Hip Bursitis Physiotherapy & Myotherapy in Kilsyth

At Physio Elements, we provide evidence-based physiotherapy and myotherapy treatment for hip bursitis, helping patients reduce pain, improve mobility, and return to daily activities, work, exercise, and sport.

Hip bursitis is a common cause of pain on the outside of the hip and can affect people of all ages. It often develops gradually due to repetitive stress, prolonged pressure, or irritation of the bursa, making activities such as walking, climbing stairs, exercising, or sleeping uncomfortable. Our team focuses on identifying the underlying cause of your symptoms and creating a personalised
treatment plan to support both short-term relief and long-term recovery.

What is Hip Bursitis?

A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that helps reduce friction between muscles, tendons, and bones. Hip bursitis occurs when one of the bursae around the hip becomes irritated or inflamed. The most commonly affected bursa is the greater trochanteric bursa, located on the outside of the hip. The condition is often associated with pain over the outer hip and may occur alongside tendon
irritation, particularly involving the gluteal tendons. In many cases, what was previously diagnosed as bursitis may also involve gluteal tendinopathy or weakness around the hip and pelvis.

What Causes Hip Bursitis?

Hip bursitis can develop from a variety of contributing factors, including:

• Repetitive walking or running
• Prolonged standing
• Increased exercise loads
• Direct pressure on the hip
• Sleeping on one side
• Gluteal tendon irritation
• Muscle weakness around the hip
• Poor pelvic stability
• Lower back dysfunction
• Previous hip injuries
• Leg length differences
• Osteoarthritis
• Postural factors

Symptoms often develop gradually over time rather than from a single injury.

What Are the Symptoms of Hip Bursitis?

Common symptoms may include:

• Pain on the outside of the hip
• Tenderness when touching the hip
• Pain when lying on the affected side
• Pain during walking
• Discomfort climbing stairs
• Pain when standing for long periods
• Pain after exercise
• Stiffness after inactivity
• Pain when getting out of a chair
• Reduced hip function

Symptoms may fluctuate depending on activity levels and can sometimes become persistent if left untreated.

Why Does Hip Bursitis Hurt at Night?

Many people with hip bursitis report increased pain when sleeping. Lying directly on the affected side can place pressure on the irritated bursa, increasing discomfort. Even sleeping on the opposite side may aggravate symptoms if the top leg places tension through the outer hip structures. Modifying sleeping positions and addressing contributing factors can often help reduce night-time
symptoms.

How Do We Diagnose Hip Bursitis?

Several hip conditions can cause similar symptoms, including gluteal tendinopathy, hip osteoarthritis, lower back referral, and muscle strains. During your assessment, we may evaluate:

• Hip range of motion
• Muscle strength
• Walking patterns
• Pelvic stability
• Gluteal tendon involvement
• Lower back function
• Functional movement patterns
• Activity and training loads

A thorough assessment helps ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Physiotherapy for Hip Bursitis

Physiotherapy aims to reduce pain, improve hip function, and address the factors contributing to irritation around the hip.
Treatment may include:

• Comprehensive assessment
• Exercise rehabilitation
• Hip strengthening programs
• Load management strategies
• Mobility exercises
• Activity modification
• Dry needling
• Joint mobilisation
• Movement retraining
• Education and self-management strategies

Treatment focuses on restoring normal movement patterns while improving the hip’s ability to tolerate daily activities and exercise.

Myotherapy for Hip Bursitis

Myotherapy focuses on reducing muscular tension and improving movement around the hip and pelvis.
Treatment may include:

• Soft tissue massage
• Trigger point therapy
• Dry needling
• Myofascial release
• Cupping therapy
• Muscle release techniques
• Stretching techniques
• Mobility work
• Postural assessment

Myotherapy may help relieve tension in surrounding muscles while supporting overall recovery and movement quality.

Can Exercise Help Hip Bursitis?

Yes. Appropriate exercise is often an important part of recovery. A structured exercise program may help:

• Improve hip strength
• Increase pelvic stability
• Improve walking tolerance
• Reduce stress on irritated structures
• Improve movement efficiency
• Support long-term recovery
• Reduce recurrence risk

Exercises should be individualised and progressed according to symptoms and functional goals.

Hip Bursitis in Active Individuals

Hip bursitis commonly affects:

• Walkers
• Runners
• Tennis players
• Footballers
• Golfers
• Gym-goers
• Active adults

Repetitive loading through the hip can contribute to irritation when recovery, strength, or training loads are not adequately managed. Our team works with active individuals to help them remain active while recovering safely.

When Should You Seek Treatment?

You should consider professional assessment if you experience:

• Persistent hip pain
• Pain affecting sleep
• Difficulty walking
• Pain during exercise
• Recurring symptoms
• Reduced mobility
• Hip weakness
• Pain climbing stairs
• Symptoms that continue to worsen
• Pain that has not improved with rest

Early treatment may help prevent symptoms from becoming more persistent and limiting.

What Can I Do at Home for Hip Bursitis?

Helpful self-management strategies may include:

• Avoiding prolonged pressure on the hip
• Modifying aggravating activities
• Staying gently active
• Improving hip strength
• Managing training loads
• Using pillows for sleeping support
• Following prescribed exercises
• Improving movement habits
• Gradually returning to activity

The most appropriate approach depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms and individual presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hip Bursitis Treatment in Kilsyth

At Physio Elements, we provide personalised physiotherapy and myotherapy treatment for hip bursitis, helping patients reduce pain, improve movement, restore strength, and return to normal activities.

We regularly assist patients from Kilsyth, Kilsyth South, Mooroolbark, Montrose, Croydon,Ringwood, Lilydale, Bayswater, and surrounding suburbs seeking effective treatment for hip pain and mobility issues.

Whether your symptoms are recent or ongoing, our team can help guide your recovery with evidence-based assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation.

This page has been reviewed by Nisha Monte Cruz, Physiotherapist at Physio Elements, Kilsyth. Master of Physiotherapy (Orthopaedics, Sports & Manual Therapy), University of South Australia.