Hip Bursitis
Hip bursitis occurs when the bursae — the fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joints — in your hips become inflamed, causing pain and inhibiting movement.
At Wasatch Peak Physical Therapy, we specialize in treating hip bursitis to help our patients reduce inflammation, improve their mobility, prevent future flare-ups, and live pain-free lives. If you’re struggling with hip pain, contact us today to learn more about how our expert physical therapy team can help you find relief.
What Is Hip Bursitis?
Small, fluid-filled sacs known as bursae can be found throughout the body, including the hip, shoulder, heel, and knee. Their job is to act as cushions between bones and soft tissues, helping to reduce friction as joints move.
Sometimes, the bursae in the hip become inflamed due to:
- Repetitive overuse from running, cycling, or walking
- Muscle imbalances, especially weak glutes
- Poor posture or improper gait mechanics
- Leg-length discrepancies
- Hip injuries or falls
- Arthritis, bone spurs, or chronic conditions that affect joint alignment
When inflammation occurs in the bursae, it’s known as hip bursitis. The main symptom of this condition is sharp or persistent pain in the hip area or that radiates down the thigh. The pain may worsen during physical activity such as walking, climbing stairs, or standing up from a chair. Other symptoms include tenderness or swelling around the hip, along with stiffness or a reduced range of motion.
Hip bursitis typically affects athletes, people with gait abnormalities, older adults, or anyone who experiences repetitive hip strain.
Why Choose Physical Therapy for Hip Bursitis?
Physical therapy treats hip bursitis without medication or injections, offering a natural way to restore mobility and strength. Rather than just treating the symptoms, physical therapists address the root cause of inflammation and help prevent future flare-ups through corrective exercises and movement training.
You should see a physical therapist if you have:
- Pain that lasts longer than a few days, especially if it interferes with your daily activities or sleep
- Recurring hip pain
- Swelling, stiffness, or difficulty putting weight on the hip
- A history of hip injuries or chronic overuse
Our Comprehensive Hip Bursitis Treatment Approach
At Wasatch Peak Physical Therapy, we understand that every patient is different. That’s why we offer a comprehensive, personalized approach to hip bursitis treatment that includes:
Personalized Evaluation
We begin with a thorough exam to identify the source of the inflammation. This may include assessing posture and gait, testing strength and flexibility, and reviewing the patient’s medical history and activity level.
Hands-On Manual Therapy
The physical therapist provides hands-on soft tissue and joint mobilization therapy to reduce tension around the hip, provide myofascial release for tight muscles, and address trigger points.
Targeted Strength, Flexibility, and Alignment Exercises
The goal of physical therapy exercises is to correct muscle imbalances contributing to inflammation and improve range of motion to reduce pressure on the bursae. By focusing on both strength and flexibility, patients gradually progress to achieve long-term stability. The physical therapist also corrects improper walking or running mechanics to train proper hip alignment during daily activities and exercise.
Modalities for Pain Relief
Throughout the duration of treatment, we’ll provide pain management through ice, heat therapy, or TENS. We’ll also employ inflammation-reducing techniques to help speed up the healing process.
Home Exercise Program
Home exercises play a key role in hip bursitis recovery. Our physical therapists provide simple, effective stretches and strengthening routines designed to help patients progress between appointments and remain pain-free in the long term.
Start Your Recovery Today with Wasatch Peak Physical Therapy
Don’t let hip bursitis interfere with your ability to live a happy, active, and pain-free life. Schedule an appointment with Wasatch Peak Physical Therapy today and take the first step toward lasting relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can Bursitis Occur?
Bursitis doesn’t just occur in the hips. It commonly affects the shoulders, elbows, knees, heels, and the base of the big toe, as well as any joint that performs frequent repetitive movements. If you suspect you have bursitis in one of your joints, schedule an appointment with us today for a comprehensive evaluation by one of our physical therapists.
Does Hip Bursitis Go Away on its Own?
It can improve, but without strengthening and movement correction, flare-ups are common. Physical therapy is the best way to treat the root causes of bursitis and prevent inflammation from recurring.
Does Hip Bursitis Require Surgery?
Hip bursitis rarely requires surgery; however, if pain and inflammation persist even after trying all nonsurgical treatments, your doctor may recommend surgically removing the bursae. In most cases, physical therapy is effective in rehabilitating the hip joint and addressing symptoms.