Trochanteric Bursitis
What is Trochanteric Bursitis?
Have you ever had pain in the outer part of your hip? Do you notice that lying on your side hurts the hip and interferes with sleep? You may have trochanteric bursitis.
Trochanteric bursitis is a common hip issue many people experience, particularly women between the ages of 30 and 55. At Bay State Physical Therapy, we’re committed to helping you understand it and to empower your optimal health and wellness!
Trochanteric bursitis refers to the inflammation of the bursa sac located near the outer part of the hip, which acts as a cushion between the hip bone and the tendons passing over it. When this bursa becomes irritated or inflamed, it can result in hip pain and discomfort. Understanding the causes and risk factors is crucial to managing this condition effectively.
Common Causes of Trochanteric Bursitis
- Repetitive Activities: Repetitive activities like running, walking long distances, or climbing stairs can lead to friction over the hip bursa, causing irritation and inflammation.
- Hip Injuries: Previous hip injuries or trauma can increase the likelihood of developing trochanteric bursitis, as they may disrupt the bursa’s normal function.
- Muscle Imbalances: Weakness or imbalances in the muscles around the hip can put extra stress on the bursa, leading to inflammation.
Common Risk Factors:
- Age: The bursa sac may become less resilient as we age, making it more prone to inflammation.
- Gender: Trochanteric bursitis more commonly affects women.
- Obesity: Excess weight can increase pressure on the hips, leading to bursa inflammation.
- Previous Hip Conditions: If you’ve had hip conditions or surgeries in the past, you may be at higher risk.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
When dealing with trochanteric bursitis, it’s essential to remember that there is a lot you can do to ease the pain. At Bay State Physical Therapy, we’ll conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including a detailed medical exam and physical assessment.
Next, your dedicated physical therapist will tailor a treatment program to your specific needs, ensuring you receive personalized care to achieve your goals.
Here are some of our common treatments:
- Hands-on Care: Our skilled physical therapists use manual therapy techniques to relieve pain, improve circulation, and release tight or inflamed tissues around the hip. Other services such as dry needling or cupping may also be offered.
- Strengthening Exercises: Your physical therapist will prescribe exercises for the hip, core, and surrounding muscles to help address muscle imbalances, enhance stability, and reduce pressure on the bursa.
- Range of Motion Exercises: Mobility of your joint is essential. Targeted stretches will help to improve joint health and alleviate stiffness.
- Gait and Biomechanical Analysis: Evaluating your walking pattern (gait) and overall biomechanics can identify abnormal movements contributing to trochanteric bursitis.
- Functional Training: Specific exercises can be tailored to you based on the movements you perform most often. By mimicking your activities of daily living, we can ensure that you return safely to work, household duties, and recreational activities you enjoy.
We’ll also guide you in modifying activities that may exacerbate symptoms, helping you avoid movements that worsen the condition.
Your Path to Pain Relief and Improved Mobility
Don’t let trochanteric bursitis limit your lifestyle. Schedule an evaluation with Bay State Physical Therapy today and get started on your road to recovery! Call your nearest location or complete the form below!