Hip Bursitis
High level laser therapy for hip bursitis may assist some patients by helping manage pain, supporting tissue recovery, and improving comfort during movement. Hip bursitis involves irritation of the bursae around the outside of the hip, commonly causing tenderness, aching pain, and difficulty lying on the affected side. Evidence suggests laser therapy may have benefits for some musculoskeletal conditions, although outcomes vary between individuals. A thorough assessment is important to determine whether high level laser therapy is appropriate or whether other approaches such as rehabilitation, manual therapy, medical review, or imaging may be required.
Hip bursitis is a common cause of pain on the outside of the hip, often affecting people who walk, run, exercise, work physically demanding jobs, or experience repetitive stress around the hip joint. High level laser therapy may help some people with hip bursitis by supporting pain management, reducing local inflammation, and assisting the body’s natural healing processes.
Hip bursitis occurs when one or more of the small fluid-filled sacs called bursae become irritated. These structures normally reduce friction between tendons, muscles, and bones around the hip. When irritated, they can become painful during activities such as walking, climbing stairs, lying on the affected side, or standing for long periods.
At Health Wise Chiropractic, high level laser therapy is used as part of an individualised approach that may also include movement assessment, exercise rehabilitation, and advice about modifying aggravating activities. The suitability of laser therapy depends on the cause of the hip pain, the severity of symptoms, and each person’s overall health.
Early assessment can help identify whether symptoms are related to bursitis, tendon irritation, muscle dysfunction, joint problems, or referred pain from the lower back. Patients from Sunbury, Melton and surrounding areas can access personalised advice and treatment options designed around their individual presentation.
What Is This Condition?
Understanding Hip Bursitis
Hip bursitis is a condition involving irritation or inflammation of one or more bursae around the hip. Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that act as cushions between bones and soft tissues. They help reduce friction where muscles, tendons, and ligaments move over bony areas during everyday activities.
The most commonly affected bursa in the hip is the trochanteric bursa, located near the outside of the upper thigh over the greater trochanter of the femur (thigh bone). When this area becomes irritated, it can cause pain on the outer side of the hip, sometimes referred to as greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS).
While the term “hip bursitis” is commonly used, research suggests that many cases involve more than just the bursa itself. Irritation of nearby tendons, particularly the gluteal tendons that attach around the outer hip, may also contribute to symptoms. For this reason, a complete assessment is important to determine the main structures involved.
What Happens During Hip Bursitis?
Normally, the bursae around the hip allow smooth movement between tissues. Repeated compression, friction, overload, or direct pressure can irritate these structures.
This irritation may lead to:
Increased sensitivity around the outer hip
Local inflammation or swelling
Pain during certain movements
Reduced tolerance to activities
Protective muscle tension around the hip
Hip bursitis is usually considered a soft tissue condition, meaning the main source of symptoms often involves muscles, tendons, and connective tissues rather than the hip joint itself.
However, similar symptoms can sometimes occur with other conditions, including:
Hip osteoarthritis
Gluteal tendinopathy
Lower back-related referred pain
Sciatic nerve irritation
Muscle strains
Femoroacetabular impingement
A correct diagnosis helps ensure treatment is directed at the actual cause of symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Hip Bursitis
People with hip bursitis commonly experience:
Pain over the outside of the hip
Tenderness when pressing over the affected area
Pain when lying on the painful side
Discomfort when climbing stairs
Pain after prolonged walking or standing
Difficulty getting comfortable during sleep
Aching or burning sensations around the outer hip
Reduced ability to exercise comfortably
Pain may be constant in more persistent cases or may only occur during specific movements or activities.
Some people describe hip bursitis pain as a deep ache, while others experience sharper discomfort with pressure or certain movements.
Acute vs Chronic Hip Bursitis
Acute Hip Bursitis
Acute hip bursitis usually develops over a shorter period. It may occur after:
A sudden increase in exercise
A fall or direct impact
Repetitive activity that exceeds the body’s current capacity
Symptoms may appear quickly and can include noticeable tenderness and pain with movement.
