Physical Therapy in Congress Park, Denver Downtown, Central Park, and Highlands Area for Hip
Welcome to Atlas Physical Therapy's patient resource about Trochanteric Bursitis of the Hip.
A common spot for bursitis is on the side of the hip. Here a large tendon passes over the bony bump on the side of the hip. The bony bump is called the greater trochanter. Inflammation in the bursa between the tendon and the greater trochanter is called trochanteric bursitis. This problem is common in older individuals. It may also occur in younger patients who are extremely active in exercises such as walking, running, or biking.
This guide will help you understand the following:
how trochanteric bursitis develops
how doctors diagnose the condition
what treatments are available
Hear from some of our patients who we treated for Hip Pain
“
I can't thank Alex, Angela and Heather enough! 3 years ago I was barely able to walk after a hip replacement. Now I am a competitive cyclist. They have done a great job keep me healthy and pain free... ”
“ I can't thank Alex, Angela and Heather enough! 3 years ago I was barely able to walk after a hip replacement. Now I am a competitive cyclist. They have done a great job keep me healthy and pain free since 2014 ”
“
I have been going to Atlas Physical Therapy for years, alas for different body parts. Each time I have gone, for various body parts (knee, shoulder, and now hip), Atlas has been there for me. You... ”
“ I have been going to Atlas Physical Therapy for years, alas for different body parts. Each time I have gone, for various body parts (knee, shoulder, and now hip), Atlas has been there for me. You won't regret it. Hope to (not) see you there - to your health! ”
“
Somehow at the ripe age of 35, I’ve had a lot of issues and I’ve worked with a lot of acupuncturists and chiropractors over the years with varied results and satisfaction rates. I’ve been seeing... ”
“ Somehow at the ripe age of 35, I’ve had a lot of issues and I’ve worked with a lot of acupuncturists and chiropractors over the years with varied results and satisfaction rates. I’ve been seeing Luke off and on since 2015 and I feel safe when I’m under Luke’s care.. I know when I leave I will always be better than when I entered. I started seeing him due to chronic neck issues and continued to see Luke when I tweaked my shoulder. Both issues are on-going, but that’s because I play hard and haven’t gone to see Luke in quite some time. He was my primary choice when I eventually had hip reconstruction. He was patient with me after that surgery yet he pushed me when I didn’t want to work any more which led to a better recovery than I could have had otherwise. Luke is friendly, thoughtful, and in most importantly in this role, he is competent. Just scheduled my first appointment in a while and felt that a review was in order to help others make a decision if they were on the fence while choosing a great PT. Thanks for all you’ve done for me. See ya next week :) ”
“
Amanda was great! She helped me with my lower back pain with various types of treatments (dry needling really helped my back). I didn’t think my back could get better having a toddler climb all... ”
“ Amanda was great! She helped me with my lower back pain with various types of treatments (dry needling really helped my back). I didn’t think my back could get better having a toddler climb all over me all the time, but it turned out some exercises targeted to my hips and back were the trick. Hopefully I don’t have to go back, but if I do, I will definitely come back to Amanda. ”
“
I am a runner and runners sometimes get hurt! Alex has magic hands. The man has helped me get through plantar fasciitis on both feet, hip and knee issues and a pulled hamstring! All while keeping it... ”
“ I am a runner and runners sometimes get hurt! Alex has magic hands. The man has helped me get through plantar fasciitis on both feet, hip and knee issues and a pulled hamstring! All while keeping it fun and just being an amazing coach. If something ails you- go see him! He has magic hands and will get you back on track in no time ”
“
After experiencing shoulder and hip pain for a few months while swimming and running, I came to Atlas Congress Park looking for help. My pain was keeping me out of the pool and regularly truncating my... ”
“ After experiencing shoulder and hip pain for a few months while swimming and running, I came to Atlas Congress Park looking for help. My pain was keeping me out of the pool and regularly truncating my runs.
