Hip Bursitis

Hip bursitis — outer hip pain that worsens with walking, lying on the side, or climbing stairs — responds well to a combination of pelvic correction and regenerative therapies that address the underlying cause.

What Is Hip Bursitis?

Greater trochanteric bursitis (GTBS) involves inflammation of the bursa sac overlying the greater trochanter of the femur — the bony prominence on the outer hip. The IT band and gluteal tendons pass over this bursa, and repetitive friction from pelvic imbalance or muscular tightness causes bursal inflammation. GTBS is now more accurately understood as greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) — recognizing that gluteal tendinopathy is often the primary pathology rather than pure bursitis. Pelvic imbalance from lumbar or SI joint dysfunction creates asymmetric IT band tension and gluteal tendon overload. Correcting the pelvic cause is essential for lasting relief.

Common Symptoms

Outer hip pain, often radiating down the outer thigh
Pain lying on the affected side at night
Pain climbing stairs, rising from sitting, or walking on inclines
Tenderness over the greater trochanter
Pain that worsens with prolonged activity
Snapping hip sensation (coxa saltans) in some patients

Common Causes & Contributing Factors

Pelvic imbalance increasing IT band tension across the trochanteric bursa
Gluteal tendinopathy from repetitive compressive and tensile loading
Leg length discrepancy increasing lateral pelvic drop
Tight IT band and weak hip abductor muscles
Running on cambered surfaces or with a narrow stride
Prior hip surgery or arthroplasty altering biomechanics

The Pura Vida Protocol: Chiropractic Care for Hip Bursitis

Dr. Foss corrects the pelvic imbalance driving abnormal IT band and gluteal tendon loading through SOT Category II adjustments. Hip joint and lumbar corrections restore normal femoral mechanics. Myofascial release targeting the IT band, TFL, and gluteal muscles reduces compressive bursal loading. Regenerative therapies are applied to the trochanteric bursa and gluteal tendon insertion to reduce inflammation and stimulate tissue repair. Hip abductor strengthening exercises are provided as home care to prevent recurrence.

At Pura Vida Chiropractic, Dr. Foss uses Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) — a gentle, category-based system that addresses the spine, pelvis, and craniosacral rhythm as one integrated unit. SOT restores proper biomechanics, reduces nerve interference, and creates the neurological environment your body needs to heal itself.

Advanced Therapies We Combine With Chiropractic

For many patients, combining spinal correction with regenerative therapies produces faster and more lasting results. Depending on your condition, Dr. Foss may incorporate one or more of the following:

Shockwave Therapy

High-energy acoustic waves penetrate deep into tissue to break up calcifications, stimulate collagen production, and accelerate the body's natural repair process — all without surgery or downtime.

SoftWave Therapy

Patented unfocused shock waves spread over a broad treatment area to reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and activate stem cells — promoting cellular regeneration and long-term pain relief.

Class IV Laser Therapy

Photobiomodulation with a 10–15W Class IV laser delivers therapeutic light energy deep into tissue, reducing inflammation, blocking pain signals, and speeding healing at the cellular level.

Why Choose Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio?

Pura Vida Chiropractic is a family-friendly, bilingual (English/Spanish) clinic serving San Antonio, TX. Dr. Dan Foss is trained in Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), a comprehensive chiropractic system that addresses the whole body — not just the area of pain. We combine hands-on spinal correction with the latest regenerative technology to help patients resolve the root cause of their condition rather than masking symptoms.

We are insurance friendly with most insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Ambetter, Oscar Health, Community First, and Molina Healthcare. New patient appointments are available promptly.

Ready to Get Relief from Hip Bursitis?

Schedule your new patient appointment with Dr. Foss at Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio, TX. We'll identify the root cause and build a personalized care plan.

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