Chronic Hip Bursitis
Chronic hip bursitis develops gradually and may persist for weeks or months. It is often associated with repeated irritation, poor load management, muscle weakness, altered movement patterns, or ongoing compression of the tissues.
Persistent symptoms may require a broader management approach, including:
Strengthening exercises
Activity modification
Movement retraining
Addressing contributing factors
Professional assessment
How High Level Laser Therapy May Help Hip Bursitis
High level laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light energy to stimulate biological responses within targeted tissues. It is sometimes referred to as photobiomodulation therapy and is used in some musculoskeletal settings to assist with pain management, tissue recovery, and rehabilitation.
For people experiencing hip bursitis, high level laser therapy may help reduce discomfort and support recovery by influencing cellular activity in the irritated tissues around the hip. However, the response to treatment varies between individuals, and laser therapy is not suitable for every cause of hip pain.
A thorough assessment is important because pain around the outside of the hip may involve the bursa, tendons, muscles, joints, nerves, or referred pain from the lower back. High level laser therapy is most appropriate when the findings suggest that the affected tissues may respond to this type of supportive treatment.
How High Level Laser Therapy May Help Hip Bursitis
High level laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light energy to stimulate biological responses within targeted tissues. It is sometimes referred to as photobiomodulation therapy and is used in some musculoskeletal settings to assist with pain management, tissue recovery, and rehabilitation.
For people experiencing hip bursitis, high level laser therapy may help reduce discomfort and support recovery by influencing cellular activity in the irritated tissues around the hip. However, the response to treatment varies between individuals, and laser therapy is not suitable for every cause of hip pain.
A thorough assessment is important because pain around the outside of the hip may involve the bursa, tendons, muscles, joints, nerves, or referred pain from the lower back. High level laser therapy is most appropriate when the findings suggest that the affected tissues may respond to this type of supportive treatment.
How High Level Laser Therapy Works
High level laser therapy delivers concentrated light energy into the body’s tissues. Unlike surgical lasers, therapeutic lasers do not cut or damage tissue. Instead, the light interacts with cells and may influence processes involved in healing and pain regulation.
The proposed biological effects of photobiomodulation include:
Supporting Cellular Energy Production
Laser therapy may stimulate mitochondria, which are the energy-producing structures inside cells. Increased cellular energy availability may support normal tissue repair processes.
Modulating Inflammation
Inflammation is part of the body’s natural healing response, but excessive or prolonged inflammatory activity may contribute to ongoing pain and sensitivity.
Research suggests photobiomodulation may influence inflammatory pathways and chemical mediators involved in tissue irritation. The clinical effect can vary depending on factors such as dosage, treatment settings, tissue depth, and the individual condition.
Improving Local Circulation
Some studies suggest laser therapy may support local blood flow and oxygen delivery to treated areas. Improved circulation may assist the body’s ability to manage irritated tissues.
Reducing Pain Sensitivity
High level laser therapy may influence pain pathways by affecting nerve signalling and reducing sensitivity in painful tissues.
This may be particularly relevant for hip bursitis, where irritated tissues around the greater trochanter can become sensitive to pressure, movement, and loading.
Treatment Goals for Hip Bursitis
When used as part of a broader management plan, high level laser therapy aims to:
Reduce local pain and discomfort
Improve tolerance to movement
Support recovery of irritated soft tissues
Assist patients in participating more comfortably in rehabilitation exercises
Reduce sensitivity around the outer hip
Support gradual return to normal activities
The goal is not simply to reduce symptoms temporarily, but to help patients return to better function by addressing contributing factors
What Does Treatment Feel Like?
Most patients find laser therapy comfortable.
During treatment you may notice:
Gentle warmth
Mild tingling
No pain
No vibration
No electrical sensation
Protective safety glasses are worn by both the practitioner and patient throughout treatment.
Treatment usually takes between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area and the severity of symptoms.
Most people can return to normal daily activities immediately afterwards.
What Benefits May Patients Experience?
The possible benefits of high level laser therapy for hip bursitis may include:
Reduced Pain
Some patients report reduced pain levels following laser therapy. This may occur through effects on inflammation, nerve sensitivity, and local tissue processes.