My experience at Atlas was excellent. The office was clean and comfortable, there was always parking in the lot, the entire team was efficient and helpful. My physical therapist, Brett, was especially great. He was evidently knowledgeable and invested in my recovery. He used several approaches and techniques to make the most of each appointment, including targeted massage, mobility training, and strength exercises. Beyond his professional aptitude and competence, Brett is also a genuinely great guy. His affable, warm nature made the recovery process enjoyable. The whole team was great, including my trainer Will.
Physically, I am noticing significant improvement in both my hip and shoulder. With the support of the team at Atlas, and the skills I've been taught, I expect this improvement to continue. I can't recommend the practice enough! ”
“
Laura has been a godsend for me and has helped put me back together more than once! I came in when I was pregnant for a hip issues, then post pregnancy for a foot issue. Both situations I was treated... ”
“ Laura has been a godsend for me and has helped put me back together more than once! I came in when I was pregnant for a hip issues, then post pregnancy for a foot issue. Both situations I was treated wonderfully by the administrative staff and the physical therapist. The new location is key, parking is ample. The are communicative, timely and most importantly, work wonders on what ails you! ”
“
When I first started going to PT, ahead of hip surgery, I went to another local clinic. I was one of 6 people the therapist was working with at the same time. I felt like a number - as if that clinic... ”
“ When I first started going to PT, ahead of hip surgery, I went to another local clinic. I was one of 6 people the therapist was working with at the same time. I felt like a number - as if that clinic was just trying to get as many people as possible in the door. I did not feel important nor very respected. That all changed when I found Body in Balance (which I discovered by walking in front of their building) and Lara, the therapist I worked with, was SO amazing (but I think they all likely are based on observations while I was there). From the moment I walked in to inquire about their services, I felt like I was important. They are a small office, that really focuses on patient health. A previous reviewer complained about phone coverage needing to be better -- I never found this to be an issue. Yes, if I got their voicemail I’d leave a message and would always hear back within a very short period of time. The entire team there works extremely hard to ensure patients come first and are a priority. Lara was incredible - very reassuring, assisting me with staying within my limits and then pushing me beyond those once I was ready (or once I should have been ready). Post-surgery, they did everything they could to help me navigate the facility, and constantly checked in with me at each visit. The entire team there is friendly, and full of hard work ethic and devotion to client care. You absolutely cannot go wrong with Body in Balance. Oh, and by the way - each therapist only works with one patient at a time - so you feel incredibly cared for and special. ”
“
I have worked with Alex Lanton to resolve a torn rotator cuff and labral tear in my hip which eventually created back pain. Alex is wonderful, incredibly knowledgable and practical in his approach... ”
“ I have worked with Alex Lanton to resolve a torn rotator cuff and labral tear in my hip which eventually created back pain. Alex is wonderful, incredibly knowledgable and practical in his approach to healing. I’ve never moved better, am working back into a rigorous exercise routine and with Alex’s help have exceeded my expectations about the type of activity I can now enjoy injury free. I highly recommend Alex if you want to resume pain free activity! ”
“
This is a great place to get therapy.I broke my hip recently.Went to Littleton hospital,then great therapy at Encompasse.Refered to Atlas.They are very good too.Convenient hrs and near my apartment. ”
“ This is a great place to get therapy.I broke my hip recently.Went to Littleton hospital,then great therapy at Encompasse.Refered to Atlas.They are very good too.Convenient hrs and near my apartment. ”
“
I had hip labrum reconstruction. Andrea Guevara DFT was very knowledgeable in all the aspects of the surgery and my rehabilitation. She and her team at Atlas Central Park helped me with my bi-weekly... ”
“ I had hip labrum reconstruction. Andrea Guevara DFT was very knowledgeable in all the aspects of the surgery and my rehabilitation. She and her team at Atlas Central Park helped me with my bi-weekly PT. They provided instruction and increased my exercises to literally get me walking and skiing again. I highly recommend Andrea and Atlas PT. ”
“
Andrea at Atlas Physical Therapy in Central Park was fantastic. She was able to quickly identify exactly the kind of exercises I needed for rehab from my hip replacement surgery. Continuing those... ”
“ Andrea at Atlas Physical Therapy in Central Park was fantastic. She was able to quickly identify exactly the kind of exercises I needed for rehab from my hip replacement surgery. Continuing those exercises at home greatly sped up my recovery. I would recommend her to anyone seeking Physical Therapy. ”
“
I am so glad that I came to atlas physical therapy. I met with Andrea at the Central Park office. She was very knowledgeable and thorough. I was worried that my knee problem was something serious but... ”
“ I am so glad that I came to atlas physical therapy. I met with Andrea at the Central Park office. She was very knowledgeable and thorough. I was worried that my knee problem was something serious but she found that it was actually a problem with my hips and could be alleviated with a couple of sessions plus some at-home exercises. After a few exercises in the office I was able to easily walk up and down stairs which I hadn’t been able to do previously without pain. I am so thankful to be able to move around easily and pain-free again! We really do take that for granted until we can’t do it. Thank you Andrea and Atlas PT! ”
“
Have had a great experience at Atlas Physical Therapy. The exercises that my therapists have given me to do at home have helped relieve the pain in my back and hips. What I really like are my... ”
“ Have had a great experience at Atlas Physical Therapy. The exercises that my therapists have given me to do at home have helped relieve the pain in my back and hips. What I really like are my therapists and how they treat me. Both Chynna and Victoria explain the reasons for the exercises. and answer any questions that I have.
