Pain on the outside of the hip can make walking, climbing stairs, sleeping on your side, exercising, and even standing for prolonged periods uncomfortable. One of the most common causes of lateral hip pain is hip bursitis, often referred to as trochanteric bursitis.

At Physiomobility Health Group, we provide evidence-informed hip bursitis treatment in North York and Don Mills designed to help patients:

• Reduce hip pain and inflammation
• Improve mobility and flexibility
• Restore strength and stability
• Improve walking tolerance
• Return to work, exercise, and daily activities

Our multidisciplinary team offers physiotherapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, and exercise rehabilitation programs tailored to each patient’s symptoms, lifestyle, and goals.

Whether your hip pain developed gradually or after increased activity, our team can help you return to comfortable movement and an active lifestyle.

What Is Hip Bursitis?

A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that helps reduce friction between muscles, tendons, and bones.

The most commonly affected bursa around the hip is located over the greater trochanter, the bony prominence on the outside of the hip.

When this area becomes irritated, inflamed, or overloaded, it may lead to:

• Pain on the outside of the hip
• Tenderness when lying on the affected side
• Pain walking or climbing stairs
• Discomfort during exercise

Today, many cases previously diagnosed as hip bursitis are now understood to involve irritation of the gluteal tendons as well. This condition is often referred to as Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS).

Common Symptoms of Hip Bursitis

Hip bursitis symptoms may include:

• Pain on the outside of the hip
• Tenderness over the hip bone
• Pain when lying on the affected side
• Pain climbing stairs
• Discomfort walking long distances
• Pain standing for prolonged periods
• Hip stiffness
• Pain during exercise
• Discomfort when crossing legs

Many patients describe the pain as aching, burning, or sharp with certain movements.

What Causes Hip Bursitis?

Several factors may contribute to hip bursitis and lateral hip pain.

Repetitive Overuse

Activities involving repetitive hip movement may increase stress on the hip structures.

Examples include:

• Walking
• Running
• Hiking
• Stair climbing

Muscle Weakness

Weakness in the hip stabilizing muscles may increase stress on the tendons and bursa around the hip.

Poor Biomechanics

Changes in walking patterns, posture, or movement mechanics may contribute to excessive loading of the hip.

Prolonged Side-Lying

Sleeping on one side for long periods may aggravate symptoms in some individuals.

Hip Arthritis or Lower Back Conditions

Hip bursitis may occur alongside:

• Hip osteoarthritis
• Lower back pain
• Pelvic dysfunction
• Gluteal tendon irritation

A comprehensive assessment helps identify contributing factors.

Why Physiotherapy Is Important for Hip Bursitis

Many people try to rest completely when hip pain develops.

While temporary activity modification may help, prolonged inactivity can lead to:

• Weakness
• Reduced mobility
• Poor hip stability
• Delayed recovery

Physiotherapy helps address the underlying causes contributing to hip pain while improving function and movement quality.

Physiotherapy for Hip Bursitis

At Physiomobility Health Group, treatment plans are individualized based on:

• Pain severity
• Walking ability
• Strength deficits
• Mobility restrictions
• Activity goals
• Functional limitations

Treatment may include:

• Hip strengthening exercises
• Mobility exercises
• Manual therapy
• Walking assessment
• Balance training
• Activity modification strategies
• Home exercise programs

The goal is reducing irritation while restoring hip function and long-term resilience.

Strengthening for Hip Bursitis

Research increasingly shows that strengthening the hip muscles is one of the most important components of managing lateral hip pain.

Programs commonly focus on:

• Gluteal muscles
• Hip stabilizers
• Core muscles
• Lower extremity strength

Improved strength may help:

• Reduce hip loading
• Improve walking mechanics
• Improve balance
• Improve activity tolerance

Improving Hip Mobility

Restricted mobility may contribute to:

• Altered movement patterns
• Increased stress on surrounding tissues
• Difficulty walking

Treatment may focus on improving:

• Hip flexibility
• Hip range of motion
• Functional movement patterns
• Walking mechanics

Walking & Functional Rehabilitation

Many patients reduce activity because walking becomes painful.

