Hip Bursitis Physical Therapy

Hip bursitis is a painful condition that affects people of all ages, although it most often occurs in middle-aged and elderly people, and more frequently in women than in men. Hip bursitis pain will typically go away within a few weeks, though it is not uncommon to have reoccurring flare-ups. Rest and physical therapy are often prescribed to treat the condition.

Hip Bursitis

• Bursitis occurs when the small fluid-filled pads called bursae, which act as cushions between bones, muscles and tendons near joints, become inflamed---and the hips are a common target of the disease. The pain caused by bursitis may build gradually over time or can be instantaneous and severe, particularly when calcium deposits exist. The two types of hip bursitis are trochanteric bursitis and ischial bursitis.

Trochanteric Bursitis

• Trochanteric bursitis occurs when inflammation of the bursa occurs at the greater trochanter and can be caused by direct impact to the side of the hip or by overuse. People who suffer from osteoarthritis of the lower back or hips, scoliosis or uneven leg length can also suffer from trochanteric bursitis.

Trochanteric Bursitis Physical Therapy

• An evaluation of the hip is typically performed by a physical therapist to confirm the diagnosis of trochanteric bursitis. Electrical stimulation, iontophoresis and ultrasound are techniques the therapist can use to control inflammation and pain caused by trochanteric bursitis, and a customized exercise program that includes strengthening and stretching of the hip will be included in therapy.

Ischial Bursitis

• Ischial bursitis is inflammation of the bursa that lies over the ischial tuberosity, which is the portion of the pelvis on which you sit. The ischial bursa acts as a lubricating pad between the pelvic bone and tendons and prevents destruction of the tendons as they move over the ischial tuberosity. Prolonged sitting is a common cause of ischial bursitis. Swelling around the ischial tuberosity may aggravate the sciatic nerve, generating symptoms that are very comparable to acute sciatica.

Ischial Bursitis Physical Therapy

• Physical therapists are able to perform various treatments to help ischial bursitis heal more quickly. Ultrasound can be used to increase blood flow to the injured area, and massage can help stretch the tissue and bring heat to the injury to increase blood flow. A physical therapist will instruct his patient to stop any activity when pain is present in the hip. Stretching exercises for the hip and tendons are beneficial in strengthening them once the ischial bursitis has healed.