Pain reduction can make it easier for patients to:
Sleep more comfortably
Walk with less discomfort
Perform exercises more easily
Resume normal daily activities
Improved Movement Comfort
When pain decreases, some people find they can move more freely and tolerate progressive rehabilitation exercises better.
For hip bursitis, improving movement capacity is important because avoiding activity completely can sometimes contribute to weakness and reduced tissue tolerance.
Supporting Rehabilitation
Exercise therapy is commonly considered an important component of managing greater trochanteric pain syndrome and hip-related soft tissue problems.
Laser therapy may be used alongside:
Hip strengthening exercises
Mobility work
Load modification strategies
Movement retraining
Rather than replacing rehabilitation, laser therapy may support a patient’s ability to participate in an active recovery program.
Home Care & Exercises
Exercise is an important part of managing hip bursitis because improving strength and movement capacity can help reduce stress on irritated tissues.
Exercises should be comfortable and progressed gradually. If an exercise significantly increases pain, it may need modification.
1. Side-Lying Hip Abduction
Purpose:
Strengthens the gluteal muscles that help support the hip.
Instructions:
Lie on your non-painful side.
Keep your top leg straight.
Slowly lift the top leg upward without rolling your pelvis backwards.
Lower slowly with control.
Repetitions:
10 repetitions per side
Frequency:
Once daily
Progression:
Increase gradually to 2–3 sets or add light resistance when comfortable.
2. Glute Bridge Exercise
Purpose:
Improves hip extension strength and activates the glute muscles.
Instructions:
Lie on your back with knees bent.
Keep feet flat on the floor.
Tighten your abdominal muscles gently.
Lift your hips until your body forms a straight line from shoulders to knees.
Slowly lower back down.
Repetitions:
10–15 repetitions
Frequency:
3–4 times per week
Progression:
Progress to single-leg bridges if appropriate.
3. Standing Hip Abduction
Purpose:
Improves hip stability during standing and walking.
Instructions:
Stand upright holding a stable surface.
Move one leg sideways slowly.
Keep your body upright without leaning.
Return slowly.
Repetitions:
10 repetitions each side
Frequency:
Daily
Progression:
Add resistance bands as strength improves.
4. Hip Flexor Stretch
Purpose:
Improves mobility around the front of the hip.
Instructions:
Kneel with one knee on the floor.
Keep your torso upright.
Gently move your hips forward until a stretch is felt.
Avoid forcing the movement.
Repetitions:
Hold for 20–30 seconds
Frequency:
2–3 times per day if comfortable
Progression:
Increase duration gradually.
5. Gentle Walking Program
Purpose:
Maintains movement and gradually improves tolerance.
Instructions:
Begin with a comfortable walking distance.
Walk at a pace that does not significantly increase symptoms.
Increase distance gradually as your tolerance improves.
Frequency:
Most days of the week
Progression:
Increase walking duration by small amounts rather than making large sudden increases.
Prevention Tips
Preventing hip bursitis involves improving the ability of the tissues around the hip to tolerate daily activities, exercise, and physical demands. While not all cases can be prevented, several strategies may help reduce the risk of irritation returning.
Maintain Good Posture and Movement Habits
Poor movement patterns can increase stress on the tissues around the hip.
Helpful strategies include:
Avoid standing with most of your weight shifted onto one hip
Keep your pelvis level during walking and standing activities
Avoid prolonged positions that compress the outside of the hip
Change positions regularly during long periods of sitting or standing
Improve Workstation Setup
For people who spend long periods sitting, workstation habits may influence hip comfort.
Consider:
Adjusting your chair height so your feet rest comfortably on the floor
Avoiding crossing your legs for prolonged periods if it increases hip discomfort
Taking regular movement breaks every 30–60 minutes
Performing gentle mobility exercises throughout the day
Use Safe Lifting Techniques
Although hip bursitis is not usually caused by one lifting incident, poor lifting habits can contribute to overall strain.
Helpful lifting strategies include:
Bend through your hips and knees rather than only your lower back
Keep loads close to your body
Avoid twisting while lifting heavy objects
Increase physical workloads gradually
Improve Sleeping Positions
Sleep positioning can influence pressure on the outer hip.
