Hip Bursitis

Hip bursitis is characterized by the inflammation of a bursa, a sac filled with fluid that serves as a cushion between tendons and bones within the hip joint. This condition can lead to discomfort, swelling, and tenderness in the hip region, which can make everyday activities challenging. At PróMotion Physical Therapy our aim is to relieve your pain without the need for medications, injections, or surgical procedures.

Causes and Symptoms of Hip Bursitis

The following outlines the common causes and symptoms associated with hip bursitis:

Causes of Hip Bursitis

  • Repetitive or excessive use of the hip joint
  • Direct hip trauma or injury
  • Poor posture or walking habits
  • Presence of bone spurs or calcium deposits
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Previous hip surgeries or hip replacements

Symptoms of Hip Bursitis

  • Experience sharp or aching pain in the hip, often extending into the thigh
  • Pain that intensifies with movement, prolonged sitting, or lying on the affected side
  • Swelling and warmth around the hip area
  • Stiffness following extended periods of inactivity

Physical therapy plays a pivotal role in the treatment of hip bursitis. Here’s how it can help:

Pain Management: Therapists use modalities like ice, heat, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation to reduce pain and inflammation.

Strengthening Exercises: Targeted exercises help strengthen the muscles around the hip, reducing the strain on the bursa.

Flexibility Training: Stretching exercises improve the flexibility of the hip muscles, reducing tightness and discomfort.

Gait Analysis: Therapists may assess your walking pattern to ensure that improper gait isn’t contributing to the problem.

Education: Patients are educated about activity modification, proper footwear, and ergonomic adjustments to prevent recurrence.

Learn more about healing hip pain by Clicking Here.

Other Treatments

Injections: These are anti-inflammatory agents injected directly into the bursa to reduce inflammation. However, studies have shown that while they might provide temporary relief, they don’t address the root cause and can sometimes lead to further complications.

Surgery: In rare cases where bursitis doesn’t respond to conservative treatments, surgery might be considered to remove the bursa. However, surgeries come with risks, and studies indicate that non-surgical interventions, like physical therapy, often yield better long-term results.