Hip bursitis, now termed “Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome” is part of a problem involving inflammation of the bursa and injury of the related gluteal tendons. The hip bursa is small fluid-filled sacs that separate and reduce friction between muscle and tendon around the hip. The bursae that are most commonly inflamed are the trochanteric bursa, ischial bursa and the iliopsoas bursa. These usually become inflamed as a result of the associated muscles and tendons of the hip becoming strained and injured.
Symptoms may vary but generally include localised pain, tenderness and an inflamed sensation in the soft tissues of the buttock and over the “hip bone”, the bony prominence on the upper outer thigh. Pain can be sharp of searing, or a dull ache. Pain can worsen rising from sitting or lying, getting in and out of the car, climbing stairs or hills, and lying on the affected side causing disturbed sleep.
LLLT WORKS WHERE TAPING, ICING, STRETCHING, MASSAGE, EXERCISES AND
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY MEDICINES INCLUDING CORTISONE INJECTION HAVE ALL FAILED
Most doctors prescribe a course of anti-inflammatory medication alongside regular icing and resting of the affected area as part of treatment for hip bursitis. Modifying your activity and resting the affected area is encouraged for all joint injuries. However icing can do more harm than good. Icing can reduce the amount of oxygen and nutrients delivered to the affected area, reducing blood flow and resulting in a slowed tissue healing process. This can also prevent waste products and toxins from draining effectively.
Anti-inflammatory medication can mildly reduce inflammation temporarily initially but paradoxically also reduce the tissue healing response as well as causing a multitude of side effects in other organs systems, in the body. They should not be used for more than a few days. Read more here.
Corticosteroid (cortisone) injections are commonly used as a treatment for hip bursitis, but do have the potential to create side effects such as pain at the injection site, nerve damage, skin discolouration and infection and tendon damage are also possible. They also do not promote tissue healing of the underlying gluteus group of tendons which accompany the bursitis and can hinder the healing process.
Sufferers are usually commenced on a strengthening exercise program. Introduced too early when tissue are inflamed and in pain, exercise and loading can work adversely and worsen symptoms.
Patients who seek our help have often tried all of the above, to no avail.
To assist you, Laser Pain Therapy offers Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) as a primary treatment for patients with hip bursitis/gluteal tendinopathy to effectively address this condition. Cellular repair is promoted and the body’s cells are energised by applying low powers of red and near infrared laser light to inflamed tissue and injured areas. LLLT treatment is an effective way to reduce inflammation in bursae and in the surrounding affected muscles, tendons, joints and soft tissue. Rehabilitation exercise is introduced gradually as pain and inflammation reduce. Speak to our clinic today to learn more about this safe, pain-free and affordable option.
For costs click here.
Contact our clinic today to find out how Low Level Laser Therapy can help you manage your hip bursitis.
Suite 8, 200 Toorak Rd, South Yarra, VIC 3141
Mon: 9:00am – 6:00pm (later by arrangement)
Tue: 9:00am – 6:00pm (office only)
Wed: 9:00am – 6:00pm (later by arrangement)
Thur: 9:00am – 2:00pm
Frid: 9:00am – 6.00pm (later by arrangement)
