Pain on the outside of your hip can make everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs or even sleeping uncomfortable. Often referred to as hip bursitis, this condition is now more commonly known as Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS). Both terms are frequently used to describe pain affecting the tendons and soft tissues around the outside of the hip.
At Corsham Physiotherapy, we assess and treat hip bursitis and other causes of hip pain, helping to relieve symptoms, identify contributing factors and improve your comfort and mobility.
What is hip bursitis?
Hip bursitis is a term traditionally used to describe inflammation of a small, fluid-filled sac called a bursa, which is located over the bony prominence on the outside of the hip (the greater trochanter).
The bursa helps reduce friction between the bone and the surrounding tendons and soft tissues.
However, we now know that pain in this area frequently involves irritation or changes in the gluteal tendons as well, rather than just inflammation of the bursa. This is why the broader term Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) is increasingly being used.
The condition can cause considerable discomfort, particularly when pressure is placed on the outside of the hip.
What are the symptoms of hip bursitis?
The most common symptom is pain or tenderness over the outside of the hip, although discomfort can sometimes spread down the outer thigh.
Typical symptoms include:
- Pain when lying on the affected side, often disturbing sleep
- Pain when climbing stairs, walking uphill or getting out of a chair
- Tenderness over the outside of the hip
- Pain that can spread down the outside of the thigh, sometimes towards the knee
Symptoms can vary from a mild ache to quite severe pain that interferes with everyday activities.
What causes hip bursitis?
Hip bursitis and greater trochanteric pain syndrome can develop when the muscles and tendons around the outside of the hip become irritated, often due to repeated activity, muscle tightness or increased pressure on the area.
Other factors may contribute, including muscle weakness, underlying hip joint problems, and changes in foot mechanics or walking patterns.
Often, there is more than one contributing factor. During your assessment, we aim to identify what may be causing or aggravating your symptoms so that treatment can be tailored accordingly.
How do we treat hip bursitis?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms. At Corsham Physiotherapy, we initially focus on relieving pain, reducing irritation and easing tension in the muscles and tendons surrounding the hip.
Depending on your assessment, treatment may include:
- Acupuncture
- Laser therapy
- Electrotherapy
- Soft tissue techniques
Alongside relieving your symptoms, we also investigate why the problem may have developed. This may involve assessing how your hip moves, how well the surrounding muscles are working and whether the way you walk could be contributing to the problem.
Where appropriate, we can carry out a detailed gait analysis to establish whether the way you stand or walk may be placing additional strain on your hip. If necessary, we can recommend specific exercises, movement adjustments or bespoke orthotics.
We may also advise on changes to everyday activities and provide a tailored rehabilitation programme to help restore strength and reduce the likelihood of symptoms returning.
Our aim is not simply to provide short-term pain relief, but to address the contributing factors and help you return to your normal activities comfortably.
In some cases, a corticosteroid (steroid) injection may be recommended by your GP or specialist to help relieve pain. Although injections can provide relief, particularly in the short term, they do not necessarily address the underlying factors contributing to the problem. Physiotherapy can therefore be beneficial whether you are considering an injection, have already received one, or would prefer to explore other treatment options first.
How long does hip bursitis take to recover?
Recovery depends on several factors, including how long you have experienced symptoms, their severity and the underlying causes.
If addressed early, symptoms can sometimes improve within a few weeks. However, longer-standing problems may take several months to settle fully and, without appropriate management, can occasionally persist for years.
Early assessment and appropriate treatment can help reduce the risk of symptoms becoming more persistent.
Why choose Corsham Physiotherapy for your hip bursitis treatment?
At Corsham Physiotherapy, we recognise that hip pain is not always caused by a problem in the hip itself.
Our experienced physiotherapists take time to understand why your symptoms have developed, rather than simply treating the painful area. By combining treatments to relieve discomfort with a thorough assessment of contributing factors, we aim to provide lasting improvement rather than just temporary symptom relief.
Helping patients across Wiltshire
Our clinic is based in Corsham, Wiltshire, and we regularly help patients with hip bursitis across North Wiltshire, Chippenham, Melksham, Bradford-on-Avon, Calne, Box, Lacock as well as Bath and the surrounding areas.
Book a hip bursitis assessment
If you are experiencing pain on the outside of your hip, particularly when lying on your side, climbing stairs or walking, our physiotherapy team can help.
Contact Corsham Physiotherapy to arrange an assessment and discuss the most appropriate treatment options for your symptoms.
Book an Appointment Online or contact our friendly reception team for further information.