Tips include:
Avoid sleeping directly on the painful side if it aggravates symptoms
Consider placing a pillow between your knees when side sleeping
Use a supportive mattress and pillow setup
Change positions if prolonged pressure increases discomfort
Exercise Regularly
Regular movement helps maintain strength, flexibility, and tissue capacity.
Recommended activities may include:
Walking
Strength training
Swimming
Cycling if comfortable
Mobility exercises
A gradual approach is important. Sudden increases in exercise intensity, distance, or frequency can overload tissues around the hip.
Stretch and Strengthen Appropriately
A balanced approach is usually more effective than stretching alone.
Focus on:
Strengthening gluteal muscles
Improving hip control
Maintaining comfortable hip mobility
Gradually increasing exercise tolerance
Manage Stress and Recovery
Stress and poor recovery can influence how the body responds to pain.
Helpful habits include:
Prioritising quality sleep
Managing workload and exercise demands
Maintaining regular physical activity
Using relaxation strategies where appropriate
Recovery Timeline
Recovery from hip bursitis varies significantly between individuals. The timeline depends on factors including how long symptoms have been present, the severity of irritation, contributing factors, activity demands, and how consistently rehabilitation strategies are followed.
High level laser therapy may support symptom management for some patients, but recovery is usually influenced by a combination of approaches rather than one single treatment.
Mild Cases
Mild hip bursitis symptoms may improve within several weeks when contributing factors are addressed.
Management may include:
Temporarily reducing aggravating activities
Gentle strengthening exercises
Improving movement patterns
Supportive treatments such as high level laser therapy when appropriate
Many people can gradually return to normal activities as symptoms settle.
Moderate Cases
Moderate cases may take several weeks to a few months to improve.
These cases often involve:
Longer-standing irritation
Reduced hip strength
Activity-related aggravation
Difficulty performing normal exercise or work tasks
A structured rehabilitation program may be required to restore strength and improve tissue tolerance.
Persistent or Chronic Cases
Long-term hip pain may require a more comprehensive approach.
Persistent cases may involve:
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome
Gluteal tendon involvement
Repeated aggravation
Underlying movement or strength deficits
Recovery may require:
Progressive strengthening
Activity modification
Ongoing monitoring
Investigation of other possible pain sources
Factors That May Influence Recovery
Recovery may be affected by:
Duration of symptoms before treatment begins
Age and general health
Exercise habits
Work requirements
Sleep quality
Stress levels
Previous injuries
Ability to gradually increase activity
A personalised assessment can help determine realistic recovery expectations.
Australian Statistics
Reliable Australian-specific statistics for hip bursitis alone are limited because many cases are grouped under broader conditions such as greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) or lateral hip pain.
Research indicates that greater trochanteric pain syndrome is relatively common, particularly among middle-aged and older adults.
Available evidence suggests:
Lateral hip pain affects a significant proportion of adults, particularly women and people aged over 40.
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome is estimated to affect approximately 10–25% of adults during their lifetime, although prevalence varies between populations and studies.
Hip-related musculoskeletal conditions contribute substantially to healthcare visits, reduced physical activity, and quality-of-life impacts in Australia.
Hip pain is also associated with broader musculoskeletal health challenges in Australia. According to national health reporting, musculoskeletal conditions are among the leading contributors to disability and chronic health burden.
Because hip bursitis symptoms can overlap with other conditions, accurate assessment is important to identify the underlying source of pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can high level laser therapy help hip bursitis?
High level laser therapy may help some people with hip bursitis by supporting pain management and assisting the body’s natural healing processes. Research suggests photobiomodulation may influence inflammation, cellular activity, and pain sensitivity in certain musculoskeletal conditions. However, evidence specifically for hip bursitis is limited, and outcomes vary between individuals. A thorough assessment is important to determine whether laser therapy is appropriate for your specific hip pain.
2. What is the difference between hip bursitis and hip joint pain?
Hip bursitis usually involves irritation of soft tissues around the outside of the hip, particularly the bursa and nearby tendons. Hip joint pain is often felt deeper in the groin area and may involve the joint surfaces, cartilage, or other structures.
