If you’ve been sidelined by hip pain that just won’t quit, you’re not alone. Hip bursitis is a common condition that can make even simple movements—like getting up from a chair or going for a walk—feel like a struggle. But here’s the good news: hip bursitis is manageable, and with the right steps, you can take control of the pain and get back to living an active, vibrant life.
Whether you love hiking, gardening, or chasing after your grandkids, understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for hip bursitis is the key to feeling your best. At Houghton Physical Therapy, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
What Is Hip Bursitis?
Hip bursitis occurs when the bursae—small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion your hip joint—become inflamed. This inflammation can cause tenderness, stiffness, and sharp pain on the outside of the hip, making activities like walking, running, or even lying on one side uncomfortable.
While it’s frustrating, it’s important to know that hip bursitis is treatable and, in most cases, doesn’t require surgery or medication. By addressing the root cause and following a tailored treatment plan, you can get lasting relief.
What Causes Hip Bursitis?
Hip bursitis can be caused by a variety of factors, many of which are tied to our daily habits and activities:
- Overuse: Repetitive movements like running, cycling, or climbing stairs can irritate the bursa.
- Prolonged Pressure: Sitting for long periods or frequently lying on one side puts stress on the hip joint.
- Muscle Imbalances or Weakness: Weak glutes or tight muscles around the hip can lead to improper movement patterns, straining the joint.
- Injury: A fall or direct blow to the hip can cause inflammation.
Preventing Hip Bursitis
The best way to manage hip bursitis is to take steps to prevent it in the first place or keep it from coming back:
- Strengthen Your Hips and Core: Exercises that target the glutes and core muscles help provide stability and reduce strain on the bursa.
- Stay Flexible: Regular stretching of the IT band, glutes, and hip flexors improves mobility and minimizes overuse injuries.
- Warm Up Before Activities: Preparing your body with a proper warm-up lowers the risk of strain.
- Pace Yourself: Gradually increase the intensity of activities like running or cycling to avoid overloading your hips.
- Focus on Posture and Form: Proper technique during exercise, lifting, or running prevents unnecessary stress on the hip joint.
- Shift Positions Regularly: Avoid prolonged sitting or leaning on one side to reduce pressure on the bursa.
How We Treat Hip Bursitis
At Houghton Physical Therapy, we take a personalized approach to treating hip bursitis, targeting both the pain and its underlying causes to give you long-lasting relief. Here are a few treatments we use to help you feel better:
- Manual Therapy: Gentle massage and hands-on techniques release tension in tight muscles and reduce pressure on the hip joint.
- Targeted Exercises: Strengthening the glutes, core, and surrounding muscles provides support to your hips, reducing pain and inflammation.
- Soft Tissue Mobilization: This technique improves flexibility and eases stiffness around the hip joint.
- Dry Needling: By targeting tight muscle bands, dry needling releases tension and promotes blood flow, helping you move more comfortably.
Hear from Our Community
Our team at Houghton Physical Therapy has helped countless people overcome hip pain and get back to doing what they love:
“Having just completed 8 weeks of PT at Houghton’s, I could not recommend the team at Houghton’s more. The therapists are professional, experienced, informed and take the time to design a personalized program specifically for your own needs. Each individual session is dependent upon how you feel that day – they know when you need to dial it back or ramp it up. The entire staff, including the office administration, is extremely friendly and caring. I would not have recovered from my hip surgery nearly as quickly or confidently without their help.”
– Rich D.
“I have gone to Houghton twice now, once for my shoulder and one for my hip. Both times I have received excellent treatment from two of their premier therapists, Alex and Sharon. Both guided me through a series of increasingly challenging exercises, with encouragement and compassion.”
– Edward M.
Living with Hip Bursitis? Here’s What to Do Next.
The key to managing hip bursitis is staying proactive. Here’s what you can do today:
- Develop a Personalized Plan: Work with your healthcare provider to create a tailored approach to manage pain and improve mobility.
- Monitor Symptoms: If symptoms persist or flare-ups occur frequently, consult your healthcare provider. Adjustments to your treatment plan might be necessary.
- Stay Consistent: With attentive care and regular follow-through on your plan, most cases of hip bursitis improve, allowing you to move more comfortably and regain your active lifestyle.
If you’ve been dealing with hip pain that’s holding you back, we’re here to help. Whether you’re looking to prevent injuries, eliminate pain, or get back to your favorite activities, our team has the tools and expertise to support you every step of the way.
Ready to Take Control of Hip Pain?
Don’t let hip bursitis keep you from living your best life. Call us today at 508-223-2300 to book a FREE consultation or click below to learn more about how we can help you stay active, pain-free, and moving with confidence.
Click Here To Schedule Your FREE Consultation
Let’s work together to help you feel better, move better, and enjoy an active, vibrant life—without hip pain holding you back!
More Free Physical Therapy Information To Help You
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Tags: physical therapy, posture, hip pain, injury prevention, flexibility, strength, hip bursitis, dry needling, manual therapy, exercises, soft tissue mobilization, massage, warm up, muscle imbalances
