Hip bursitis can be a chronic and painful condition that may affect your mobility. To fully manage this condition you need to determine the underlying cause. While the right exercises can help you get better and improve your range of motion, the wrong ones can make your condition worse. Since each case is different it is important to talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
Hip Bursitis Causes
There are small fluid-filled sacs called bursa located in some of your joints, including the hips. Your bursa cushion and lubricate your hip, and if these sacs become inflamed you may be diagnosed with hip bursitis. Overuse of your hip joint, repetitive motions such as cycling, forceful twisting, arthritis and infections can all cause or contribute to the development of bursitis, explains the American College of Rheumatology. Before you can develop an appropriate exercise program your doctor will need to determine the underlying cause.
Exercise and Hip Bursitis Symptoms
Hip bursitis can cause pain, swelling and limit your range of motion. While exercise is important to maintain range of motion, if your symptoms are severe, you may need to rest, ice and/or take medication to control pain and swelling first, reports the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Depending on the cause and severity of your condition, it may be weeks or months before you can start a formal range-of-motion exercise program.
Benefits of Range of Motion Exercises
Once your symptoms subside, your physician may recommend starting a range-of-motion exercise program. The exact program you follow will depend on the severity of your bursitis and what type of activities you want to resume. The right program can help you avoid future flareups, prevent inflammation and reduce the severity of your condition, explains the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Working with a physical therapist will allow you to design the right range-of-motion exercise program based on your individual needs and abilities.
Exercise Examples
There are many exercises that can help to improve the range of motion in your hips when your doctor clears you for exercise. You may need to start with non-weight-bearing activities such as cycling, swimming or water walking until the inflammation has subsided, notes Drugs.com. As pain allows you may be able to progress up to walking on land or on a treadmill. Side lying and standing leg lifts can help to strengthen the outer thigh muscles. Strong muscles will help take pressure off your hip and in turn improve your mobility.
