Lateral Hip Pain Treatment

woman who had hip bursitis treated in bend Oregon

Lateral Hip Pain Treatment in Bend, OR

Do you have pain on the outside of your hip or pain that radiates from the lateral hip and into the thigh and knee? You may have a condition called greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS). GTPS is a common and often challenging symptom affecting individuals of all ages, but most frequently seen with middle-aged and older adults. Statistics indicate up to 20% of patients presenting to primary care each year for hip pain are related to GTPS and it is 2-4x more common to occur in females. Although GTPS can result from a singular injury, the condition usually occurs slowly over time and is associated with overuse from activities or sports, such as running, cycling, and even standing for long stretches. GTPS can affect the bursa, tendons or muscles of the hip joint.

The hip joint is a large ball and socket joint that is a major weight bearing joint for our lower extremities and is responsible for both stability (support) and mobility (movement). Due to this dual purpose the hip is susceptible to injury over time. At Alpine, we most commonly see individuals with hip bursitis and/or gluteal tendinopathy.

Is it Hip Bursitis or Gluteal Tendinopathy?

Hip bursitis is inflammation of the bursa. The bursa is a fluid filled sac that provides a cushion between the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, and ligaments) surrounding the hip from the greater trochanter (lateral hip bone). When the bursa becomes irritated and inflamed, the tendons and muscles do not glide pain over this area smoothly, which results in pain.

Tendinopathy results from breakdown of collagen in the lateral tendon attachments of the hip resulting in pain with contraction or stretching of the affected tendons. The gluteus medius and gluteus minimus are the two most common tendons affected with lateral hip pain. While treated differently, physical therapy is an excellent treatment for both conditions.

What are the Most Common Causes and Symptoms of Hip Bursitis?

Hip bursitis and Gluteal tendinopathy can occur for various reasons, but they are all linked to repeated irritation. Pain on the outside of the hip, thigh, buttock, or leg is the most reported symptom. In addition to pain with movement, lateral hip pain may worsen with sitting for extended periods, transitioning from sitting to standing, sitting with crossed legs, or when lying on the affected hip.

Some of the most common reasons hip bursitis occurs include:

Repetitive movements/overuse
Muscle weakness
Abnormal gait patterns
Skeletal malalignment
Flexibility restrictions
Bone spurs
Prior hip injury or surgery

Because hip bursitis and gluteal tendinopathy are typically the result of overuse, early treatment is essential. Clinical research has shown that either physical therapy alone OR physical therapy provided with a lateral hip injection demonstrate the best results overcoming lateral hip pain and getting back to full activity versus no treatment at all, patient education only or an injection without exercise.

How Can Physical Therapy for Hip Bursitis and Gluteal Tendinopathy Help?

As movement experts, physical therapists are trained to evaluate, diagnose and treat various hip conditions, including hip bursitis and gluteal tendinopathy.

Physical therapists are specialists in diagnosing and treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. During an evaluation, your physical therapist will review your health history and activity tolerance, and examine your body’s biomechanics, which may include assessing how you walk, step on a stair, squat, and balance on one leg. This information is then used to develop a customized program that aligns with your needs and goals. The great news is that if you follow the recommended treatment, results can be achieved in just a few weeks.

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Why Choose Alpine PT for Treatment of Lateral Hip pain?

Hip bursitis and Gluteal tendinopathy can occur for various reasons, but they are all linked to repeated irritation. Pain on the outside of the hip, thigh, buttock, or leg is the most reported symptom. In addition to pain with movement, lateral hip pain may worsen with sitting for extended periods, transitioning from sitting to standing, sitting with crossed legs, or when lying on the affected hip.

Some of the most common reasons hip bursitis occurs include:

Repetitive movements/overuse
Muscle weakness
Abnormal gait patterns
Skeletal malalignment
Flexibility restrictions
Bone spurs
Prior hip injury or surgery

Because hip bursitis and gluteal tendinopathy are typically the result of overuse, early treatment is essential. Clinical research has shown that either physical therapy alone OR physical therapy provided with a lateral hip injection demonstrate the best results overcoming lateral hip pain and getting back to full activity versus no treatment at all, patient education only or an injection without exercise.

Ready to Get Started? Here’s How to Find a Hip Bursitis Therapist in Bend, OR

If you have pain in the hip, consider scheduling an appointment with Alpine Physical Therapy. The sooner your hip is evaluated, the sooner you can begin to feel better due to improved mobility and strength. Early intervention results in fewer visits to the PT and a speedier recovery. A referral is not required to receive a PT evaluation in Oregon. However, if subsequent care is needed, we will work with you to get any necessary referrals for future appointments.

At Alpine, our PTs come from various backgrounds and specialties. If you want to say goodbye to hip pain and reduce the risk of it happening again, look no further. We have a team of highly skilled physical therapists who would love to assist you in your recovery.

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