Atlas Physical Therapy is both a professional and friendly environment. Hi highly recommended them. ”
Where is the trochanteric bursa, and what does it do?
The hip joint is one of the true ball-and-socket joints of the body. The hip socket is called the acetabulum and forms a deep cup that surrounds the ball of the upper thigh bone (femur), or femoral head. Thick muscles of the buttock at the back and the thick muscles of the thigh in the front surround the hip.
The greater trochanter is the large bump on the outside of the upper end of the femur. This bump is the point where the large buttock muscles that move the hip connect to the femur. The gluteus maximus is the largest of these muscles. It attaches lower down on the femur.
Where friction occurs between muscles, tendons, and bones, there is usually a structure called a bursa. A bursa is a thin sac of tissue that contains fluid to lubricate the area and reduce friction. The bursa is a normal structure. The body will even produce a bursa in response to friction.
Sometimes a bursa can become inflamed (swollen and irritated) because of too much friction or because of an injury to the bursa. An inflamed bursa can cause pain because movement makes the structures around the bursa rub against it.
Friction can build in the bursa during walking if the long tendon on the side of the thigh is tight. It is unclear what causes this tightening of the tendon.
The gluteus maximus attaches to this long tendon. As you walk, the gluteus maximus pulls this tendon over the greater trochanter with each step. When the tendon is tight, it rubs against the bursa.
The rubbing causes friction to build in the bursa, leading to irritation and inflammation. Friction can also start if the outer hip muscle (gluteus medius) is weak, if one leg is longer than the other, or if you run on banked (slanted) surfaces.
Animation of rubbing on the bursa
Most cases of trochanteric bursitis appear gradually with no obvious underlying injury or cause. Trochanteric bursitis can occur after artificial replacement of the hip joint or other types of hip surgery. The cause may be a combination of changes in the way the hip works, the way it is aligned, or the way scar tissue has formed from the healing incision.
A fall on the hip can cause bleeding into the bursa, forming a hematoma. The bleeding is not serious, but the bursa may react to the blood by becoming inflamed. The inflammation causes the bursa to become thickened over time. This thickening, constant irritation, and inflammation may result in the condition becoming chronic, or long lasting.
Symptoms
What does the condition feel like?
The first symptom of trochanteric bursitis is usually pain. The pain can be felt in the area of the hip right over the bump that forms the greater trochanter. Eventually the pain may radiate down the outside of the thigh. As the problem progresses, the symptoms produce a limp when walking and stiffness in the hip joint. Eventually, the pain will also be present at rest and may even cause a problem with sleeping.
Diagnosis
At Atlas Physical Therapy, diagnosis of trochanteric bursitis begins with a history and physical examination. The physical examination will be done to determine how much stiffness you have in the hip and if you have a limp. Further physical tests may be done to rule out other causes of your hip pain. Our Physical Therapist will also want to know when the pain began and which motions cause the pain.
