How effective is physiotherapy for trochanteric bursitis?

Trochanteric bursitis, also called greater trochanteric pain syndrome, causes tenderness at the outer side of the hip. The bursa may be irritated alongside the tendons and muscles that stabilise the pelvis, so treatment usually considers the whole hip rather than the bursa alone.

A physiotherapist may assess walking, stair use, single-leg control, hip strength and positions such as lying on the painful side. Early treatment can reduce direct pressure and repeated side-to-side loading. Later, progressive strengthening for the hip and trunk helps the area tolerate walking, stairs, work and sport more comfortably.

Avoid lying directly on the painful side and consider a pillow between the knees if side sleeping is uncomfortable. Temporarily reduce steep hills, repeated stairs or long walks if they clearly flare symptoms, then rebuild them gradually. Do not force stretches that compress the outer hip or repeatedly test a painful single-leg position.

Complete the prescribed strengthening with controlled technique. Useful progress markers include easier dressing, standing, stairs, walking and turning in bed. Let your physiotherapist know if symptoms stay worse into the next day so the load can be adjusted.

Seek prompt medical care for severe hip pain after a fall, inability to bear weight, a hot swollen joint, fever, or new weakness or numbness in the leg. Arrange assessment if pain is worsening, disturbs sleep despite sensible changes, or does not behave like a movement-related outer-hip problem. Other hip or back conditions can feel similar.

Is the pain coming from the bursa, gluteal tendons, the hip joint or the back? Which positions are compressing the outer hip? What walking and strengthening level is appropriate now? How will we decide when hills, stairs, running or side-lying can increase?