Pain on the outside of your hip that flares when you lie on that side, climb stairs, or stand up after sitting? That is the classic picture of hip bursitis — common, very treatable, and best addressed before it becomes chronic.
What is hip bursitis?
Bursae are small fluid-filled cushions that reduce friction between tendons, muscles and bone. At the hip, the trochanteric bursa — over the bony point on the outside of your hip — is the one that most often becomes irritated. The result is lateral hip pain, today usually described as greater trochanteric pain syndrome.
Common symptoms
Pain over the outside of the hip, sometimes radiating down the thigh; pain when lying on the affected side at night; discomfort on stairs, after long walks, or when rising from a chair; tenderness when pressing on the bony point of the hip; morning stiffness in the area.
Common causes
Overload from walking, running or prolonged standing; weak gluteal muscles (especially gluteus medius); leg-length differences and gait imbalances; direct pressure or impact; and compensation patterns after knee, ankle or lower-back problems. It is most common in active adults over 40, and in women.
Can it be treated without surgery?
In the vast majority of cases, yes. Hip bursitis responds very well to properly structured conservative treatment. Surgery is reserved for rare chronic cases — and our goal is to make sure you never get there.
How we treat hip bursitis at Medicine Park
After a full assessment of your hip, pelvis and lower back, your plan may include manual therapy to release the structures compressing the bursa, targeted strengthening of the gluteal muscles, gait correction, dry needling for associated trigger points, and practical adjustments to the activities that keep the bursa irritated. We correct the mechanical cause — not just the inflammation.
How long does recovery take?
Recent cases usually improve within 2–4 weeks. Chronic bursitis that has been building for months may need 6–8 weeks of consistent treatment. We give you a realistic timeline after your first visit.
When to seek help
If lateral hip pain wakes you at night, has lasted more than two weeks, or is changing the way you walk — it is time for an assessment. Your first assessment at Medicine Park is free.
