Hip Bursitis: Why Your Hip Pain Isn’t Going Away

Hi, I’m Kat, physiotherapist and co-founder of Lake Therapy. If you’ve been dealing with persistent hip pain, especially on the outside of your hip or when lying on one side, hip bursitis could be the reason. It’s something we see quite often, and it can quietly build over time before becoming difficult to ignore.

Many people assume it’s just tight muscles or general stiffness, but when pain starts affecting your sleep, walking, or daily movement, it’s your body asking for a closer look.

What Is Hip Bursitis?

Hip bursitis is a condition where one of the small fluid-filled sacs in your hip, called a bursa, becomes irritated or inflamed.

These bursae act as natural cushions, helping reduce friction between muscles, tendons, and bones. When they become irritated, movement can quickly become uncomfortable.

The most common type is trochanteric bursitis, which affects the outer part of the hip and is often linked to how the surrounding muscles are working together.

Common Symptoms of Hip Bursitis

Hip bursitis can feel different for everyone, but there are some clear patterns I often hear in clinic.

You might notice:

• Pain on the outside of the hip or upper thigh
• Discomfort when lying on one side
• Increased pain after sitting for long periods
• Stiffness when getting up or starting to walk
• Pain when going up or down stairs

In the early stages, the pain can feel sharp and localised. Over time, it may become more widespread and constant.

What Causes Hip Bursitis?

This condition rarely appears out of nowhere. It usually develops due to repeated stress or changes in how your body moves.

Some of the most common causes include:

• Repetitive movements like walking or running
• Prolonged sitting or pressure on the hip
• Muscle imbalance around the hips or lower back
• Previous injuries
• Postural habits or movement patterns

Often, it’s not just one factor, but a combination of things building up over time.

Why It Keeps Coming Back

One of the most frustrating things about hip bursitis is that it can return if the root cause isn’t addressed.

For example, if the glutes aren’t doing their job properly, other structures can become overloaded. Over time, that repeated stress can irritate the bursa again.

This is why simply resting or relying on short-term relief doesn’t always solve the problem long term.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

At Lake Therapy, we focus on understanding why your hip is irritated in the first place, not just calming the symptoms.

Your treatment plan may include:

• A detailed movement assessment
• Targeted strengthening for the glutes and hip stabilisers
• Gentle mobility work to reduce stiffness
• Hands-on therapy to ease tension
• Guidance on daily movement and positioning

In some cases, additional techniques may be used to support recovery and reduce inflammation, depending on what your body needs.

A More Balanced Approach to Recovery

What we always remind clients is that recovery isn’t just about resting the area. It’s about helping your body move more efficiently again.

With the right balance of strength, mobility, and awareness, most people can return to their normal activities with far less discomfort and confidence in their movement.

Your Next Step

If you’re struggling with ongoing hip pain or suspect hip bursitis might be the cause, we can help you understand what’s going on and guide you towards the right solution.

You can book your Initial Consultation here:
https://laketherapyfarnham.neptune.practicehub.io/p/book-online?atid=49

Or if you’d prefer to start with a relaxed conversation, book a Discovery Call here:
https://laketherapy.co.uk/discovery-call/

Warmly,
Kat