If you’re dealing with nagging pain on the side of your hip—especially when walking, sleeping on that side, or just getting through the day—you might be facing hip bursitis. What a lot of people don’t realize is that one of the most effective treatments out there isn’t a pill or a shot—it’s dry needling. And here at Trustrength, we specialize in getting results where other treatments have stalled.
Let’s dive into why dry needling is changing the game for hip bursitis and why understanding the condition itself matters just as much as how you treat it.
What is Hip Bursitis?
Hip bursitis, also known as greater trochanteric pain syndrome, happens when the small fluid-filled sac (bursa) over the outer hip bone becomes irritated. But here’s the real deal: it’s not always just about inflammation. A lot of what people think is “bursitis” is actually due to tight or dysfunctional muscles around the hip like the glutes, tensor fasciae latae (TFL), and IT band. These muscle imbalances or trigger points can mimic or cause the same pain you associate with bursitis.
You’ll typically feel tenderness or aching on the outside of your hip, which gets worse when you lie on that side or move in certain ways.
Common Causes of Hip Bursitis
Injuries and Overuse
If you’ve had a fall, hit your hip, or are constantly overusing the area through repetitive activities like running or long walks, the soft tissues can start to break down. That kind of overload leads to irritation and swelling around the bursa.
Structural Issues
Problems like leg-length discrepancies, poor pelvic alignment, or even flat feet can throw your mechanics off. That leads to more strain on one hip than the other, setting the stage for bursitis.
Health and Lifestyle Habits
Sometimes it’s not just about how you move—it’s about how you live. Sitting cross-legged too often, sleeping on one side without support, or wearing tight jeans can compress the hip tissues and contribute to inflammation or muscle tightness.
Nerve-Related Triggers
In some cases, pain that feels like bursitis could be connected to nerve irritation—especially from the lower back. This can heighten sensitivity in the surrounding hip area and make everyday movements painful.
Diagnosis – How to Know It’s Hip Bursitis
Self-Assessment
Here’s a quick test: press on the outside of your hip. If that spot feels achy or tender, especially when lying on it or walking, you could be dealing with bursitis or a related muscle issue.
When to Seek Professional Help
If the pain’s lasted more than a few weeks, isn’t improving with rest, or is interfering with your sleep, that’s your cue. And if it’s spreading down your leg or causing muscle weakness, it’s time to let a professional take a look.
Clinical Evaluation
At Trustrength, we assess your movement, strength, and posture. Sometimes bursitis is the surface issue, and the root problem is hiding deeper in your biomechanics. We’ll figure that out quickly so we’re not just chasing symptoms.
Treatment Options That Actually Work
Lifestyle Fixes
Start by adjusting how you sleep—use a pillow between your knees. Limit positions that put pressure on your hip. Light stretching and ice packs can help in the early stages.
Physical Therapy
Rehab is about more than just rest. We’ll guide you through strengthening weak muscles like the gluteus medius and improving flexibility where needed. Getting your gait and posture right is key to long-term results.
Dry Needling at Trustrength
This is where the real magic happens. Dry needling involves inserting a fine, sterile needle directly into tight or irritated muscles. For hip bursitis, that often means targeting the glutes, TFL, or IT band to release tension and ease pain.
Why Dry Needling Works
- It releases tight trigger points fast
- Reduces chemical irritation around the hip
- Improves blood flow and muscle function
- Often brings relief in just a few sessions
We’ve seen firsthand how people who struggled for months find relief once those deep knots are finally addressed. Unlike cortisone injections, which can wear off, dry needling helps correct the underlying dysfunction.
When Medical Help is Needed
If conservative care isn’t cutting it, you might be a candidate for imaging or further intervention. But in most cases, we can manage hip bursitis effectively with targeted treatment—without needing shots or surgery.
How to Prevent It From Coming Back
Strength and Stability
Strengthen the glutes and core regularly. Focus on exercises like clamshells, bridges, and standing hip abductions.
Improve Flexibility
Stretch out tight hip flexors and IT bands consistently, especially after workouts.
Avoid Repetitive Strain
Don’t push through pain, and change up your training surfaces, shoes, or intensity to give your hips a break.
Daily Habits Matter
Watch how you sit, stand, and sleep. Even minor tweaks—like using better shoes or adjusting your chair height—can go a long way in protecting your hips.
Ready for Relief? Book Now at Trustrength
If you’re tired of limping, aching, or tossing and turning at night, now’s the time to take action. Dry needling at Trustrength is one of the most effective, fastest ways to treat hip bursitis—without the side effects of medication or the downtime of surgery.
Let’s get to the root of your pain and fix it. Book your consultation with us today and take the first step toward real, lasting relief.