Summary

Hip bursitis, also known as greater trochanteric pain syndrome, is a condition characterised by pain in the outer hip. Clients describe it as aching or sharp discomfort that worsens with walking, climbing stairs, or lying on the affected hip. 

The condition affects 1.8 to 5.6 people per 1000 per year, and is most common in women aged 40 to 60. However, runners, footballers and dancers can experience it at any age¹.

Bursitis typically involves inflammation of the tendons and soft tissues around the hip, as well as the fluid-filled bursae. Physiotherapy and targeted rehabilitation can help ease the pain and prevent recurrence. The White House Clinic provides expert care for hip bursitis across 14 locations in South Yorkshire, North East Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

An overview of hip bursitis

The hip contains several small fluid-filled sacs called bursae. The bursae act as cushions, reducing friction between bones and soft tissues. The greater trochanter is where several muscles and tendons attach. Greater trochanteric pain syndrome develops when the tendons, bursae and surrounding tissues on the hip become overloaded or irritated. 

Hip bursitis symptoms

Symptoms often develop gradually and may fluctuate depending on activity levels. Symptoms of greater trochanteric pain syndrome can vary but commonly include:

• Pain on the outer side of the hip
• Hip pain when walking or standing for longer periods
• Pain when lying on the affected side
• Tenderness over the outside of the hip
• Pain that may spread into the thigh or buttock

Causes of hip bursitis

Repeated strain over time is the cause of hip bursitis. Contributing factors include changes in activity levels, reduced hip strength, altered walking patterns, or prolonged pressure on the outer hip. 

Activities such as running, gym-based exercise and cycling can aggravate symptoms if you increase the load too quickly. However, you can usually safely return to these activities with guidance from a physiotherapist.  

When to see someone for hip bursitis

If your outer hip pain has lasted more than a few weeks, is getting worse, or is affecting your sleep, walking or daily activities, you should seek professional help. 

It’s important to remain active with hip bursitis and avoid prolonged rest. Physiotherapy can help you get moving again and provide a clear plan to manage symptoms and support recovery. At the White House Clinic, you can book a physiotherapy appointment without a referral, giving you faster access to the care you need. 

What to do if you have outer hip pain

Remaining active within comfortable limits is important when you have hip bursitis. Avoiding movement entirely can lead to weakness and stiffness, which may prolong symptoms.

Simple steps may include modifying activities that aggravate pain, avoiding sleeping on the affected side and managing load during exercise. Low-impact activity is often better tolerated initially, with a gradual return to running or gym-based exercise as symptoms improve. A physiotherapist can guide you on the right movements to focus on to help you get back to the exercise you enjoy. 

Treatment for hip bursitis

Treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving hip control and restoring normal movement. At the White House Clinic, this may include:

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is central to managing greater trochanteric pain syndrome. A physiotherapist will assess hip strength, movement and walking patterns before developing a personalised rehabilitation programme. The targeted exercise they prescribe will help strengthen the muscles around the hip and pelvis, improving stability and reducing stress on irritated tissues. The team will progress your exercises gradually and help you return to your chosen sport.

Shockwave therapy

Shockwave therapy can help heal the affected tissues, reducing pain and improving function.

Diagnostic Ultrasound assessment

Your physiotherapist may advise the use of diagnostic ultrasound to support diagnosis and guide treatment. At the White House Clinic we have state-of-the-art equipment that can  assess the soft tissues around the hip in more detail.

Injection therapy  

Corticosteroid injections, available at the White House Clinic, can help reduce inflammation and pain from hip bursitis. While the effects from injections are temporary, they can give you enough pain relief to continue with your physiotherapy.  

Pilates

Pilates-based rehabilitation can help improve hip control, core strength, and movement awareness.

Who is affected by hip bursitis?

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome can affect adults of all ages. Hip bursitis affects people who suddenly increase the load on the hip, increase distance or pace too soon, individuals who are weak in the hip and buttocks and people who lead an inactive lifestyle, or are overweight. Hip bursitis is also linked to hormone changes. 

Reducing the risk of hip bursitis returning

Hip bursitis is a painful and frustrating condition that can impact your daily activities and sleep. We understand the importance of preventing the condition from returning. We suggest gradually increasing activity levels and focusing on maintaining strength in the hips and pelvis. With appropriate management and rehabilitation, most people return to normal activities and manage hip bursitis effectively over the long term.

References

• ‍NHS Inform
• ‍NICE

¹ https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/greater-trochanteric-pain-syndrome/background-information/incidence-prevalence/ 

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