9 Best Hip Bursitis Exercises & Which To Avoid (Video Included!)

Ease your hip pain with these 9 top hip bursitis exercises. Find out the safest moves for hip bursitis pain, and which ones to skip for effective relief.

If you’re experiencing pain and discomfort in your hips, you may be suffering from hip bursitis. Hip bursitis is an irritating condition that can range from slightly bothersome to very painful.

Feeling hip pain when you are lying in bed at night, or immediately when you stand up after sitting for a while are both signs of hip bursitis.

This condition is caused by inflammation in the hip joint’s bursa sacs, which are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near the joint.

While hip bursitis can be a frustrating condition to manage, exercising can provide significant lower body relief. In this article, we will explore the best hip bursitis exercises to help alleviate your pain and improve your quality of life.

Key Takeaways

Hip bursitis is caused by inflammation in the bursa sacs of the hip joint.

Exercises and gentle stretches can provide significant joint pain relief and improve hip mobility.

High-impact exercises and certain intense repetitive motions should be avoided to prevent further hip bursa aggravation.

Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program or hip bursitis treatment.

Let’s explore this physical condition and look at the best exercises to treat hip bursitis so you can start feeling better soon.

What Is Hip Bursitis?

Hip bursitis is a common condition that results from inflammation of the bursa sacs in the hip joint. A bursa sac is a small, gel-like pillow that sits between your bones and their connective tissues, acting as a sort of shock absorber.

You have bursa sacs in your hips, shoulders, elbows, knees, and heels. However, the bursae can become inflamed and cause pain and discomfort.

The most common causes of hip bursitis include repetitive motions, such as running or cycling, which can irritate the bursae and lead to inflammation.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, two major bursae in the hip can become injured or inflamed. The more common of the two, Trochanteric Bursitis, is inflammation to the bursa covering the greater trochanter, which sits at the bony point of the hip bone.

The other bursa located on the inside of the hip near the groin is called the iliopsoas bursa. When this area becomes inflamed or injured it is often called “hip bursitis.”

Both are treated in a similar way.

Common Symptoms of Hip Bursitis

Symptoms of hip bursitis may include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the hip, as well as difficulty walking or bending the affected joint.

The symptoms of hip bursitis vary from person to person, but the most common are:

Hip pain that is sharp at first and then becomes aching over time

Hip tenderness which seems more generalized in the entire hip area

Pain that gets worse after prolonged or repetitive activity

Leg pain that extends from the hip down the side or back of the leg

Pain or discomfort when climbing stairs, running or cycling

Important note: if you have warmth and redness in the area along with fever or illness, you could have septic bursitis which comes from infection. Be sure to see your doctor!

What Causes Hip Bursitis?

There are a number of things that can cause bursitis of the hips, from a direct fall to running too many miles. Let’s take a look at some of those things that put you at risk.

Here are some of the most common causes of hip bursitis:

Injury: A traumatic injury or fall can cause hip bursitis.

Repetitive Motion: Common repetitive motions like cycling, running, climbing or lots of squats, could cause hip bursitis to flare up. Be very cautious when doing any activity that causes increased load on your joints and is high in repetition.

Leg-Length Inequality: Believe it or not, a surprising number of people have one leg that is slightly shorter than another (1.5 cm or more). This can affect your gait, causing issues similar to the repetitive use problem resulting in bursitis.

Arthritis: Bursitis can come from arthritis. The same inflammation that comes with arthritis can extend into the bursa.

Spine Diseases: Conditions like scoliosis can cause problems with the movement pattern of your hips and play a role in bursitis.

Prior Surgery: Like spine diseases, prior surgeries such as implants or hip replacements can throw off your gait and movement patterns, creating inflammation.

The Importance of Exercise for Hip Bursitis

Regular exercise can provide multiple benefits to those suffering from hip bursitis. One of the most significant advantages is relief from pain and stiffness.

Hip bursitis often resolves with targeted exercises and rest from aggravating activities. Exercises for hip bursitis will include movements that strengthen the hip and improve mobility of the joint. 

I always say “motion is lotion.” 

When you move, synovial fluid helps to cushion and lubricate the joint. (Synovial fluid is a thick liquid located between the joints).  

When performed correctly, exercises for hip bursitis can also lead to improved posture and a reduction in the incidence of further injury or strain. Additionally, physical activity stimulates blood flow, which can promote healing and reduce inflammation.

It is essential to note that exercise should be performed with caution to prevent further damage to the affected area. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise routine, especially if experiencing chronic pain.

Best Hip Bursitis Exercises

Strengthening exercises are crucial for hip bursitis relief. By strengthening your hip and gluteal muscles, you can improve your stability and support the affected area.

Specific hip strengthening exercises can help fortify the muscles surrounding the waist and pelvis.

In addition, stretches can open uptight and painful areas of the pelvis like the iliotibial band.

That’s why I put together this daily routine for you. It’s a combination of strengthening and stretching movements you can easily repeat over and over.

