Trochanteric Bursitis
What is Trochanteric Bursitis?
Trochanteric bursitis is a painful condition that occurs when the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac located near the hip joint, becomes inflamed. The bursa serves as a cushion between the bones and soft tissues, helping to reduce friction and allow for smooth movement. In the case of trochanteric bursitis, the bursa located on the outer side of the hip (the greater trochanter) becomes irritated, leading to pain and discomfort.
While it is most common among middle-aged adults and athletes, anyone can develop trochanteric bursitis. The condition can cause significant pain, especially when lying on the affected side or during activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or standing up after sitting for long periods.
Causes of Trochanteric Bursitis:
- Overuse or Repetitive Movements: Activities that involve repetitive motion of the hip, such as running, cycling, or prolonged standing, can increase the risk of developing bursitis.
- Injury or Trauma: Direct trauma to the hip, such as a fall or blunt force impact, can cause the bursa to become inflamed.
- Poor Posture or Biomechanics: Abnormal gait or posture, such as uneven walking patterns or leg length discrepancies, can put extra pressure on the bursa and cause irritation.
- Tight Muscles: Tightness in the hip muscles, especially the gluteus medius and tensor fasciae latae, can lead to friction and stress on the bursa.
- Underlying Conditions: Conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or previous hip surgery can increase the risk of developing bursitis.
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Symptoms of Trochanteric Bursitis:
- Pain on the outer side of the hip, especially when lying on the affected side
- Tenderness and swelling over the greater trochanter (the bony prominence on the side of the hip)
- Pain that worsens with prolonged standing, walking, or climbing stairs
- Pain with activities that involve bending or rotating the hip, such as squatting or getting in and out of a car
- Difficulty with certain movements due to hip stiffness
- Sometimes, pain radiating down the outer thigh
Benefits of Treatment for Trochanteric Bursitis:
- Pain Relief: Alleviate pain and discomfort associated with hip bursitis, allowing for better mobility and quality of life.
- Improved Function: Physiotherapy and other treatments can restore range of motion and improve your ability to move without pain.
- Prevention of Future Injury: Treating the underlying causes, such as muscle imbalances or poor biomechanics, reduces the risk of recurring bursitis.
- Faster Recovery: A proper treatment plan can accelerate healing, allowing you to return to daily activities faster and with minimal downtime.
Treatment Modalities for Trochanteric Bursitis:
At ActiveCare Physiotherapy & Rehab, we use a variety of modalities to effectively treat trochanteric bursitis. Our approach focuses on reducing pain, restoring movement, and preventing further injury.
- Physiotherapy
- Ice and Heat Therapy:
- Massage Therapy
- Ultrasound Therapy:
- Acupuncture
- Shockwave Therapy:
Physiotherapy plays a central role in managing trochanteric bursitis by targeting the muscles, joints, and posture to reduce strain on the affected bursa.
- Manual Therapy:
Our physiotherapists utilize techniques such as soft tissue mobilization and joint mobilizations to relieve tension and reduce inflammation around the hip joint. Manual therapy can help improve joint mobility and reduce pain. - Strengthening Exercises:
Strengthening the muscles around the hip, particularly the glutes, hip abductors, and external rotators, can help take pressure off the bursa and reduce friction. We focus on exercises that improve muscle balance and stability around the hip. - Stretching and Flexibility Exercises:
Tight muscles around the hip can increase friction on the bursa. Physiotherapists will guide you through specific stretches to improve flexibility in the hip and surrounding muscles, which can help alleviate pain and reduce strain on the bursa. - Postural and Biomechanical Correction:
If poor posture or gait abnormalities are contributing to your condition, physiotherapy can correct these issues. By improving alignment and movement patterns, we reduce unnecessary strain on the hip and prevent recurrence of bursitis.
Cold and heat treatments provide relief and promote healing for trochanteric bursitis.
- Cold Therapy (Cryotherapy):
Ice packs or cold compresses are effective for reducing swelling and numbing pain during the acute phase of bursitis. Cold therapy helps constrict blood vessels, minimizing inflammation and providing short-term pain relief. - Heat Therapy:
Once inflammation has reduced, heat therapy can be beneficial. Applying heat improves blood flow to the area, relaxes tight muscles, and promotes healing. Heat pads or warm baths can provide comfort and ease stiffness.
Massage therapy is another essential treatment for trochanteric bursitis, helping to alleviate pain, reduce muscle tightness, and improve circulation to the affected area.
- Deep Tissue Massage:
This technique targets the deeper muscle layers around the hip and helps release muscle tension, which can reduce pressure on the bursa. Deep tissue massage can also increase blood circulation, facilitating the healing process. - Myofascial Release:
Myofascial release focuses on the connective tissue surrounding muscles, easing tightness and improving flexibility. It can help restore the normal function of the hip joint and relieve discomfort caused by bursitis.
Ultrasound therapy uses high-frequency sound waves to penetrate the tissues around the hip, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.
- Promotes Tissue Healing:
Ultrasound waves stimulate tissue regeneration, helping reduce swelling and pain associated with trochanteric bursitis. - Reduces Pain:
The deep heat generated by ultrasound therapy can also relieve pain by improving circulation and reducing muscle tightness around the hip.
Acupuncture is a holistic treatment that may be used as part of your bursitis management plan to reduce pain and promote healing.
- Pain Reduction:
Acupuncture helps release endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, providing relief from the pain of trochanteric bursitis. - Improved Circulation:
Acupuncture can improve circulation to the affected area, aiding the healing process by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation around the bursa.
Shockwave therapy is an advanced treatment used for chronic cases of trochanteric bursitis.
- Promotes Collagen Production:
Shockwave therapy stimulates the production of collagen and new tissue, which can help heal the damaged bursa and surrounding tissues. - Reduces Chronic Pain:
It is effective for cases where the bursitis has become chronic, helping to reduce pain and inflammation in the long term.
Why Choose ActiveCare Physiotherapy & Rehab for Trochanteric Bursitis Treatment?
- Comprehensive Treatment Plan:
We combine multiple therapies to address all aspects of your condition, providing a holistic approach to healing. - Personalized Care:
Every treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs, focusing on your specific condition and lifestyle. - Experienced Team:
Our physiotherapists are highly skilled in treating musculoskeletal conditions like trochanteric bursitis, using evidence-based techniques to provide the best possible care. - Focus on Long-Term Recovery:
Our goal is not only to reduce your pain but also to prevent future injuries, ensuring a sustainable and healthy return to your daily activities.
Start Your Recovery Today
If you’re struggling with trochanteric bursitis, don’t let the pain stop you from enjoying your daily activities. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a pain-free life.