What Will A Physical Therapist Do For Hip Bursitis?
Hip bursitis is a condition in which the bursae, which are fluid-filled sacs in the joint, become inflamed and irritated. This is generally an overuse injury. It occurs in runners and other athletes who ramp up their training too quickly, and sometimes also in people who work on their feet. The primary symptoms are stiffness and soreness around the outside and back of the hip. This condition can be hard to shake, but physical therapy can go a long way toward helping it heal.
Here are the key things a physical therapy practitioner can do for someone with hip bursitis.
Stretches
The IT band is a band of connective tissue that stretches from the outside of the hip to the outside of the knee. It often becomes tight and rubs on the hip bursae. Thus, keeping it loose is an important step toward allowing hip bursitis to heal. A physical therapist will show you stretches to help keep your IT band loose and supple. Some of these stretches may include:
- Leg lifts in which you cross one leg over your body, stretching the outer thigh
- Bridges, which stretch all of the muscles along the back and outside of your upper legs
- Modified lunges, which loosen the leg all of the way up the thigh and lower back
Strengthening Exercises
Hip bursitis often develops due to weakness in the area. Your glutes, for instance, may be weak, causing your hip joint to take more of the strain. Your hamstrings may also be weak. Therefore, for long-term relief from hip bursitis, you will need to focus on strengthening the muscles around your hips. A physical therapist will evaluate your muscle strength and prescribe exercises to address the areas where you're weak. These may include clamshells, leg lifts, and squats.
Shoe Changes
Your shoes may be playing a role in your hip bursitis. They may not have enough support for your feet and legs, or they might cause you to stand in a way that puts excess pressure on your hips. Your physical therapist will likely ask to see the shoes you're wearing. They may recommend looking for a different pair, giving you guidance on the key features to look for.
If hip bursitis has you down, don't dismay. A physical therapist can really help with this by teaching you the best stretching and strengthening exercises, and also by making some recommendations for shoes.