Hip Bursitis Treatment in Melbourne: Causes, Symptoms & What Actually Works
- Emma Glynn
- May 6
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 15
If you’ve been feeling a sharp, nagging pain on the outside of your hip- especially when you walk up stairs or lie on that side- you might be dealing with hip bursitis. This common cause of lateral hip pain affects many people in Melbourne, particularly women over 40, runners, and those adjusting to movement changes post-surgery.
While the term bursitis implies inflammation of the bursae (small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint), research shows the primary driver of pain is often the gluteal tendons, particularly in a condition called gluteal tendinopathy (Grimaldi & Fearon, 2015). So, what’s really going on—and how can physiotherapy help?
What Is Hip Bursitis?
Hip bursitis- or trochanteric bursitis- involves irritation of the bursae over the greater trochanter (the bony bump on the outside of your hip). However, many cases are better described under the umbrella of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS), which includes gluteal tendinopathy, bursitis, and sometimes iliotibial band irritation (Afonso et al., 2021).
This is why you might hear a few different terms being used interchangeably when describing this type of hip pain.
Causes of Hip Bursitis and Gluteal Tendinopathy
Most cases of hip bursitis or gluteal tendinopathy are caused by a mix of:
Overuse – A sudden increase in walking, running, or time on your feet.
Biomechanical changes – Poor gluteal activation or hip control may place excess strain on the tendons and bursa (Grimaldi & Fearon, 2015).
Post-surgical gait alterations – Especially after knee or hip procedures, patients often load one side more than the other.
Hormonal influences – Changes in estrogen levels during peri-menopause may affect tendon health and collagen structure (Mellor et al., 2018).
Symptoms of Hip Bursitis
Common signs that you might be experiencing lateral hip pain include:
Pain over the outside of the hip- especially near the bony part you can feel lying on your side
Night pain- lying on the affected side may wake you
Discomfort walking upstairs or standing on one leg
Pain when crossing legs or sitting with knees together
Tenderness to touch around the outer hip and buttock
If this sounds familiar, it’s worth booking in with a hip physio in Melbourne for a full assessment.
Not sure what’s behind your hip or knee pain?
Take this free, 60-second quiz created by APA Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist Emma Glynn. It’s designed to help you identify the most likely cause of your pain — from fat pad irritation to osteoarthritis — and guide your next step.
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How Physiotherapy Can Help
Research strongly supports physiotherapy for hip pain, particularly when it comes to managing gluteal tendinopathy and bursitis (Mellor et al., 2018). Here’s how treatment typically works:
1.Movement Assessment
At the Hip and Knee Physio, Emma will assess how you walk, stand, move, and load your hips during daily tasks to find inefficiencies or overload patterns.
2.Load Management
Rest won’t solve this—but overdoing it won’t either. A tailored activity plan helps reduce irritation without weakening the tendon.
3.Exercise-Based Rehab
Specific gluteal strengthening exercises are introduced gradually, focusing on tendon loading and pelvic control. This is key to long-term recovery (Grimaldi & Fearon, 2015).
4.Manual Therapy (When Indicated)
Hands-on techniques may help relieve tightness or muscle guarding in the early stages. However, manual therapy is typically used as a support, not the main solution.
If you’d like to learn more about the approach we take at The Hip and Knee Physio, visit our hip physiotherapy services page.
When Should You Seek Help?
It’s a good time to see a hip physio in Camberwell or Melbourne if:
The pain has lasted more than a few weeks
You’re experiencing sleep disturbances
It’s impacting your ability to exercise, walk, or stand comfortably
Emma, an APA Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist at The Hip and Knee Physio in Camberwell, works with people experiencing hip bursitis and gluteal tendinopathy every week. Her focus is on helping you move better, not just masking symptoms.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Booking an initial consult is the best way to get clear on your options. You’ll leave with a personalised plan, a clearer understanding of what’s driving your pain, and evidence-based strategies you can use straight away.
If you’re in Melbourne or Camberwell and need experienced hip and knee physio, book a consultation with APA Titled Hip and Knee Physio - Emma, today.
👉 Call now on 9978 9833 or book online to take the first step toward pain-free movement.
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Disclaimer
The content provided on this website is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
While The Hip and Knee Physio strives to present accurate and up-to-date information, we do not guarantee results or outcomes based on the information provided. Any exercises, strategies, or recommendations featured on this site should not be considered a personalised treatment plan.
Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider before starting any exercise program, particularly if you are experiencing pain, injury, or a pre-existing medical condition.
Use of this website does not create a physiotherapist–patient relationship. The Hip and Knee Physio accepts no responsibility for any injury or loss arising from reliance on or use of this information.
By using this website, you agree to these terms.
References
Afonso, M. B., Branquinho, R., Santos, A., Lopes, M., & Gonçalves, C. (2021). Greater trochanteric pain syndrome: A review. EFORT Open Reviews, 6(5), 361–371.
Grimaldi, A., & Fearon, A. (2015). Gluteal tendinopathy: Integrating pathomechanics and clinical features in its management. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 45(11), 910–922.
Mellor, R., Bennell, K., Grimaldi, A., Nicolson, P., Kasza, J., Hodges, P., Wajswelner, H., & Vicenzino, B. (2018). Education plus exercise versus corticosteroid injection use for gluteal tendinopathy: A randomized clinical trial. BMJ, 361, k1662.
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