By Marty Aime, PT, DPT, OCS, GCS, Emeritus | Office Park Clinic

Trochanteric bursitis—also known as greater trochanteric pain syndrome—is one of the most common causes of outer hip pain. It can make simple activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even lying on your side surprisingly uncomfortable. The good news is that with the right treatment plan, most people make a full recovery, and physical therapy is one of the most effective tools to get you there.

This guide breaks down the structures involved, who’s most at risk, treatment options, and what a typical recovery timeline looks like, all while highlighting why physical therapy is such a powerful part of the healing process.

What Is Trochanteric Bursitis?

Trochanteric bursitis occurs when the bursa (a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions the outer point of your hip called the greater trochanter) becomes irritated or inflamed. Bursae (plural form of bursa) act like natural shock absorbers, reducing friction between bones, tendons, and muscles. When the trochanteric bursa becomes inflamed, the result is pain on the outside of the hip that may radiate down the thigh or into the buttock.

Key Structures Involved

• Greater trochanter: The bony prominence on the outer femur.
• Trochanteric bursa: The cushion that reduces friction between the bone and surrounding soft tissues.
• Iliotibial (IT) band: A long band of connective tissue that can rub against the bursa when tight, contributing to irritation.
• Gluteal tendons: These muscles help stabilize the hip and can become overloaded when weak or strained.

Who Is Most Likely to Develop Trochanteric Bursitis?

While anyone can develop trochanteric bursitis, certain groups are more prone to it:

• Women and adults over 40
• Athletes, especially runners, cyclists, and stair climbers
• People with tight IT bands
• Individuals with hip or spine issues, such as scoliosis or arthritis
• People recovering from hip surgery or those with hip implants
• Workers who perform repetitive motions or stand for long periods

Underlying conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease, gout, or psoriatic arthritis can also increase risk.

Symptoms to Watch For

• Pain on the outside of the hip
• Discomfort when lying on the affected side
• Pain that worsens with walking, climbing stairs, or standing up
• Tenderness to touch over the greater trochanter
• Stiffness or aching after prolonged sitting or activity

Treatment Options for Trochanteric Bursitis

Rest and Activity Modification - Avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms—like long walks, running, or side-lying—gives the bursa time to calm down.

Ice and Anti-Inflammatory Medications - Ice can reduce pain and swelling, while NSAIDs may help manage inflammation (always check with a healthcare provider first).

Assistive Devices - Short-term use of a cane or crutches can reduce pressure on the hip during painful flare-ups.

Corticosteroid Injections - These can provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation, though repeated injections should be limited.

Physical Therapy (The Most Effective Long-Term Solution) - Physical therapy addresses the root causes of bursitis—muscle imbalances, tightness, and movement dysfunction. A PT program may include:

• IT band and hip flexor stretching
• Gluteal strengthening exercises
• Manual therapy to reduce soft tissue tension
• Gait and posture training
• Education on activity modification and prevention strategies

Research consistently shows that physical therapy is highly effective for reducing pain and restoring function in trochanteric bursitis.

What Is the Typical Recovery Timeline?

Recovery varies depending on severity and how quickly treatment begins:

• Mild cases: 2–6 weeks with consistent physical therapy and activity modification
• Moderate cases: 6–12 weeks
• Chronic or recurrent bursitis: Up to several months, especially if underlying issues (like gait abnormalities or weak gluteal muscles) aren’t addressed

Most people experience significant improvement within a few weeks to a few months when following a structured treatment plan.

Why Physical Therapy Is the Best Path to Recovery

Physical therapy doesn’t just treat the symptoms—it corrects the underlying causes. Benefits include:

• Reduced pain and inflammation
• Improved hip strength and stability
• Better flexibility and mobility
• Corrected movement patterns to prevent recurrence
• Faster return to daily activities, work, and exercise

At Peak Performance Physical Therapy, we will tailor your program to your body, your goals, and your lifestyle, ensuring long-term success.