Hip Bursitis
When hip pain disrupts your every move, hip bursitis may be to blame. In this article, we will discuss what hip bursitis is, what causes it, how it’s diagnosed, and the ways in which physical therapy can help.
Contact the experts at Paspa Physical Therapy in Manhattan, NY, today for one-on-one care that focuses on helping you recover and return to a pain-free life!
What is Hip Bursitis?
Hip bursitis occurs when the bursa, small fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between the hip joint and surrounding tissues, become inflamed. This inflammation can cause significant discomfort, particularly when pressure is applied to the hip or during movements like walking or sitting. The two main types of hip bursitis are trochanteric bursitis and iliopsoas bursitis, both of which involve different bursae around the hip joint.
What Causes Hip Bursitis?
Several factors can lead to hip bursitis. Repetitive motions or prolonged pressure on the hip joint are common causes.
For example, activities like running, climbing stairs, or sitting for long periods on hard surfaces can irritate the hip bursa. Other causes include trauma to the hip, such as a fall or injury, and underlying conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, which can inflame the soft tissues around the joints.
Muscle imbalances or weaknesses in the hip muscles can also contribute to bursitis by increasing stress on the hip joint. In some cases, hip bursitis may develop without a clear cause.
How is Hip Bursitis Diagnosed?
A healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms and medical history to diagnose hip bursitis. They may ask about when the pain started, the activities that trigger it, and whether any specific positions worsen or relieve the pain. Physical therapists will also perform a physical examination, checking for tenderness around the hip bursa, range of motion limitations, and signs of inflammation.
In some cases, imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs may be ordered to rule out other conditions, such as fractures or arthritis, and to confirm the diagnosis.
How Can Physical Therapy Help Hip Bursitis?
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing hip bursitis. At Paspa Physical Therapy, patients receive one-on-one care from experienced physical therapists, ensuring a personalized and focused treatment plan. A physical therapist will design an individualized rehabilitation program to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and restore function to the affected hip.
Treatment typically includes manual therapy, such as massage and soft tissue mobilization, to reduce tension and inflammation around the hip bursa. Additionally, your physical therapist may guide you through specific exercises to strengthen hip muscles, improve joint stability, and prevent further irritation.
At Paspa Physical Therapy, patients benefit from working with a licensed therapist every session; there are no aides or trainers involved in your care. This approach ensures that your therapy is tailored to your progress, allowing for the best possible recovery.
Hip Bursitis Exercises
A key part of managing hip bursitis is performing exercises that target the hip rotator muscles, hip flexors, and surrounding soft tissues. These exercises are designed to strengthen and stretch the muscles, providing support to the hip joint and relieving pressure on the inflamed bursa.
Here are some common exercises that your physical therapist may incorporate into your treatment plan:
- Hip Rotator Stretch: This stretch targets the muscles that rotate the hip. Lie on your back with your knees bent. Cross one ankle over the opposite knee and gently pull the bent knee toward your chest, feeling a stretch in your hip.
- Iliotibial Band Stretch: Standing upright, cross one leg behind the other and lean toward the opposite side, stretching the outer hip and iliotibial band, which runs along the side of the thigh.
- Clamshell Exercise: Lie on your side with your knees bent. Keeping your feet together, raise your top knee without moving your pelvis, strengthening the hip rotators.
- Bridges: Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips off the ground, engaging your glutes and hamstrings to strengthen the muscles that support the hip joint.
These exercises should be done under the guidance of a physical therapist to ensure proper form and progression.
Your Path to Recovery at Paspa Physical Therapy
If you are dealing with hip bursitis pain, early and effective treatment is essential. At Paspa Physical Therapy, we offer individualized care from experienced physical therapists who specialize in treating hip bursitis.
Our facility features a full gym and private treatment rooms, ensuring you receive the highest quality care in a comfortable and supportive environment. Unlike many clinics, we do not use aides or trainers to perform physical therapy; our therapists work one-on-one with every patient.
Don’t let hip bursitis pain slow you down. Schedule an appointment with our expert physical therapists in Manhattan, New York, today and take the first step toward relieving pain and restoring your hip function!
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