Hip bursitis is a painful condition that affects thousands of people each year, limiting mobility and reducing quality of life. If you’ve ever felt sharp or aching pain on the outside of your hip, particularly when walking, climbing stairs, or lying on your side, you may be suffering from hip bursitis. While traditional medical treatments often focus on medication or even surgery in severe cases, many people are turning to chiropractic care for a more natural, non-invasive approach to healing.
In this article, we’ll explore what hip bursitis is, its common causes, and why chiropractic care is becoming a popular and effective treatment option.
What Is Hip Bursitis?
Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs located throughout the body, acting as cushions between bones and soft tissues like muscles, tendons, and skin. When a bursa becomes inflamed, the condition is known as bursitis. In the hip, the most commonly affected bursa is the trochanteric bursa, located on the outer part of the hip.
Symptoms of Hip Bursitis:
- Pain on the outer hip, especially when lying on the affected side
- Tenderness to touch
- Pain that worsens with walking, climbing stairs, or prolonged standing
- Swelling or warmth around the hip
Common Causes of Hip Bursitis
- Repetitive motion or overuse, such as from running or cycling
- Injury or trauma to the hip
- Poor posture or gait issues
- Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Leg length discrepancies or spinal misalignments
- Previous hip surgeries
Traditional Treatments for Hip Bursitis
Conventional treatment often includes rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy. While these methods can provide temporary relief, they typically address only the symptoms—not the root cause.
This is where chiropractic care comes in as a more holistic and often more sustainable approach.
How Chiropractic Care Helps Hip Bursitis
Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues, especially those involving the spine, joints, and nervous system. For hip bursitis, chiropractors aim not only to relieve pain but also to correct underlying biomechanical imbalances contributing to the inflammation.
1. Restoring Proper Alignment
Chiropractors assess the spine, pelvis, and legs for misalignments that may be placing excess stress on the hip joint. A misaligned spine or pelvis can cause uneven gait patterns, increasing friction on the hip bursa. Through precise chiropractic adjustments, alignment can be restored, allowing the body to move more efficiently and reducing stress on the hip.
2. Reducing Inflammation Naturally
Instead of relying on medications, chiropractors utilize therapies like ultrasound, cold laser therapy, and soft tissue manipulation to reduce inflammation. These treatments promote blood flow, cellular repair, and lymphatic drainage—key components in reducing swelling and healing injured tissues. Shockwave therapy is also a great way to address connective tissue activation, reducing pain, and promoting functionality. Kinesiology tape (RockTape is used at Salt and Spine Chiropractic) is also a great way to potentially reduce any swelling. By attempting to lift fascia, tape can improve blood flow to allow swelling to be reduced.
3. Improving Range of Motion and Flexibility
Hip bursitis often causes limited mobility. Chiropractors use gentle stretching techniques, joint mobilization, and exercises to improve hip flexibility and overall joint function. This helps prevent stiffness and promotes long-term healing.
4. Addressing Gait and Posture Issues
Improper gait or poor posture is a common contributor to hip bursitis. Chiropractors analyze how you walk and stand to identify any mechanical issues. They may suggest orthotics, posture correction exercises, or lifestyle changes to help reduce strain on the hips. We offer functional walking assessments at Salt and Spine Chiropractic to find any discrepancies in your gait. Once identified, our physicians can guide you on the right path to better, healthier movement!
5. Strengthening Surrounding Muscles
Our practitioners incorporate many therapeutic stretches to help prepare the proper musculature for strengthening. Once the range of motion has demonstrated improvement and pains have been reduced, it is important to incorporate strength. Our doctors will add therapeutic exercise to work on muscle re-education and help prevent these pains from returning. A stronger support system around the hip can relieve pressure from the bursa and help prevent future flare-ups.
6. Non-Invasive and Drug-Free
Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of chiropractic care is its non-invasive, drug-free nature. Chiropractic treatment avoids the potential side effects of long-term NSAID use or repeated steroid injections, making it a strong choice for many patients—especially those with chronic conditions or medication sensitivities.
What to Expect During Chiropractic Treatment for Hip Bursitis
Your first visit will typically include a detailed health history, a physical examination, and possibly imaging studies. Your chiropractor will then create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and goals.
Treatment may include:
- Manual adjustments to correct alignment
- Soft tissue work (e.g., massage, myofascial release)
- Therapeutic modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation
- Shockwave therapy
- At-home stretches and strengthening exercises
- Ergonomic and posture recommendations
Most patients begin to feel relief within a few sessions, though chronic or severe cases may require a longer treatment timeline.
Is Chiropractic Care Right for You?
Chiropractic care is generally safe for most people and is particularly beneficial for individuals who prefer a holistic or preventative approach to healthcare. However, if your hip bursitis is due to infection or involves complex structural damage, your chiropractor will refer you to an appropriate medical specialist.
It’s always important to consult with a licensed healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.
Final Thoughts
Hip bursitis can be frustrating and debilitating, but it doesn’t have to take control of your life. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to managing hip bursitis—addressing not just the pain, but the root cause behind it.
By improving alignment, reducing inflammation, and supporting proper movement, chiropractic treatment can help you get back to doing what you love.
If you’re suffering from hip bursitis or chronic hip pain, consider scheduling a consultation with one of our chiropractors!
Contact our offices today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward healing naturally and effectively!