It will protect the health of your hips, and your entire body.

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Many of these moves require no equipment at all. A few of them require a resistance band, which you can find in my home gym equipment guide.

Make sure to focus on your form and proper technique during these exercises to avoid additional strain on your hip muscles. As you get stronger, you can gradually increase the intensity and repetitions of these exercises.

Here are nine best hip strengthening exercises you can do at home to treat your bursitis and work your whole body:

Best Hip Bursitis Exercises

It is always important to see a doctor in order to diagnose any condition and know the details needed to fix the origins of your pain.

However, specific hip strengthening exercises can help fortify the muscles surrounding the waist and pelvis, and stretches can open uptight and painful areas of the pelvis like the iliotibial band.

A daily stretching practice that you can easily repeat will protect the health of your hips and entire body. Many of these moves require no equipment, while a few of them require a resistance band to do the trick.

Here are nine exercises you can do at home to treat your bursitis and work your whole body:

Glute Bridge

Equipment: None

Reps: 10-12. Hold for 3 seconds at the top, lower slowly to flat on the floor.

This exercise engages your glutes, hamstrings, quads, and pelvis. In addition, you’ll feel a stretch and open the hips flexors and front of the body overall.

The glute bridge is also a great option for seniors because it’s gentle, but powerful. I put together a handy guide to hip strengthening exercises for seniors that take age and ability into special consideration.

It’s never too late to start!

Fire Hydrant

Equipment: None

Reps: 10-12 per side

The fire hydrant might look weird, but it’s an important exercise for tackling the piriformis muscle and strengthening the pelvic joint as a whole. Unweighted, this exercise can be done by anyone and is great for increasing your range of motion.

Resistance Band Butt Blaster

Equipment: Resistance Band

Repetitions 10-12 per leg

Many of the moves that tackle our glutes can also put excessive stress on our hips. This gives you an opportunity to isolate the glutes alone.

(Be sure you don’t pull the knee is too far after pressing back; the knee under the hips is the start and end position.)

Resistance Band Outer Thigh Press

Equipment: Resistance Band

Repetitions: 16-20 total: 8-10 per side, alternating.

Your abductors (outer thighs) need work in order to balance out the strength of the entire pelvic area. This exercise will take care of that and build strength in the leg and core muscles as well.

Forearm Side Plank

Equipment: None

Repetitions: Hold for 30 seconds on each side

Isometric strength moves are extremely important for building strength and stability. The forearm side plank exercise strengthens the outer side of the obliques.

Sleeping Pigeon Pose

Equipment: None

Repetitions: Hold for 30 seconds on each side

This stretch opens up the piriformis. This can also be a great iliotibial band stretch and activation for each side.

Seated Straddle Splits

Equipment: None

Repetitions: Hold for 30 seconds to 60 seconds

Open up your inner thighs and activate your hip and leg muscles with the amazing stretch position.

Yogi Squat Pose

Equipment: None

Repetitions: Hold 30-60 seconds

This is a great position to also add to the end of any workout. This is another IT band stretch and hip activating movement.

Inner Thigh Squeeze

Equipment: small pilates ball, volleyball, or rolled-up towel

Repetitions: 20

Lie on your back with your feet in the air and knees bent, pull your low abs in so your lower back is gently pressing into the floor. Now squeeze the pilates ball or towel tightly between your knees as you pull your belly in at the same time.

This move strengthens the adductors (inner thighs) which are typically weak and add to the dysfunctional pelvic movement.

Note: If this bothers your flexors, it can be done with feet flat on the floor and knees bent.

Care And Treatment: Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate (RICE)

It is very important to rest the injured area until you don’t have pain.

In other words, if running too many miles is the cause of your issue, continuing to run daily miles will only aggravate your muscles. A healthcare provider can suggest treatments based on the pain severity and the cause. 

However, in most cases the RICE method will work: rest, ice, compress, elevate, and repeat.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, how to treat hip pain at home with the RICE method:

Rest: Stop the physical activity that caused the pain to avoid making the injury worse.

Ice: Apply an ice pack or cold compress for 10 to 15 minutes every hour for the first day after your injury. After one day, you can apply ice every three to four hours. Don’t apply ice directly to your skin (wrap the ice pack in a towel or washcloth).

Compression: Compression helps reduce blood flow to your injured hip and reduces swelling. Apply a compression bandage or wrap around your hip. You can also wear compression shorts or pants to help keep pressure on your hip.

Elevation: If possible, lift your hips and lower body above the level of your heart. Support your leg with pillows, blankets or cushions.

You can also take anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or naproxen if needed and directed by your doctor.

Other Beneficial Exercise for Hip Bursitis

If you suffer from hip bursitis, finding the right cardio exercise can be challenging. High-impact activities like running and jumping can cause additional pain, making it difficult to stick to a regular workout routine.

However, low-impact cardio exercises can provide a great alternative, offering numerous health benefits without putting excessive strain on the hip joint.

