Understanding Hip Bursitis with PhysioLogix
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Hip Bursitis can be a debilitating condition, but with the right guidance, it doesn't have to be a permanent fixture in your life. At PhysioLogix, we're committed to not only alleviating your immediate discomfort but also addressing the root causes to ensure a long-term solution.
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What is Hip Bursitis?
Hip Bursitis, also known as greater trochanteric bursitis, is an inflammation of the bursa located on the outer side of your hip. This bursa acts as a cushion, allowing tendons to glide smoothly over bones. However, when it's persistently compressed or irritated, it can lead to inflammation and pain.
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Common Causes of Hip Bursitis
The inflammation of the trochanteric bursa often stems from:
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Muscle Imbalances: Particularly, weakness or poor endurance in the lateral hip muscles, especially the gluteus medius and minimus.
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Daily Habits and Movements: Such as sleeping on the affected side, frequently crossing legs, or leaning on one hip while standing. These habits can lead to persistent compression of the bursa, causing inflammation.
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Biomechanical Factors: The way our hips and feet function can influence the position of our knees and hips. For instance, poor strength around the gluteus medius can cause the knee to drift inwards. Similarly, inadequate arch support or excessive arch can push the knee in or out, affecting the hip's alignment.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
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A pronounced side-to-side hip movement when walking, known as the Trendelenburg gait pattern.
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Pain on the outer side of the hip, which can be exacerbated when rising from a seated position or during activities like stair-climbing or running.
PhysioLogix's Approach to Treating Hip Bursitis
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Immediate Relief: We begin with a combination of rest, anti-inflammatory medications, soft tissue mobilization, and dry needling to offer immediate relief.
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Biomechanical Assessment: We delve deep into understanding the biomechanics of your body. This involves assessing how your hip and foot mechanics influence your knee and hip positions. For instance, a higher or lower kneecap position can impact the overall alignment.
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Tailored Rehabilitation: As your pain subsides, we introduce a personalized exercise rehabilitation program. This program is designed to address underlying strength, endurance, or technique issues affecting the hip muscles. We focus on exercises that correct muscle imbalances, especially between the vastus medial obliques and vastus lateralis. An imbalance here can pull the kneecap out of position, contributing to pain.
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Education and Prevention: We believe in empowering our patients. By understanding the causative factors, from daily habits to sports movements, we can develop strategies to prevent future flare-ups. While corticosteroid injections can offer temporary relief, addressing these underlying factors ensures a more sustainable recovery.
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Hip Bursitis can be challenging, but with the right approach, recovery is within reach. At PhysioLogix, we're dedicated to providing you with a comprehensive solution, from immediate relief to long-term prevention. If you're experiencing symptoms of Hip Bursitis, don't wait. Reach out to us today and embark on your journey to recovery. Book an appointment online or call us at 045 007 5955.