Bursitis is part of a cluster of hip problems that are known as greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS). This is the fancy name for pain on the outside of the hip, that usually involves the glute muscle tendons, and the hip bursa.
The bursa is a fluid-filled sack that sits underneath the glute muscle tendons, and helps them to glide smoothly over the bone on the side of the hip.
Bursitis is when the hip bursa becomes inflamed and swollen, causing pain to the outside of the hip.
How does GTPS occur?
GTPS usually occurs because the hip stabilising muscles (gluteals) have become weak, which causes a change in the hip tendon structure known as tendinopathy. Tendinopathy can be painful on its own, but often causes bursitis as it can cause compression and irritation of the bursa.
GTPS can also be triggered by hormonal changes such as menopause. Menopause causes the tendons in the hip to become more brittle or less flexible, and more prone to developing tendinopathy and bursitis.
Most of the time it is a combination of the two that causes the problem.
Treatment for GTPS
1. Reduce / modify aggravating activities: try to keep pain 3/10 or less to settle the tendon down.
2. Strengthen the glute muscles- start with isometrics (holds against resistance) and slowly increase to functional movements, such as sit to stand and squats.
3. Do not stretch- this will aggravate tendon pain. Instead use a spikey massage ball to loosen up your glute muscles, and a heat pack can help as well.
Help! It’s not getting better!
If you need additional support, see one of our friendly physiotherapists for a thorough assessment and treatment plan for individualised management.