Understanding Hip Bursitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatment Options
By Kauai Therapy & Wellness
If you’ve ever experienced a deep, aching pain on the outside of your hip—especially when lying on your side or climbing stairs—you may be dealing with hip bursitis. This common condition can affect anyone, but it’s especially prevalent in active adults and older individuals.
Let’s take a closer look at what hip bursitis is, what causes it, and how it’s treated through physical, occupational, and massage therapy.
🌟 What Is Hip Bursitis?
Hip bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa—a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions and reduces friction between bones and soft tissues. The most commonly affected bursa in the hip is the trochanteric bursa, located on the outer part of the hip.
When this bursa becomes irritated or inflamed, it leads to pain, tenderness, and sometimes swelling.
🔍 Common Causes
Several factors can lead to hip bursitis, including:
Repetitive motion or overuse (e.g., running, cycling)
Prolonged pressure on the hip (e.g., lying on one side for extended periods)
Injury or trauma, such as a fall or bump
Leg length discrepancies
Poor posture or gait mechanics
Arthritis or spinal issues that alter movement patterns
Surgical recovery from hip replacements
🩺 What Are the Symptoms?
Signs and symptoms of hip bursitis include:
Pain on the outside of the hip or thigh
Pain that worsens with activity or pressure (e.g., lying on the affected side)
Swelling or warmth in the hip area
Discomfort when climbing stairs, walking long distances, bending over or rising from a chair or bed
💪 How We Treat Hip Bursitis at Kauai Therapy & Wellness
The good news? Hip bursitis is treatable, and most people improve significantly with conservative care. At Kauai Therapy & Wellness, we take a team-based approach to help reduce pain, restore movement, and prevent recurrence.
✅ Physical Therapy (PT)
Strengthening weak muscles around the hip, glutes, and core
Improving flexibility and joint mobility
Correcting movement patterns or gait abnormalities
Using modalities like ultrasound, cold therapy, or dry needling
✅ Occupational Therapy (OT)
Educating on proper body mechanics to avoid aggravating activities
Modifying daily activities and routines to reduce strain
Suggesting supportive seating or sleep positions
✅ Medical Massage Therapy (MT)
Targeting tight muscles that contribute to pressure on the bursa
Releasing soft tissue restrictions
Reducing inflammation and promoting circulation for healing
🏃♀️ Prevention Tips
Once you’ve recovered from hip bursitis, it’s important to stay proactive:
Warm up before exercise and stretch regularly
Maintain strong hip and core muscles
Avoid repetitive stress activities or alternate sides when possible
Invest in supportive shoes and surfaces
🤝 Ready to Feel Better?
If you’re dealing with nagging hip pain, don’t wait for it to get worse. Our experienced team at Kauai Therapy & Wellness is here to guide you back to strength and comfort—with the Aloha spirit in every step.
📞 Call us at 208-205-5959 or visit 🌐 www.kit-therapy.com to schedule your first visit.
Let’s get you moving again—without the pain!