One of the most common causes of hip pain in trochanteric bursitis, which is why we’ve put together this blog outlining some exercises we commonly prescribe for clients who present with this problem.
*Important Note: Each individual is different and if you think you have the condition, you should seek advice from a health professional for a tailored treatment plan.
In this article we also briefly explain:
- What Trochanteric Bursitis is
- What it’s caused by
- Common symptoms of the condition
If you’ve got more questions about your hip pain, or would like personalised advice about your condition from one of our trusted Brisbane physios, please get in touch with our team here.
What Is Trochanteric Bursitis?
There is a fluid-filled sac – also known as a bursa – at the part of the hip called the greater trochanter.
The swelling or inflammation of this bursa is known as trochanteric bursitis and when this occurs pain is often felt in the hip area.
Trochanteric Bursitis Causes
There are numerous causes of the condition, with some of the most common being:
- Improper Posture
- Bone Spurs (also known as calcium deposits or osteophytes)
- Hip Injuries
- Overuse of the hip joints
- Previous surgeries
- Prosthetic hip implants
Trochanteric Bursitis Symptoms
Most people who have this condition will experience pain when carrying out a range of everyday activities, such as:
- Lying on your side
- Walk up stairs
- Standing up from a chair
- Exiting a car
- Touching the outside of the hip
Trochanteric Bursitis Treatment
Before beginning any treatment, you must consult with a health professional to ensure your diagnosis is correct and that any activity you carry out won’t be detrimental to your recovery.
Typically, Trochanteric Bursitis can be treated with:
- Massage
- Ice therapy
- Dry needling
- Hip mobilisations
- Stretching and strengthening program
- Education about sitting posture
- Education about sleeping position
- Walking re-education
Your doctor may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or injections to reduce the swelling of the bursa.
Trochanteric Bursitis Exercises
- Gluteal stretch
- Start by lying on your back.
- Bend both knees, while your feet are flat on the floor.
- Lift the leg of your injured side up and place the ankle on your other knee.
- The foot on the floor (on the uninjured side) remains flat.
- Clasp your hands around the thigh on your uninjured side.
- Pull the thigh towards your chest.
- Hold Stretch for 15-30 seconds.
- Carry out this stretch three (3) times.
- Iliotibial band stretch – Standing
- Cross your uninjured leg and place it in front of the injured one.
- Bend forward and move your hands towards the ground or the inside of the foot at the back
- Stay in this position for 15-30 seconds
- Carry out this stretch three (3) times.
- Iliotibial band stretch – Side-leaning
- Stand next to a wall. Your injured hip should be on the side closest to the wall.
- Reach your arm out and support yourself by holding onto the wall.
- Move the uninjured leg in front of the injured one.
- Lean towards the wall.
- Hold this position for 15-30 seconds.
- Carry out this stretch three (3) times.
Struggling to fit your physio exercises in? Read our blog ‘How to make your physio exercises a habit’ here.
If you’d like more information about Trochanteric Bursitis and related exercises and treatment, please don’t hesitate to reach out to North West Physiotherapy today.
North West Physiotherapy is your one-stop pain relief and healthy living practice in Brisbane. With six clinics across North Brisbane; Everton Park, Keperra, Eatons Hill, Nundah, Lutchwyche and Newmarket, our aim is to provide holistic healthcare solution to suit your specific lifestyle.
Our services include Physiotherapy, Sports Physio, Hydrotherapy, Pilates, Podiatry, Dry Needling, Massage, Womens Health, and Seniors Strength and Balance Classes. Please note that services vary across our clinics.
Contact your local clinic to book an appointment.
