Réhabital
Hip Bursitis Treatment in Côte Saint-Luc
Hip bursitis — now more accurately called greater trochanteric pain syndrome — causes sharp pain on the outside of the hip that worsens when lying on that side, climbing stairs or after long walks. At Réhabital in Côte Saint-Luc, we treat the real driver of the problem: overloaded gluteal tendons and poor pelvic control, not just the inflamed bursa.
Book an AppointmentUnderstanding This Condition
The trochanteric bursa is a small fluid-filled cushion between the hip bone and the gluteal tendons. For decades any lateral hip pain was blamed on bursal inflammation. Modern imaging shows that in most cases the gluteus medius or minimus tendon is the structure at fault, with the bursa becoming irritated secondarily. That distinction changes treatment entirely: rest and anti-inflammatories help briefly, but only progressive loading of the gluteal tendons resolves the problem for good. The condition is most common in women over 40, in people who rapidly increased walking volume, in those who stand with weight shifted onto one hip, and in patients with leg-length differences or weak hip abductors.
Common Symptoms
Common Causes
Weak hip abductors
A low-endurance gluteus medius lets the pelvis drop with each step, compressing the tendon against the greater trochanter. Repeated compression irritates both tendon and bursa.
Prolonged lateral compression
Sleeping on the painful side, crossing the legs and hanging on one hip while standing all raise local pressure and keep symptoms alive even when activity is reduced.
Rapid increase in walking or running
Tendon adapts more slowly than muscle. A sudden jump in mileage, hilly routes or new footwear can exceed tissue capacity.
Tight iliotibial band
Excess tension in the lateral fascia increases compressive force over the trochanter, particularly during single-leg stance.
Pelvic and lumbar asymmetry
A stiff lumbar segment, leg-length difference or old foot injury shifts load onto one hip more than the other.
Our Treatment Approach
Assessment covers abductor strength and endurance, single-leg pelvic control, hip and lumbar mobility, plus your sleeping and standing habits. Physiotherapy first reduces compression (positioning, pillow between the knees, temporary activity change), then introduces progressive isometrics and loaded gluteal strengthening. Osteopathy releases lumbar, sacroiliac and hip restrictions that maintain asymmetric loading. Massage therapy eases tension in the iliotibial band and tensor fasciae latae. We deliberately avoid aggressive adduction stretches, which compress the tendon further and usually worsen symptoms.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
The first visit takes about 60 minutes: history, strength and control testing, targeted palpation and a clear explanation of the mechanism. You leave with positioning advice and two or three simple exercises. Progress is judged mainly by sleep quality and stair tolerance.
At-Home Self-Care Tips
- Sleep with a pillow between the knees and avoid the painful side.
- Do not cross your legs when sitting.
- Avoid standing with weight hanging on one hip.
- Do wall isometric abduction holds, 5 × 30 seconds daily.
- Walk on flat ground rather than hills during flare-ups.
- Limit stretches that pull the leg across the body.
Prognosis & Recovery Timeline
With consistent care, night pain usually settles in 3–6 weeks and function normalises in 8–12 weeks. Cases lasting over a year need more patience but respond well when load is dosed properly.
When to See Us at Réhabital
Come in if lateral hip pain lasts more than three weeks, wakes you at night, or makes you limp. See a physician for fever, pain after a significant fall, or inability to bear weight.
Why Réhabital Clinic
In Côte Saint-Luc our physiotherapists and osteopaths work on the painful hip together: motor control, lumbopelvic mobility and daily-life adaptation within one coherent plan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Address
D4-5800 Cavendish Blvd
Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4W 2T5
Phone
(438) 842-3550Hours
Mon–Fri: 10AM–8PM
Sun: 10AM–4PM
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