Bursitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of a bursa, a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion to reduce friction between tendons, bones, and skin. These bursae help joints move smoothly, but when they become irritated or inflamed, they can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
Hip bursitis specifically involves inflammation of the bursa located over the greater trochanter, a bony prominence on the femur. This bursa can become irritated when surrounding muscles and tendons repeatedly rub against the bone, leading to ongoing discomfort along the outside of the hip.
Hip bursitis commonly develops from repetitive activities such as running, walking, or bicycling, as well as prolonged pressure, muscle imbalances, or poor movement mechanics. If left untreated, the condition may worsen over time and interfere with daily activities and physical performance.
- Pain and tenderness on the upper outer area of your thigh.
- Pain can be worse when walking down stairs, walking, and bicycling.
Your physician will evaluate your injury by taking a complete medical history, including mechanism of injury, prior injuries and symptoms. Your physician will perform a complete physical examination of your hip.
- Rest.
- Avoid activities that cause you pain.
- Use ice for 20 minutes on with 40 minutes off throughout the day
- Take an anti-inflammatory or pain medication prescribed by your physician.
- An injection of a corticosteroid into the bursa to reduce inflammation.
Stretch and warm up properly before exercising or beginning activity.
Hip Replacement Surgery
The hip joint is a ball and socket type of joint. In the hip joint, the head of the femur sits in the acetabulum. The acetabulum has a cartilage lining and this allows for the smooth motion of the hip when moving into flexion, extension, or abduction. Over time the cartilage becomes damaged and can cause extreme pain that affects everyday living.
Chronic Hip Pain
Your physician will evaluate your injury by taking a complete medical history, including mechanism of injury, prior injuries and symptoms. Your physician will perform a complete physical examination of your hip.
During the surgery, the surgeon will go in and remove the damaged cartilage and bone from the joint. The surgeon then replaces the damaged pieces with artificial prostheses on the head of the femur and in the acetabulum. The hip retains its stability due to the congruity of the joint.
- Following surgery, your physical therapist will work with you to strengthen the muscles that surround and stabilize your hip: your quadriceps, hamstrings, hip adductors, and gluteal muscles. Begin your rehab process by scheduling an appointment at one of our JAG Physical Therapy clinics in NJ, NY or PA.
- Your therapist will also stress getting full hip flexion and extension.
- Your physician may suggest you use an ambulatory device; forearm crutches or a cane.
Schedule an Appointment with JAG Physical Therapy
JAG Physical Therapy offers a wide network of convenient locations throughout New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, making high-quality care easy to access when you need it most. With clinics strategically located in local communities, accessing treatment is simple and stress-free—whether you’re seeking care close to home, work, or school.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing ongoing pain, or working to restore strength and mobility, our experienced team is ready to work with you every step of the way. Don’t put your recovery on hold—find your nearest location or schedule your initial appointment today.
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200 State Route 10, Suite 24, East Hanover, NJ 07936973 -329 -9688 -
211 Tuckerton Road, Suite 1, Medford, NJ 08055609-451-5104 -
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1 Hanson Place, 4th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11243718-230-0529 -
1 Orient Way, Suite A, Rutherford, NJ 07070973-320-3171 -
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10 Woodbridge Center Drive, Suite 102, Woodbridge, NJ 07095732-855-0384 -
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100 N. Middletown Road, Pearl River, NY 10965845-589-0558 -
100 NJ-36, Suite 2P, West Long Branch, NJ 07764732-759-8478 -
100 Town Square Place, Suite 403, Jersey City NJ 07310(201) 702-8430 -
1000 Galloping Hill Rd., Suite 102, Union, NJ 07083(908) 258-8783 -
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101 South Main Street, Unit 3, New City, NY 10956845-247-6252 -
1041 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787(631) 864-6009 -
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11-43 Raymond Plaza, Suite S105, Newark, NJ 07102973-329-9699 -
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200 State Route 10, Suite 24, East Hanover, NJ 07936973 -329 -9688 -
211 Tuckerton Road, Suite 1, Medford, NJ 08055609-451-5104 -
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1 Hanson Place, 4th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11243718-230-0529 -
1 Orient Way, Suite A, Rutherford, NJ 07070973-320-3171 -
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10 Woodbridge Center Drive, Suite 102, Woodbridge, NJ 07095732-855-0384 -
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100 N. Middletown Road, Pearl River, NY 10965845-589-0558 -
100 NJ-36, Suite 2P, West Long Branch, NJ 07764732-759-8478 -
100 Town Square Place, Suite 403, Jersey City NJ 07310(201) 702-8430 -
1000 Galloping Hill Rd., Suite 102, Union, NJ 07083(908) 258-8783 -
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101 South Main Street, Unit 3, New City, NY 10956845-247-6252 -
1041 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787(631) 864-6009 -
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11-43 Raymond Plaza, Suite S105, Newark, NJ 07102973-329-9699 -

