Greater Trochanteric Bursitis is one of the most common causes of hip pain. Pain will be described as originating on the outside of the hip and may radiate into the buttock and thigh area. The cause of the lateral hip pain will be due to inflammation of the bursa as a result of prolonged pressure on the bursa through lying on the affected side or rubbing caused by a tight IT band.
This condition is seen a lot in people who cycle or run consistently or an individual who regularly sleeps on one side. The individual’s pain will increase when he or she moves the hip to the side (abduction), when the hip is stretched inwards (adduction) or with direct pressure on the Greater Trochanter (outside bone on the hip).
As mentioned earlier, rubbing of a tight IT band may contribute to inflammation of the bursa. This tightness may be a compensation for weakness of the gluteus medius muscle (buttock muscle on the side of the hip). Gluteal weakness is a cornerstone symptom in many people who present with lateral hip pain.
Several different physiotherapy interventions have been found to be helpful in managing Greater Trochanteric Bursitis including: soft tissue release for tight structures including the IT band, acupuncture, cupping, as well as an individualized home exercise program to address the underlying muscle imbalances.
If you are suffering from hip pain, I can help guide you through a structured physiotherapy program to help with your symptoms.
References
Allison et al Hip Abductor Muscle Weakness in Individuals with Gluteal Tendinopathy. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2016 Mar;48(3):346-52.
Lustenberger et al Efficacy of Treatment of Trochanteric Bursitis: A systematic Review. Clin J Sport Med. 2011 Sep 21(5): 447-453
