Information about conditions is provided as a service to our patients for educational purposes only. "If you understand your condition, you will be able to do the things necessary to rehabilitate much faster." Please feel free to print the information so that you can refer to it often. Sharing of information is quite risky, however. Do not presume that information is meant for you if you have not seen the doctor and received a specific diagnosis. Some conditions share similar symptoms but require very different treatment. If you have friends or family who may have similar symptoms, please schedule an appointment to see the doctor.

Hip Sprain/Hip Bursitis

It is rare that conditions of the hip occur singularly and one condition usually causes some other inflammation. Thus I have provided this information all together.

Alternate names: hip tendonitis, hip bursitis, greater trochanteric bursitis, gluteus medius tendonitis, gluteus maximus tendonitis, hip girdle strain, pelvic girdle sprain, myofascial pain hip, aggravated arthritis hip

Discussion: Hip strain implies that there is an organic, objective condition which has resulted in a clinical problem. This has been demonstrated by objective findings on orthopedic exam or imaging studies. Range of motion deficit is variable. At the mild level the rating is the same as for "Painful Organic Syndrome".

Alternate names: greater trochanteric bursitis, gluteus medius tendonitis, gluteus maximus tendonitis, hip sprain/strain, hip girdle strain, pelvic girdle strain, myofascial pain hip

Discussion: Hip strain implies that there is an organic, objective condition which has resulted in a clinical problem. This has been demonstrated by objective findings on orthopedic exam or imaging studies. Range of motion deficit is variable. At the mild level the rating is the same as for "Painful Organic Syndrome".

Symptoms also include:
  • Pain on walking or running.
  • Pain when you lie on your side in bed.
  • Pain on the outside of the hip and down the side of the leg.
  • Pain in the back and pelvis which is often worse at night.
  • Stiffness in the back and hip joint.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for hip sprain/ bursitis?

Without treatment, including exercise, the hip frequently permanently loses full function. The hip joint is susceptible to osteoarthritis which if left untreated, stimulates a great deal of hip replacement surgery nowadays. With treatment, however, hip pain and full function can be restored.

Treatment and Rehabilitation

  1. Physical therapy of the hip joint, supporting muscles and tissues is critical for several days at first and then 3 times a week for a few weeks with the onset of exercises
  2. Sometimes, Manipulation of the spine and surrounding tissue relieves the stress on the muscle attachments.
  3. Proper exercises begun at the right time will reduce the strain on the muscles and improve function.
  4. Elimination of repetitive friction motions will relieve the symptoms.

Recommendations:

  1. For acute situations, utilize ice packs on the affected area until numbness is reached.
  2. Electrical stimulation and Ultrasound therapy is effective in the healing process.
  3. Manipulation of the lower back and pelvis is indicated.
  4. At the appropriate time, stretches and strengthening exercises should be implemented in the treatment regimen.

Maintenance:

Regular spinal adjustments are important to reduce the symptoms of bursitis. Patients who receive monthly spinal manipulation and therapy report fewer complications with bursitis. It is important that you follow your physician's advice about the frequency of treatment for your particular condition. Follow our wellness recomendations for absolute health.
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