Some patients may be referred to a doctor for further diagnosis. Once your diagnostic examination is complete, the Physical Therapists at Atlas Physical Therapy have treatment options that will help speed your recovery, so that you can more quickly return to your active lifestyle.
Atlas Physical Therapy provides services for Physical Therapy in Congress Park, Denver Downtown, Central Park, and Highlands Area.
Our Treatment
Non-surgical Rehabilitation
At Atlas Physical Therapy, treatment of trochanteric bursitis usually begins with simple measures used to calm inflammation, and may include heat or ice applications. Our Physical Therapist uses hands-on treatment and stretching to help restore your full hip range of motion. Improving strength and coordination in the buttock and hip muscles enables the femur to move in the socket smoothly and can help reduce friction on the bursa. Time required for recovery and rehabilitation varies for each patient, but as a guideline, you may expect to attend Physical Therapy sessions for four to six weeks before full motion and function return.
Younger patients who have this condition because of overuse can usually be treated by reducing their activities or changing the way they do their activities. Decreased activity, combined with our exercise Physical Therapy program of stretching and strengthening, and perhaps a brief course of anti-inflammatory medications, will usually resolve the problem. Patients may also want to consult with their doctor or pharmacist regarding the use of pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication.
Although the vast majority of our patients with trochanteric bursitis never require surgery, if you do, the Physical Therapists at Atlas Physical Therapy can provide a personalized post-surgical Physical Therapy program to help speed your recovery so that you can more quickly return to your active lifestyle.
Post-surgical Rehabilitation
If you have surgery, your hip will be bandaged with a well-padded dressing. Although the amount of Physical Therapy a patient needs relates to his or her own speed of recovery, as a general rule, you may expect to attend Physical Therapy sessions at Atlas Physical Therapy for up to two months after surgery.
Our first few treatment sessions will focus on controlling the pain and swelling after surgery. We will then have you begin exercises that gradually stretch and strengthen the muscles around the hip joint. Our Physical Therapist will help you retrain these muscles to keep the ball of the femur moving smoothly in the socket. We will also provide you with tips on ways to do your activities without straining the hip joint.
At Atlas Physical Therapy, our goal is to help speed your recovery so that you can more quickly return to your everyday activities. When your recovery is well under way, regular visits to our office will end. Although we will continue to be a resource, you will be in charge of doing your exercises as part of an ongoing home program.
Atlas Physical Therapy provides services for Physical Therapy in Congress Park, Denver Downtown, Central Park, and Highlands Area.
Physician Review
Your physician may order X-rays to make sure that there are no other abnormalities in the hip. X-rays will usually not show trochanteric bursitis. If X-rays are suggested, they are to rule out other problems that may be causing your hip pain. Sometimes it is difficult to tell whether the pain you are suffering is from trochanteric bursitis or underlying arthritis of the hip joint. An X-ray may give more information about the condition of the hip joint itself.
An injection of a local anesthetic into the bursa can also help your doctor diagnose trochanteric bursitis. If the injection removes the pain immediately, then the diagnosis is probably trochanteric bursitis. Most physicians will also add a bit of cortisone medication to the novocaine to help treat the condition at the same time. Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication. It can reduce swelling and pain when injected directly into the bursa. The injection will probably not cure the problem. But it may control the symptoms for months.
Surgery
Surgery is rarely needed to treat trochanteric bursitis. When all else fails and the pain is disabling, your doctor may recommend surgery. Several types of surgical procedures are available to treat trochanteric bursitis.
The primary goal of all procedures designed to treat this condition is to remove the thickened bursa, to remove any bone spurs that may have formed on the greater trochanter, and to relax the large tendon of the gluteus maximus. Some surgeons prefer to simply lengthen the tendon a bit, and some prefer to remove a section of the tendon that rubs directly on the greater trochanter. Both procedures give good results.
The hip joint is one of the true ball-and-socket joints of the body. The hip socket is called the acetabulum and forms a deep cup that surrounds the ball of the upper thigh bone (femur), or femoral head. Thick muscles of the buttock at the back and the thick muscles of the thigh in the front surround the hip.
Why do I have this problem?
