Hip Bursitis
Expert care for Hip Bursitis at Gentle Care Chiropractic in West Linn, Oregon.
Understanding Hip Bursitis
Also known as: GTPS, Trochanteric Bursitis, Gluteal Tendinopathy "Hip bursitis" is a diagnosis that's been due for an update, and the research has provided one. While the term suggests inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs over the greater trochanter on the outside of the hip), imaging and histological studies now show that most of these cases are actually gluteal tendinopathy (irritated or degenerating tendons of the gluteus medius and minimus) with or without bursal involvement. This distinction matters because tendinopathy responds best to progressive loading, not prolonged rest or repeated cortisone injections, both of which can weaken tendon tissue over time. Sharp or burning pain on the outside of the hip worsening when lying on that side at night, climbing stairs, standing on one leg, or after prolonged walking is characteristic.
Getting out of a car or crossing your legs often provokes symptoms. Women over 40 are most commonly affected, and weak hip abductors are nearly always part of the picture. We address the whole kinetic chain. Hip, SI joint, and lumbar spine adjustments restore balanced mechanics.
IASTM and soft-tissue work on the ITB, TFL, and lateral hip reduce compression on the tendons. The cornerstone of lasting recovery is progressive gluteus medius and minimus strengthening, slow, controlled loading is what actually rehabilitates tendinopathic tissue. Shockwave therapy has solid evidence for stubborn gluteal tendinopathy. Most patients see steady gains over eight to twelve weeks.
We may recommend: diversified adjustments, extremity adjustments, Graston/IASTM, ART, shockwave therapy, eccentric loading protocol, corrective exercise, orthotics Seek immediate care if: Hip pain follows a fall with inability to bear weight, or you experience fever, redness, and warmth over the hip suggesting infection.
How We Can Help
At Gentle Care Chiropractic, we take a multi-disciplinary approach, addressing the root cause of your condition, not just the symptoms.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Precise spinal and joint corrections to restore alignment, relieve nerve pressure, and reduce pain. Manual or instrument-assisted based on your needs.
Massage Therapy
Therapeutic massage releases muscle tension, improves circulation to injured tissue, and works synergistically with adjustments for faster recovery.
Physical Rehabilitation
Customized exercise programs strengthen supporting muscles, restore range of motion, and help prevent future flare-ups.
Laser Therapy
Cold laser therapy uses targeted light wavelengths to stimulate cellular healing, reduce inflammation, and relieve deep tissue pain without heat or discomfort.
Electrical Stimulation
E-stim therapy reduces pain and muscle spasm, improves circulation, and supports the healing process. Especially effective for acute injuries.
Personalized Care Plan
Every patient is different. We combine these therapies in a plan tailored to your diagnosis, goals, and lifestyle for the best possible outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Hip Bursitis, answered by our team.
Is what I have actually bursitis, or something else in my hip?
The term "hip bursitis" is increasingly considered a misnomer. Imaging and tissue studies now show that most people with lateral hip pain have gluteal tendinopathy — irritation and degeneration of the gluteus medius and minimus tendons — with or without secondary bursal involvement. The distinction matters practically: tendinopathy responds to progressive loading, not prolonged rest or repeated cortisone shots, both of which can weaken the tendon tissue you need to rehabilitate.
Why does the pain wake me up at night when I lie on that side?
When you lie directly on the affected hip, the greater trochanter compresses the gluteal tendons against the bone and the underlying bursa. Sleeping on the painful side or with your top knee dropping forward (adducting the hip) puts the tendons in a compressed, irritated position for hours. Sleeping on your unaffected side with a firm pillow between your knees keeps the hip in a neutral position and significantly reduces night pain for most people.
Will cortisone injections fix this long term?
Cortisone injections can offer meaningful short-term relief — often several weeks of reduced pain and better sleep — which is useful when symptoms are severe. However, repeated injections do not address the underlying tendon degeneration and carry real risks: each injection can weaken tendon tissue and increase the risk of further damage. The LEAP trial evidence shows that progressive loading exercise produces superior long-term outcomes compared to either injections or watchful waiting alone.
Are there specific movements I should avoid while this is healing?
Yes — and this is often overlooked. Compressive load on the gluteal tendons increases when you cross your legs, sit with your knees lower than your hips (deep chairs, car seats), stand on one leg, or walk uphill or on cambered roads. Avoiding end-range hip adduction (bringing the thigh across the midline) is one of the most important early modifications. As you strengthen, these positions become tolerable — but loading them too soon extends recovery.
How long does this realistically take to get better?
With consistent progressive loading and activity modification, most people notice meaningful improvement within 8 to 12 weeks and return to full activity by 3 to 4 months. Chronic cases — particularly those with a long history of cortisone injections or significant tendon thickening on imaging — may take 4 to 6 months. The key driver of timeline is adherence to the loading program; passive treatments alone will not reorganize the tendon tissue.
Ready to Find Relief?
You don't have to live with Hip Bursitis. Our team at Gentle Care Chiropractic is here to help you recover and get back to doing what you love.