Trochanteric bursitis is inflammation of the bursa near the greater trochanter of the femur that causes lateral hip and thigh pain. It is often due to repetitive trauma from prolonged standing in an asymmetrical position, running, falls or leg length discrepancies. Symptoms include painful gait and hip mobility limitations. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, stretching shortened muscles, strengthening weak muscles like the glutes and lateral hip rotators, and progressing rehab exercises to improve function.

1. Michelle Grant
Nichole Frederickson

2. Trochanteric Bursitis
is defined as painful
inflammation of the
bursa located just
superficial to the
greater trochanter
of the femur.

3.  StandingAsymmetrically for long periods of
time with the effected hip elevated and
adducted, while dropping the pelvis on the
opposite side.
 Excessive walking or running
 Falls or repetitive trauma by impact
 Climbing stairs
 Leg length discrepancy or hip surgery
complications

4.  Increased repetitive
friction against the bursa
causes irritation and
inflammation which in
turn causes pain.
 Pain symptoms occur
when the involved
muscle contracts, when
it is stretched, or when
the provoking activity is
repeated.

5.  Pain is experienced
over the lateral hip
and down the
lateral thigh to the
knee
 Faulty posture
 Painful gait
 Decreased muscle
flexibility

6.  Decreased muscular endurance
 Weak gluteus medius and
minimus
 Shortened lateral rotators
 Dominance of the hamstrings

7.  Pattern 4E- Impaired joint mobility, motor
function, muscle performance and range of
motion, associated with localized
inflammation

8.  InflammationControl
 Cold packs or ice massage
 Hydrotherapy
 Laser
 Ultrasound
 Electronic Stimulation
 Compression or taping
 Continuous Passive Motion

9.  Restricted activity to avoid pain
 Use an Assistive Device to decrease weight
bearing
 Massage
 ManualTraction
 Joint Mobilization

10.  Stretch any muscles that
are restricting motion in
clinic and home exercise
 Train the involved
muscles to contract and
control alignment of the
femur
 Strengthening the
weakened muscles
 Control and strengthen
the trunk

11.  Perform each exercise 1 to 3 minutes before
progression
 Perform exercises that do not worsen symptoms
 Modify intensity
 Position
 Time performed
 Weight-bearing exercises or partial weight-
bearing exercise
 Biking
 Weight shifting exercises on parallel bars

12.  Progress close chain exercises to functional
activities
 Increase eccentric resistance and demand for
controlled speed to return-to-work activities
 Progress to patterns of movement consistent
with the desired day-to-day activities
 Practice timing and sequencing of events

13.  APTA.Guide to PhysicalTherapist Practice. 2nd
ed.Alexandria,VA:APTA;2001.
 Kisner C, Colby LA.Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and
Techniques. 5th ed.Phillidelphia, PA:F.A. Davis
Company;2007.
 Foye PM, StitikTP.Trochanteric
Bursitis.http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/309286-
overview.Updated Oct 1, 2009.Accessed Nov 20, 2010.