Exercises for Bursitis of the Hip

Hip bursitis involves irritation of a fluid-filled cushion near the outer hip. Repeated side-lying, stair climbing, running, or direct pressure can aggravate it. Early movement may include a comfortable walk on level ground, gentle hip range-of-motion work, and isometric glute squeezes. A physiotherapist can check whether weakness, altered walking, or limited control is adding load to the area.

Start with movements that keep pain mild and do not produce a lasting increase later that day or the next morning. Try bridge exercises, supported standing hip abduction, and slow sit-to-stands if they are comfortable. Keep the pelvis level and avoid dropping the hip during single-leg tasks. Increase repetitions or resistance gradually, one change at a time. Avoid stretching aggressively across the painful outer hip and avoid lying on that side until pressure is comfortable. [Joint Swelling](/symptoms/joint-swelling/) may need separate assessment if visible swelling develops.

Arrange an assessment if pain limits sleep, walking, or normal stairs, or if symptoms do not settle with activity changes. Seek prompt medical help for fever, a hot or markedly red hip, sudden inability to bear weight, or pain after a significant injury. A clinician may discuss [Anti-Inflammatory Medication](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/anti-inflammatory-medication/), [Cortisone Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/cortisone-injection/), or [Joint Aspiration](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/joint-aspiration/) when appropriate.

Ask which exercises fit your current irritability, whether your walking pattern needs correction, and what symptom change should make you pause. Ask how to return to side-lying, running, or longer walks without overloading the hip.