hip bursitis pain relief.

Physical Therapy for Hip Bursitis

Depending on where and how you feel your hip pain, you may be suffering from hip bursitis. Pain from hip bursitis usually appears gradually and when left untreated, the pain will typically increase over time and can require surgical intervention.

Our physical therapists work with patients to diagnose and treat hip bursitis using various techniques that can relieve pain in the affected hip and irritation and restore function. Our PTs are experts at assessing hip bursitis pain and creating individualized treatment plans that manage, relieve, and resolve your symptoms for the long term. Our goal is to guide your path to recovery so you can get back to living your life to the fullest, free of hip bursitis pain and discomfort.

Infographic of hip bursitis with red inflamed hip.

What is Hip Bursitis?

Hip bursitis, also called Trochanteric Bursitis or ITB Friction Syndrome, is a condition that affects the small fluid-filled sacs called “bursae” that help to cushion bones, muscles, and tendons around the hip and other joints and prevent friction during movement. When these sacks of fluid create an inflamed bursa, it can lead to hip bursitis—and a great amount of pain and discomfort.

Causes of Hip Bursitis

Hip bursae inflammation can occur for a variety of reasons. Common hip bursitis causes include repetitive motion, direct trauma, and increased stress on the hip. It often affects athletes that perform a large amount of repetitive movement, such as running, jumping, or cycling, which aggravate the area and cause inflammation over time. Bursa inflammation leading to hip bursitis can also occur after a fall or direct impact to the hip or after a period of illness or inactivity. Over time, hip bursitis can lead to limited movement and weakened muscles in the area if the swelling becomes worse, making it important to strengthen the muscles and improve mobility.

Do you have pain from hip bursitis?

Our physical therapists will customize a rehabilitation plan for pain caused by hip bursitis. We will work in an effective way to get you back on your feet, focused on your wellness before, during and after therapy.

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Insurances We Accept

Below is a condensed list of insurances we participate with throughout our network of physical therapy clinics.  Find your particular provider below based on your area.
For a complete listing of all insurance providers and individual plans by name: CLICK HERE FOR OUR FULL INSURANCE PAGE.

*CLICK TO EXPAND REGIONS

New York, New Jersey, Connecticut

  • Aetna (NY, NJ, CT)
  • AmeriHealth (NJ)
  • Anthem BCBS (NY, CT)
  • Bardavon (Workers Compensation: NY, NJ, CT)
  • Cigna/ASH (NY, NJ, CT)
  • Claims Resolution Corp (Workers Compensation: NJ)
  • ClearComp (Workers Compensation: NY, NJ, CT)
  • Clover Health Medicare Advantage (NJ)
  • Comp X (Workers Compensation: NJ)
  • ConnectiCare (CT)
  • Department of Labor (Workers Compensation: NY, NJ, CT)
  • Emblem Health – GHI/HIP (NY, NJ, CT)
  • Empire Plan (Optum – NY, NJ, CT)
  • First MCO (Workers Compensation: NJ)
  • Horizon BCBS (NJ)
  • Horizon Casualty Services (HCS) Network Solutions
  • Independence BCBS (Southern NJ)
  • MagnaCare (NY, NJ, CT)
  • MagnaComp (Workers Compensation: NY, NJ, CT)
  • Medicare (NY, NJ, CT)
  • MedRisk (Workers Compensation: NY, NJ, CT)
  • New Jersey Manufacturers/NJM (Workers Comp: NJ)
  • No Fault (various carriers)
  • Northwell Health Clinical Integration Network IPA (NY)
  • OccuNet (NJ)
  • One Call (Workers Compensation: NY, NJ, CT)
  • Oscar (NY)
  • Oxford (Optum – NY, NJ, CT)
  • Providers Edge Scheduling Group/PESG (Workers Comp: NJ)
  • SPNet (Workers Compensation: NY, NJ, CT)
  • Streamline (Workers Compensation: NJ)
  • TRICARE (NY, NJ, CT)
  • United Healthcare (Optum – NY, NJ, CT)
  • VACCN (Optum – NY, NJ, CT)
  • WellCare (NY)
  • Workers Compensation (various carriers)

Massachusetts, New Hampshire

  • Aetna (MA, NH)
  • Ambetter/NH Healthy Families (NH)
  • Amerihealth Caritas (NH)
  • Anthem BCBS (NH)
  • BCBS Massachusetts (MA)
  • CeltiCare (MA)
  • Cigna/ASH (MA, NH)
  • Commonwealth Care Alliance (MA)
  • Fallon Health (MA, NH)
  • Harvard Pilgrim Health Care (MA, NH)
  • MaineCare (NH)
  • Magnacare (MA, NH)
  • Martin’s Point Health Care (NH)
  • MassHealth (MA, Seabrook Location in NH)
  • MGB (MA, NH)
  • Medicaid (MA, NH)
  • Medicare (MA, NH)
  • ML Healthcare (NF: MA)
  • No Fault (various carriers)
  • TRICARE (MA, NH)
  • UniCare (MA)
  • United Healthcare (Optum - MA, NH)
  • WellSense (MA, NH)
  • Workers Compensation (various carriers)

symptoms.

