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Hip Bursitis Physiotherapy in Richmond, BC
See below how Richmond Physiotherapist can help you
Hip Bursitis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Hip bursitis is a common cause of pain on the outside of the hip, often felt when lying on your side, walking, or standing for long periods.
It involves irritation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled structure that helps reduce friction between tissues around the hip. When irritated, it can lead to persistent lateral hip pain and discomfort with movement.
Hip bursitis is often associated with muscle imbalances, repetitive strain, or changes in activity levels.
At Richmond Physiotherapist, we provide physiotherapy treatment for hip bursitis in Richmond to help reduce pain and restore comfortable movement.
What Causes Hip Bursitis?
Hip bursitis typically develops over time due to irritation and overload.
Common causes include:
• repetitive walking or running
• prolonged standing
• sleeping on one side
• weak glute muscles
• tight hip muscles
• sudden increase in activity
• poor movement mechanics
These factors increase stress on the outer hip structures.
Symptoms of Hip Bursitis
Symptoms are usually focused on the outer hip.
Common symptoms include:
• pain on the outside of the hip
• tenderness when pressing the area
• pain when lying on the affected side
• discomfort when walking or standing
• stiffness around the hip
• pain during stairs or activity
Symptoms may gradually worsen without treatment.
How Physiotherapy Helps Hip Bursitis
Physiotherapy treatment focuses on reducing irritation and improving hip function.
During your physiotherapy assessment at Richmond Physiotherapist, we evaluate:
• glute strength
• hip movement patterns
• walking mechanics
• muscle tightness
• contributing lower body factors
This helps identify the root cause of the condition.
Physiotherapy Treatments for Hip Bursitis
Physiotherapy treatment focuses on improving tendon capacity and reducing strain on the irritated structures.
Treatment may include:
Manual Therapy
Improves mobility and reduces tension around the hip.
Exercise Rehabilitation
Strengthening exercises for the glutes and hip stabilizers.
Shockwave Therapy
Helpful for chronic lateral hip pain.
Dry Needling / IMS
Releases tight muscles contributing to irritation.
Movement Education
Advice on sleeping position, walking, and activity modification.
These treatments help reduce pain and improve function.
When to See a Physiotherapist
When to See a Physiotherapist for Hip Bursitis
You should consider physiotherapy if:
• pain persists for several weeks
• lying on your side is uncomfortable
• walking increases symptoms
• pain limits activity or exercise
• symptoms are not improving
Early treatment can prevent chronic irritation.
If you are experiencing outer hip pain, physiotherapy can help reduce irritation and restore movement.
Richmond Physiotherapist provides personalized physiotherapy treatment to help you move comfortably and return to activity.
Book your physiotherapy appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my hip bursitis hurt so much when I sleep on my side?
Because you’re lying directly on the inflamed bursa. That bony point on the outside of your hip has very little padding, so all your body weight compresses the irritated tissue all night. A pillow between your knees helps, but honestly the real fix is calming the bursa down and strengthening the glute muscles so they stop overloading it.
Should I get a cortisone shot for hip bursitis or try physio first?
Try physio first. Cortisone can calm the inflammation short term, but it doesn’t fix why the bursa got irritated in the first place. That’s usually a weak glute medius letting the IT band grind over the bone. If we fix the mechanics, most people don’t need the needle.
Can I keep running with hip bursitis?
It depends on how bad it is. If running makes it worse during or after, you’re just feeding the irritation. We usually dial back the mileage, fix your running mechanics and hip strength, then build back up. Running through significant bursitis pain tends to drag the whole thing out for months.
How long does hip bursitis take to heal?
With proper treatment, most cases improve noticeably in 4 to 6 weeks. The stubborn ones that have been there for months take longer because the movement pattern is more ingrained. The people who heal fastest are the ones who actually do their glute strengthening consistently, not just the ones who show up for appointments.
Book an appointment
Your recovery starts with one visit.
Every session is 1-on-1, built around your body and your goals. We bill your insurance directly, so you can focus on getting better.