Physiotherapy may help:

• Improve walking mechanics
• Improve endurance
• Reduce limping
• Increase activity tolerance

The goal is helping patients return to normal daily activities with less discomfort.

Balance & Stability Training

Hip pain can affect:

• Balance
• Confidence walking
• Functional mobility

Balance exercises may help improve:

• Stability
• Coordination
• Fall prevention
• Functional independence

Manual Therapy for Hip Bursitis

Manual therapy may help improve:

• Joint mobility
• Soft tissue flexibility
• Movement comfort
• Hip function

Treatment approaches may include:

• Soft tissue therapy
• Joint mobilization
• Movement-based treatment techniques

Manual therapy is commonly combined with active rehabilitation and strengthening.

Massage Therapy for Hip Pain

Massage therapy may help:

• Reduce muscle tension
• Improve circulation
• Improve flexibility
• Improve comfort

Massage therapy is often incorporated into multidisciplinary treatment plans for hip pain.

Acupuncture for Hip Bursitis

Some individuals choose acupuncture as part of their treatment plan to help:

• Reduce pain
• Improve comfort
• Address muscle tension

Treatment recommendations are individualized based on patient goals and clinical findings.

Can Hip Bursitis Be Treated Without Surgery?

Yes.

Most cases of hip bursitis and greater trochanteric pain syndrome improve with conservative treatment approaches such as:

• Physiotherapy
• Exercise rehabilitation
• Activity modification
• Strengthening programs
• Manual therapy

Surgery is rarely required for most patients experiencing lateral hip pain.

Why Choose Physiomobility for Hip Bursitis Treatment?

At Physiomobility Health Group, we provide:

• Evidence-informed physiotherapy
• One-on-one treatment sessions
• Chiropractic care
• Massage therapy
• Acupuncture
• Exercise-based rehabilitation
• Functional movement assessment
• Multidisciplinary care

Conveniently located in CF Shops at Don Mills, we proudly serve patients throughout:

• North York
• Don Mills
• Bayview Village
• York Mills
• Leaside
• Midtown Toronto

We help active adults, runners, seniors, and individuals with chronic hip pain return to the activities they enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hip Bursitis

What does hip bursitis feel like?

Hip bursitis commonly causes pain and tenderness on the outside of the hip, especially when walking, climbing stairs, or lying on the affected side.

Can physiotherapy help hip bursitis?

Yes. Physiotherapy is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for improving strength, mobility, walking ability, and long-term symptom management.

Is walking good for hip bursitis?

Walking is generally beneficial when performed within a comfortable range and combined with an appropriate rehabilitation program.

Why does my hip hurt more at night?

Many individuals experience increased symptoms when lying on the affected side due to pressure on the irritated tissues.

What is greater trochanteric pain syndrome?

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a common condition involving irritation of the structures around the outside of the hip, including the gluteal tendons and bursae.

Can weak hip muscles cause hip bursitis?

Weakness of the hip stabilizing muscles may contribute to increased stress on the hip tendons and surrounding tissues.

How long does hip bursitis recovery take?

Recovery timelines vary depending on:

• Symptom duration
• Activity demands
• Strength deficits
• Mobility restrictions
• Rehabilitation consistency

Can hip bursitis come back?

Symptoms may recur if contributing factors such as weakness, poor biomechanics, or excessive loading are not addressed through rehabilitation.

Start Your Hip Pain Recovery in North York

Hip bursitis and lateral hip pain can affect walking, sleeping, exercise, work, and overall quality of life.

At Physiomobility Health Group, our team is committed to helping patients in North York and Don Mills recover through individualized physiotherapy and multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs designed to reduce pain, improve mobility, restore strength, and support long-term hip health.

Whether you are experiencing hip bursitis, greater trochanteric pain syndrome, or chronic hip pain, we are here to help you move better, stay active, and return to the activities you love. have experienced a sports injury, or suffer from dizziness and vertigo our experienced physiotherapists will provide you a personalized treatment, offering you relief from pain and discomfort and enabling you to get back to your usual activities quickly.