Symptoms of Hip Bursitis

One of the major symptoms of hip bursitis is pain on the outside of the hip and/or the outside of the thigh. This pain will become worse with any strenuous use or pressure on the hip area. Hip bursitis symptom severity can range anywhere from mild discomfort in certain positions to significant pain and limitations during everyday movements. Other common symptoms of hip bursitis include:

  • Pain when you lie on your side
  • Increased pain after getting up from sitting
  • Pain when lifting the affected leg sideways
  • Swelling of the hip
  • Pain and/or warmth in the groin area

What are the Benefits of Physical Therapy for Hip Bursitis?

The purpose of physical therapy for hip bursitis is to manage and relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life. At Professional PT, you and your physical therapist will work together, following a unique treatment plan designed to help you heal as quickly and effectively as possible. Your PT will discuss your concerns with you and examine the physical limitations and discomfort caused by your hip bursitis pain. Professional’s physical therapists will also address any related weakness in the hip, back, or lower extremity that may contribute to your hip bursitis. From there, they may recommend targeted exercises and stretches to strengthen supporting muscles for long-term recovery and fewer hip problems.

Throughout your physical therapy appointments, your PT will:

Discuss your diagnosis and treatment plan

Assess your source of discomfort and pain

Teach you exercises to help relieve symptoms

Recommend ways to make daily activities more bearable as you heal

Offer guidance and support to prevent further damage

Diagnosing Hip Bursitis

The exact treatment methods will depend on the root cause of your hip bursitis diagnosis. Tools that can be used to diagnose your condition and refer you to PT include a clinical exam, MRI, X-Ray or Orthopedic Specialist. If you are suffering from any hip pain that may not be related to hip bursitis, please visit our primary hip information page ⇒.

Professional physical therapist in Manhattan performing hip pain treatment techniques.

Physical Therapy Treatments for Hip Bursitis

Our focus is to help you get moving again and manage your symptoms at the same time. Your PT will prescribe personalized therapy treatments intended to improve range of motion, relieve discomfort, and help your body heal. Because hip bursitis is often linked to weakness in the glutes and hip stabilizers, therapy often focuses on strengthening the muscles around the hip joint to reduce strain on the hip joint itself. Some therapeutic techniques our physical therapist may use to relieve your hip bursitis pain include:

  • Joint Mobilization
  • Manual Therapy
  • Sports Injury Rehabilitation
  • Exercise Therapy
  • Flexibility Training
  • Health & Wellness Strategies

Our Commitment to Hip Bursitis Pain Relief

For people with hip bursitis, early treatment can help prevent worsening of symptoms before the hip becomes more painful or mobility becomes limited. The sooner you seek physical therapy for hip pain for hip pain and hip bursitis, the more likely you are to have a successful, pain-free outcome and get back to doing the things you love. We are ready to support you every step of the way on your journey to recovery.

Find the clinic nearest to you ⇒ to speak with a Professional physical therapist who specializes in hip pain and hip bursitis today.

Convenient physical therapy clinics near you

We provide treatments for hip bursitis pain relief from our physical therapy clinics throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.  Fill out the form above, or contact a clinic near you to speak with a Professional Physical Therapist and hip pain treatment specialist today.

FAQ

What causes hip bursitis?

Common causes of bursitis include repetitive movement, prolonged pressure on the outer side of the hip, injury, and muscle weakness that creates extra stress on the joint.

What exercises help with hip bursitis?

Targeted exercises and stretches, including clamshell and hip abduction, can help strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve hip stability.

How can I sleep more comfortably with hip bursitis?

Sleeping can be difficult with hip bursitis, especially if you lie on your side or put pressure on the affected hip. A physical therapist may recommend sleeping positions, supportive pillows, and simple adjustments to reduce pain and make resting more comfortable while your hip heals.

Can physical therapy help avoid surgery for hip bursitis?

Yes. Physical therapy can often reduce pain, improve function, and help patients avoid more invasive procedures such as hip replacement surgeries.

How long does recovery from hip bursitis take?

Recovery varies depending on severity, but many patients notice improvement within a few weeks when following their therapist’s treatment plan consistently.

Get physical therapy for hip bursitis today

We will work in an effective way to provide hip pain relief during and after therapy