cause longer-lasting pain.

Overuse or Sudden Activity Changes

A rapid increase in physical activity can lead to bursitis. It happens when you start a new workout or increase intensity too quickly. The body needs time to adjust to new movements. Without proper stretching or warm-up, stress builds up around the hip, irritating the bursa.

Medical Conditions

Certain diseases increase the risk of bursitis. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, and diabetes cause inflammation, making the bursae more sensitive. Infections or calcium deposits in the bursa can also worsen the condition.

Symptoms of Hip Bursitis

You may experience the following symptoms if you have hip bursitis:

  • Pain on the outer side of the hip. A common symptom of hip bursitis is a dull, aching pain outside the hip. The pain starts gradually and can worsen over time. It might feel mild initially, but it becomes more noticeable with activity. People often describe it as a constant soreness that doesn't entirely go away.

  • Pain when lying on the affected side. You can experience discomfort when sleeping on the side with hip bursitis. The pressure on the inflamed bursa can make lying down difficult, especially at night. You may need to change sleeping positions or use extra cushions to relieve the pressure.

  • Swelling or warmth around the hip. The area around the hip joint may become slightly swollen or warm to the touch. It happens due to inflammation in the bursa. While the swelling is not always noticeable, warmth or puffiness around the joint can signify hip bursitis.

  • Pain that worsens with activity. Walking or standing for long periods often worsens the pain. Movement puts more pressure on the hip joint, which irritates the inflamed bursa. Even light exercise can cause discomfort if the bursitis is active.

  • Tenderness when pressing on the hip. Pressing on the hip might reveal tenderness or sensitivity. This is because the bursa is located just under the skin in that area. Even minor pressure, such as from clothing seams or belts, can cause irritation and discomfort.

  • Sharp pain with sudden movements. Although the pain is usually dull, sudden movements such as getting up quickly or twisting the hip can trigger a sharp, stabbing pain. The discomfort may catch you off guard and limit your range of motion. You can notice the pain when transitioning from sitting to standing.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Hip Bursitis

A diagnosis for hip bursitis begins with a thorough physical examination and clinical history. Patients often report localized pain outside the hip, which may radiate down the thigh. The pain worsens after prolonged standing, walking, or climbing stairs, and when lying on the affected side.

A healthcare provider may press over the greater trochanter area during the physical exam to elicit tenderness. Pain reproduction with specific movements also supports the diagnosis. While clinical evaluation is often sufficient, the doctor can use imaging studies to confirm your diagnosis. These tests include:

  • X-rays. The test is practical in ruling out fractures and arthritis.

  • MRI. An MRI can reveal fluid in the bursa and inflammation of surrounding soft tissues.

  • Ultrasound. The doctor can recommend an ultrasound to show thickening of the bursa or fluid accumulation. Additionally, it can be used to guide therapeutic injections.

Ice and Heat Therapy

Applying ice packs for 15–20 minutes daily can help reduce swelling and discomfort during the acute phase. Later, the doctor can use heat to relax muscles and improve circulation.

Medications

Your doctor can recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Physical Therapy

A tailored physical therapy program can strengthen your hip muscles and improve flexibility. Exercises may focus on stretching the iliotibial band, gluteal muscles, and hip flexors. For physical therapy, you must consult with a competent physical therapist. They will asses your conditiona nd determine teh right techniques to ease your symptoms.

Corticosteroid Injections

If symptoms persist despite initial treatment, your doctor can inject corticosteroid directly into the bursa. The therapy offers rapid and significant relief. For accuracy, the procedure is guided by ultrasound.

Surgical Intervention for Hip Bursitis

Surgery for hip bursitis is rarely necessary. Most cases improve with nonsurgical treatments such as rest, medication, and physical therapy. However, your doctor may recommend surgery if symptoms are severe and do not improve with other treatments.

A standard procedure is a bursectomy. It involves the removal of your inflamed bursa. Sometimes, the surgeon may also repair damaged tendons or remove bone spurs contributing to the problem. These procedures are usually done using minimally invasive techniques. Surgery is typically a last option when all other options have failed.

Physical Therapy for Hip Bursitis

Physical therapy is a standard treatment option for hip bursitis. The goals of the treatment include:

  • Reduce pain and inflammation. The initial objective of physical therapy when treating hip bursitis is pain relief and reduction of inflammation. Pain relief is one of the most critical items simply because it significantly impacts your mobility and ability to function. Therapists use ice therapy, ultrasound, and gentle stretching to help relax the inflamed bursa and surrounding tissues. Decreasing inflammation is more comfortable and promotes healing.

  • Improve mobility. Bursitis makes it painful or difficult to move the hip. Simple activities like walking or climbing stairs can become challenging. Physical therapy focuses on gradually restoring your range of motion. Gentle stretching, joint mobilization, and guided exercises help you move freely.

  • Strengthen muscles. Weakness in the hip and core muscles can contribute to or worsen bursitis. Physical therapy includes exercises designed to strengthen these areas. Strong muscles help stabilize the hip joint and reduce the strain on the bursa. The support can make daily movements easier and less painful.

  • Improve flexibility. Tight muscles around the hip can pull on the joint, increasing pressure on the bursa. Therapy includes stretching routines that target the hip flexors, glutes, and lower back. Improving flexibility helps reduce tension and allows smoother movement.

  • Correct movement patterns. Improper movement, poor posture, or an uneven gait can irritate the hip over time. Physical therapists assess how you walk, sit, and move. They then teach you safer, more efficient movement habits to protect the hip.

