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What is it?

Hip Bursitis is an inflammatory condition in which the small, jelly-like sac located around the outside of the hip becomes irritated. This irritation can occur due to a fall on your hip, repetitive stress/overuse, previous surgeries, etc.

Hip bursitis pain is usually felt around the outside of the hip and may extend into the thigh. Initially, the pain may be sharp and intense and then become more of a dull/ache as time goes on.

What Are Treatment Options?

To manage hip bursitis on your own, you should try limiting any aggravating activities, using ice and rest and NSAID’s such as ibuprofen as long as you are cleared by your primary MD. If the pain persists, you may want to see an orthopedic specialist for an examination. The doctor will use physical examination techniques and may order imaging in order to diagnose your condition. The doctor may prescribe anti inflammatories, steroid injections, assisted devices or physical therapy to improve your pain.

Can Physical Therapy Help?

Physical therapy is very well equipped to manage hip bursitis. After a thorough physical ex physical therapist will educate you on how to modify your activity, improve your body mechanics to decrease risk of re injury. Physical Therapists are experts at locating deficits in strength and flexibility and will use that knowledge to provide you with a comprehensive home exercise program. With a  The goal of physical therapy will be to improve your pain and your independence so that you will be able to manage any future flare ups without the expense of returning to your MD.

Hip stretching

IT Band Stretch

Stand with your affected hip towards the wall, cross your leg behind the stance leg. Gently lean your hips towards the wall. A stretch should be felt down the outside of your leg closest to the wall. Hold for 20-30 seconds, repeat 3-4 times.

Clamshells

Lay on your unaffected side with your legs together and knees slightly bent. Use your outer hip muscles to slowly lift the top leg straight to the ceiling, without letting your hips rock backwards. Repeat 20 times or until a slight muscle burn is felt on the outer hip.

Piriformis Stretch

Laying on your back cross your affected ankle over your unaffected knee. Reach behind your unaffected knee and gently pull both legs towards your chest. Hold for 20-30 seconds, repeat 3-4 times.

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