Because symptoms can overlap, an assessment is important to distinguish between:
Soft tissue pain
Tendon irritation
Joint-related pain
Nerve-related symptoms
Referred pain from the lower back
3. Is high level laser therapy painful?
Most patients find high level laser therapy comfortable. The treatment is non-invasive and many people feel little or no sensation during the session.
Some patients may experience:
Mild warmth
Relaxation of the treated area
Temporary changes in symptoms
Your practitioner will adjust treatment based on your comfort and individual presentation.
4. How many high level laser therapy sessions are needed for hip bursitis?
The number of sessions required varies depending on factors such as:
How long symptoms have been present
Severity of the condition
Individual response to treatment
Activity levels
Other contributing factors
Some people may notice changes after several sessions, while others may require a longer rehabilitation approach. Treatment frequency and duration are determined after an individual assessment.
5. Can I use high level laser therapy instead of exercises for hip bursitis?
High level laser therapy is generally considered a supportive treatment rather than a replacement for rehabilitation.
Exercises that improve hip strength, control, and movement capacity are often an important part of long-term recovery.
Laser therapy may help some patients manage symptoms so they can participate more comfortably in an active rehabilitation program.
6. Can hip bursitis go away on its own?
Some mild cases of hip bursitis may improve with activity modification and allowing the irritated tissues time to recover.
However, persistent symptoms may continue if contributing factors are not addressed, such as:
Reduced hip strength
Repetitive overload
Poor movement patterns
Ongoing compression of the painful area
Professional assessment can help identify strategies to support recovery.
7. Can high level laser therapy treat all types of hip pain?
No. Hip pain can have many different causes, and high level laser therapy is not appropriate for every condition.
Hip symptoms may be related to:
Bursitis
Tendon problems
Muscle injury
Arthritis
Nerve irritation
Lower back referral
Other medical conditions
A correct assessment helps determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
8. Should I see a chiropractor for hip bursitis?
A chiropractor with appropriate musculoskeletal training may assess hip bursitis symptoms, identify contributing movement factors, and provide advice regarding treatment options and rehabilitation.
Depending on the findings, care may include:
Exercise recommendations
Movement advice
Soft tissue strategies
High level laser therapy where appropriate
Referral to another healthcare professional if required
9. When should I see a doctor about hip pain?
You should consider medical assessment if:
Pain is severe or worsening
Symptoms occur after a significant fall or injury
You cannot put weight through the leg
You experience unexplained weight loss or fever
There is significant swelling or redness
Symptoms do not improve with appropriate management
You experience neurological symptoms such as significant weakness or loss of sensation
A GP or specialist may recommend further investigations such as imaging if clinically appropriate.
10. Can hip bursitis return after treatment?
Yes, hip bursitis symptoms can return, particularly if the factors contributing to irritation remain.
Reducing recurrence risk may involve:
Maintaining hip strength
Gradually increasing exercise loads
Managing training volume
Improving movement habits
Addressing workplace or lifestyle factors
A long-term approach focuses on improving the capacity of the tissues rather than only reducing symptoms.
Why Choose Health Wise Chiropractic?
Health Wise Chiropractic provides evidence-informed musculoskeletal care for people experiencing conditions such as hip bursitis and other causes of hip pain.
The approach focuses on understanding each person’s individual presentation rather than applying the same treatment for every patient. A comprehensive assessment helps identify whether symptoms are related to soft tissues around the hip, movement patterns, spinal referral, nerve involvement, or other contributing factors.
Patients may benefit from a combination of:
Experienced practitioners with a focus on musculoskeletal health
Individualised treatment recommendations
High level laser therapy when clinically appropriate
Rehabilitation advice and exercise guidance
Education to help patients better understand their condition
Ongoing progress reviews
Health Wise Chiropractic supports patients from Sunbury, Melton and surrounding Melbourne western suburbs with a focus on practical, evidence-informed care.
Appointments can be arranged through online booking or by contacting the clinic to discuss whether an assessment is appropriate.