How to Heal Hip Bursitis Quickly 

Hip pain can affect anyone—from athletes pushing their limits to individuals just trying to get through their daily activities. Among the most common causes of non-injury hip pain is hip bursitis, a condition that can make simple movements uncomfortable if not unbearable.

In all honesty, there’s no “quickest” way to heal from a condition like hip bursitis, only the most effective path to reduced pain for your specific circumstances. With that in mind, physical therapy is a personalized, evidence-based option for people looking for both short- and long-term healing from hip pain.

What is hip bursitis? 

Hip bursitis, which is more specifically called greater trochanteric pain syndrome, involves inflammation of a bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions and reduces friction between the bones and other tissues in the hip.

While not all hip pain is hip bursitis, it is one of the leading causes of hip discomfort that does not result from injury or common chronic conditions like arthritis. The most common type of hip bursitis is trochanteric bursitis. Trochanteric bursitis affects the bursa near the greater trochanter, which is located on the outside of the hip.

By knowing about the symptoms associated with hip bursitis and whether you’re at risk for this condition, you can be a better advocate for your health care options when seeking treatment in both the short and long term.

Symptoms of hip bursitis

Typical signs of bursitis in the hip include a combination of stiffness, achiness, and swelling or a sensation of fullness in the affected areas of the hip. Common areas of pain include:

• The outside of your hip
• The side of your upper thigh
• The buttock area

Pain is often aggravated by specific movements or positions, such as when you:

• Lie on the affected side
• Stand up after prolonged sitting
• Go up or down stairs or perform repetitive hip movements

Recognizing these patterns can help you determine whether bursitis is the likely cause of your discomfort or if another hip condition might be more accurate to describe your experience.

Causes and risk factors of trochanteric bursitis

Understanding what may have triggered your bursitis is a crucial step in both treatment and prevention. Trochanteric bursitis in particular often develops due to a combination of factors, some of which include:

• Repetitive motions
• Previous hip injury or surgery
• Postural issues (misaligned gait)
• Arthritis
• Athletic performance

By identifying and being aware of these risk factors, you can better address the root causes of bursitis and prevent future flare-ups.

How we can treat hip bursitis quickly 

The typical recovery time for hip bursitis is around six weeks, though this can vary among patients and require up to 12 weeks of treatment. While research on specific treatments is somewhat limited, what we do know is that early, proactive care can minimize symptoms and speed up recovery.

Studies on related conditions, including rotator cuff injuries, suggest that low-load exercises paired with temporary lifestyle modifications can be particularly effective for hip bursitis or greater trochanteric pain syndrome. Avoiding excessive strain on the affected hip while gradually strengthening the surrounding muscles tends to yield the best long-term results.

Best practices for treating hip bursitis

• Reduce excessive load: During phases of acute hip pain, both medical research and common sense tells us to avoid activities that worsen your pain (e.g., prolonged stair climbing or high-impact exercise).
• Cold and heat therapy: Use ice packs to reduce inflammation and swelling, and alternate with heat therapy to improve blood flow and reduce stiffness as desired.
• Over-the-counter pain relief: NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage pain, but consult your doctor before use.
• Gradual strengthening exercises: Incorporate exercises focused on building strength and stability in the hip area to support healing (examples below).

Hip bursitis exercise examples 

Consistent strengthening exercises can significantly improve your flexibility, reduce pain, and prevent recurrence. Several simple exercises target the muscles and tendons around the hip, promoting a balanced range of motion and reducing pressure on the bursa.

• Single leg glute bridge
• Clam exercise
• Hip piriformis stretch
• Hip abduction
• Hip hikes 

Please keep in mind that not every hip exercise is recommended for every type of condition. The best way to know whether a treatment will be effective for your hip pain is to talk to a physical therapist and describe both your symptoms and medical history. At Peak Performance Clinics, we make it easy to start finding answers with free screenings and same- or next-day appointments.

The quickest path to recovery starts with a one-on-one consultation

With timely action and targeted care, your recovery from hip bursitis can be both effective and efficient. For the quickest path to recovery, get started today with a personalized plan that considers your unique needs and goals. At Peak Performance, we specialize in same-day or next-day appointments when possible to help you heal hip bursitis quickly and get back to doing what you love. Take the first step by calling a nearby clinic or requesting an appointment online today.