Here are some of the best low-impact cardio exercises for hip bursitis relief:

Yoga. These yoga poses to relieve tight hips. Add them to your daily routine!

Walking. This is a personal favorite! Walking is a great low-impact cardio exercise that is gentle on the joints and helps improve balance and coordination. You can even add a walking pad into your weekday routine to walk while you work. (I walk at 1 mph while I work on my computer.)

Swimming. While it’s not always easy to get to a pool, swimming is a fantastic form of low-impact aerobic exercise that provides whole-body workout, strengthens muscles and joints, and enhances cardiovascular fitness. Follow this beginner’s guide to swimming to get started.

Cycling. Gaining in popularity, cycling on a stationary bike or outdoors on level terrain provides a low-impact workout that improves cardiovascular endurance and strengthens the leg muscles.

Elliptical Training. A workout classic. Elliptical machines simulate walking or running without the impact on the joints, and this exercise helps to build cardiorespiratory fitness and burn calories. Here are three elliptical workouts to get you started!

Water Exercise. In addition to swimming laps, other water exercises can be a great way to help relieve hip bursitis symptoms. The buoyancy of the water can help reduce joint stress and impact, creating a low-impact environment for exercise. Try my 30 minute pool workout for seniors.

Low-impact cardio exercises are typically safe and joint-friendly, making them ideal for individuals with hip bursitis looking to stay active while minimizing pain and discomfort.

However, these movements are repetitive motions. I do recommend connecting with your healthcare professional or physical therapist to assess your situation and decide when beginning regular low impact exercise is recommended.

Hip Bursitis Exercises to Avoid

While exercise is essential for managing hip bursitis symptoms, it is equally important to avoid exercises that can aggravate the condition. High-impact exercises that put excessive stress on the hip joint should be avoided to prevent further injury and discomfort.

These are the most common exercises to avoid when suffering from chronic hip bursitis:

Running. High-impact running exercise increases pressure on the hip joints.

Plyometrics. Exercises that involve jumping put excessive pressure on the hip joints and aggravates inflammation.

Lunges. Even though popular, lunges stress the hip joint and can be painful for those suffering from bursitis.

Squats. Similar to lunges, deep squats put additional stress on the hips and can cause discomfort.

Avoiding these exercises will help prevent worsening of hip bursitis symptoms and promote healing.

Remember to consult your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program.

Precautions and Modifications for Hip Bursitis Exercises

When performing hip bursitis exercises, it’s essential to take proper precautions to avoid further injury and ensure safe and effective workouts.

Here are some exercise modifications and safety tips to consider:

Start Slow

If you’re new to exercise or haven’t worked out in a while, start slow and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. This approach will help you avoid overexertion and reduce the risk of injury.

Avoid High-Impact Exercises

High-impact exercises like running, jumping, and plyometrics can aggravate hip bursitis symptoms and cause further inflammation. Instead, opt for low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, and walking to reduce joint stress.

Listen to Your Body

Pay attention to your body’s signals and adjust your workout intensity accordingly. If you experience pain or discomfort during an exercise, stop immediately and rest.

Resume the exercise only if the pain subsides.

Use Proper Form

Using proper form is crucial while performing hip bursitis exercises. Incorrect form can put additional strain on the hip joint and cause further injury.

Ensure that you maintain proper posture, engage the correct muscles, and take slow, controlled movements while performing each exercise.

Avoid Overstretching

While stretching is essential for relieving tension and increasing flexibility, overstretching can cause muscle strain and aggravate hip bursitis.

These are my favorite hip opening stretches to relieve your hips. I recommend avoiding deep, intense stretches and opt for gentle, controlled movements.

With these precautions and modifications, you can perform hip bursitis exercises safely and effectively.

Additional Treatments for Hip Bursitis

In addition to exercise, there are other treatments that can help manage hip bursitis.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is an effective way to regain hip mobility and strength, and reduce pain and inflammation. Your physical therapist may recommend even more specific exercises, stretches, and manual therapy techniques tailored to your condition.

Pain Management

Pain management techniques such as RICE therapy, over-the-counter pain medications, and corticosteroid injections can also provide relief from hip bursitis symptoms.

You can explore my complete guide to treating hip pain at home to find a strategy that works for you!

It’s important to consult with your healthcare professional before starting any pain management regimen.

Surgery

If conservative treatments are not effective, your doctor may recommend surgery as a last resort. This may involve removing the inflamed bursae or repairing any damaged tissue in the hip joint.

Hip Pain Is Not Inevitable!

Don’t let hip bursitis keep you from living an active lifestyle. By incorporating exercises that focus on strengthening into your routine, you can alleviate pain, improve mobility, and promote healing.

Remember, managing hip bursitis is an ongoing process. Stay committed, stay safe, and above all, stay active!

True wellness is having little to no pain, so you can enjoy activities and move your body every day.

If you have hip pain that is persistent or unbearable, please see your doctor or get a physical therapist involved.

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