  • Prevent recurrence. Physical therapy aims to keep bursitis from coming back. Addressing the root causes can build long-term hip health and lower the risk of future flare-ups.

Common Physical Therapy Techniques for Hip Bursitis

Physical therapy plays a key role in managing and relieving hip bursitis. Therapists use various techniques to reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent flare-ups. These techniques include:

Ice and Heat Therapy

The technique is simple but effective. Ice helps reduce swelling and numbs sharp pain, especially after activity. Heat relaxes tight muscles and increases blood flow, making it easier to stretch and move. Typically, ice packs are applied for 15–20 minutes, especially after exercise or any activity that aggravates symptoms. The physiotherapist can use heat beforehand to prepare the body for stretching or movement exercises.

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques performed by a trained therapist. These techniques improve joint movement and reduce tightness in surrounding muscles. The therapist may gently move or stretch the hip joint, massage, or mobilize soft tissue. Manual therapy helps release tension and restore mobility to the affected area.

Stretching Exercises

Stretching is a core part of hip bursitis treatment. It helps lengthen muscles that put stress on the hip joint. Common stretches include the iliotibial band stretch, hip flexor stretch, and piriformis stretch. Each stretch is held for 20 to 30 seconds and repeated daily. These movements can ease tension and reduce pressure on the inflamed bursa.

Strengthening Exercises

Building strength in the muscles around the hip joint is crucial. Stronger muscles provide better support and take pressure off the bursa. Key exercises include clamshells, side-lying leg lifts, bridges, mini-squats, and standing hip abductions. You should start slowly and gradually increase resistance. A therapist will guide you to ensure proper technique and prevent injury.

Postural Training

Good posture reduces unnecessary strain on the hips. Postural training helps you learn proper sitting, standing, and sleeping positions. Therapists may also recommend changes to your workstation or daily habits. Practicing a neutral pelvis position during daily tasks can make a significant difference in managing pain.

Gait Training

Walking incorrectly can worsen hip bursitis. Gait training helps identify and correct poor walking patterns. A therapist will observe how you walk and suggest changes to your foot placement and hip movement. Additionally, they may introduce assistive devices like canes when needed. Improving your walking style can relieve hip stress and prevent further irritation.

Activity Modification

Changing how you move can reduce the pain associated with hip bursitis. Your therapist may recommend avoiding repetitive hip motions and cutting back on prolonged standing. Cross-training with low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling can keep you active without stressing the hip.

Ultrasound Therapy

Ultrasound therapy involves using sound waves to generate heat deep within the tissue. It encourages blood flow and healing. Ultrasound therapy involves directly applying a handheld device that emits ultrasound waves, with ultrasound gel, directly over the area of injury. Ultrasound therapy is painless and used in conjunction with other treatments.

Taping or Bracing

Supportive taping can take pressure off an area of inflammation. The technique is applied at times of flare-up or at the time of the specific activity to obtain immediate support. Sometimes, a brace can be worn to protect the injured joint during healing.

Benefits of Physical Therapy for Hip Bursitis

Hip bursitis can be very painful and may restrict your mobility. The good news is that physical therapy is a convenient, non-invasive means of treatment for the symptoms. The advantages of physical therapy for hip bursitis include:

Pain Relief Without Medication

An appealing aspect of physical therapy is that it can provide pain relief without relying on medication. Many patients notice relief through targeted exercises and manual therapy techniques alone. Pain relief without medication means fewer side effects and no dependence on painkillers.

  • Helps You Avoid Surgery

  • Mostly, hip bursitis does not need surgery. Physical therapy focuses on:

  • Reducing inflammation

  • Improving mobility

  • Strengthening the muscles around the hip joint.

These improvements can reduce pain and improve function. It allows most people to recover fully without the risks of surgical procedures or the recovery time.

Promotes Faster Healing

When you follow a personalized physical therapy program, your body receives the support it needs to heal. Therapists use techniques like ultrasound or ice therapy to promote tissue repair. The approach speeds up recovery and helps ensure a more complete healing process.

Long-Term Results

Physical therapy treats more than the symptoms of hip bursitis. It addresses the root causes. Therapists help to retrain faulty movement patterns, strengthen weak muscles, and improve posture. Therapy plays a role in more permanent relief and maintaining the health of the hip in the long term. It will also help to avoid the recurrence of hip bursitis.

Enhanced Quality of Life

Daily activities are easier with less pain and improved mobility. Individuals with hip bursitis who complete physical therapy often find improved sleep and less pain with daily activities. The change in quality of life is significant.

Find a Reliable Physical Therapist Near Me

Hip bursitis is a condition developed due to repeated irritation in the hip. The condition affects athletes, older adults, or individuals sitting or standing for long periods. The symptoms of hip bursitis are frustrating. However,. The condition is not permanent. Your doctor can recommend different types of treatment depending on the severity of the conditions and your preference.

Physical therapy offers a safe, effective way to reduce pain and improve strength. Your physical therapist will use simple steps like rest, ice, and gentle stretches to ease the pain and discomfort. With a custom plan from a physical therapist, most people see significant improvements in just a few weeks.

The outcome of physical therapy for hip bursitis may significantly depend on the skill of your physical therapist. If you seek physical therapy services in Las Vegas, NV, you will benefit from our expert services at Suarez Physical Therapy. Contact us at 702-368-6778 today to book an appointment.