Hip Bursitis Treatment Using LLLT/PBMT
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMt) is the application of red and near infrared light over injuries to stimulate cellular repair. LLLT is highly effective, completely safe treatment in Melbourne, Victoria. It is painless, and has no effect on normal tissues. LLLT treats the underlying cause of the injury unlike pain medication which just masks the pain. It is a treatment modality supported by research from reputable institutions including Harvard University and NASA. LLLT is an evidence-based therapy for soft tissue injuries relating to hip bursitis.
Gentle. Drug-Free. Clinically Proven
Key Points
- Hip bursitis—now often called Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome—commonly involves inflammation of the bursa and irritation or strain of the gluteal tendons (gluteal tendinopathy).
- It’s often caused by trauma (e.g. falls), repetitive strain (e.g. running, climbing stairs, prolonged standing), altered gait, or age-related tendon changes.
- Symptoms include localised pain over the outer hip, tenderness, difficulty lying on the affected side, stiffness, and pain during walking, stairs, or rising from seated.
- Conventional treatments such as rest, cortisone injections, NSAIDs, and physiotherapy often fall short by masking symptoms rather than resolving the underlying tendon injury.
- Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), or Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that directly reduces inflammation and stimulates healing in irritated bursae and tendons.
- LLLT improves blood flow, promotes tissue repair, reduces oxidative stress, and energises damaged cells—without aggravating already sensitive structures.
- It’s ideal even in chronic or severe cases where exercise or manual therapy may be too painful or ineffective.
- Safe, painless, and backed by strong clinical evidence, LLLT offers long-term relief from hip pain while restoring movement and tendon strength—without drugs or injections.
What Is Hip Bursitis or Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome?
Hip bursitis, now often referred to as “Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome,” involves inflammation of the hip bursa and injury to the surrounding gluteal tendons.
The bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that help to reduce friction between muscles, tendons, and bone around the hip.
The most commonly affected bursae are the trochanteric bursa, ischial bursa, and iliopsoas bursa. Inflammation usually occurs secondary to strain and injury of the associated muscles and tendons.
Causes of Hip Bursitis
Hip bursitis can develop for several reasons.
- Injury or direct trauma – such as a fall onto the side of the hip or striking it against a hard surface – is a common cause.
- Repetitive overuse, particularly from activities such as running, cycling, prolonged standing, or even sitting on hard surfaces for extended periods, can also strain the gluteal tendons and muscles, leading to inflammation of the bursa.
- Conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout may further predispose individuals to bursitis.
- In some cases, altered gait patterns due to low back pain place additional strain on the hip. Occasionally, the cause remains unknown. Age-related changes in the tendons, which become less elastic and more prone to injury over time, can also contribute.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms include localised pain, tenderness, and an inflamed sensation over the buttock and the “hip bone” (the bony prominence of the outer thigh).
Pain may present as sharp, searing, or as a persistent dull ache.
It often worsens with activities such as rising from a seated or lying position, climbing stairs or hills, entering or exiting a car, and lying on the affected side, often leading to disturbed sleep.
Stiffness in the hip, particularly in the morning, and a reduced range of movement are also common features.
How is Hip Bursitis Diagnosed?
Hip bursitis is usually diagnosed based on a detailed clinical history about the onset, location, and nature of the pain, as well as any activities or injuries that may have triggered it, and physical examination.
Ultrasound or MRI may be used to rule out other conditions and confirm inflammation of the bursa or injury to surrounding tissues.
Hip Bursitis – Treatment Overview
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), is a gentle, evidence-based treatment that targets the root causes of hip bursitis: gluteal tendon strain, bursal inflammation, and micro-tears. It promotes healing without mechanical stress, allowing tissues to recover safely before strengthening.
Why Choose Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)?
Many patients have tried rest, ice, medications, cortisone, or physiotherapy with limited relief. These approaches often mask pain without resolving underlying inflammation, and early exercise on inflamed tissues can worsen injury. LLLT is ideal where inflammation persists and mechanical stress must be avoided during recovery.
Why ice, anti-inflammatories, cortisone, and PRP may not support long-term recovery. Read more here.
How LLLT Supports Healing
LLLT uses red and near-infrared light to restore balance to the inflammatory process and stimulate soft tissue and bursal repair by:
- Improve circulation and oxygen delivery to tendons and bursae
- Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
- Enhance lymphatic drainage
- Boost cellular energy (ATP) for tissue repair
- Support tendon and bursal regeneration
All without loading or stressing the injured tissues.
Proven, Safe, and Effective
It is non-invasive, painless, and supported by extensive clinical research. Read more here.
See how LLLT helps restore the cellular environment needed for repair here.
Our Treatment Program
All patients are assessed by Dr Shikha Parmar (GP). Treatment is delivered within a structured six-week program, including:
- Up to 12 LLLT sessions
- Review after 6 sessions
- Individualised advice and activity modification
- Guided rehabilitation for durable recovery
Patients who respond typically show 15–20% improvement within the first 6 sessions, with best-case improvement of 70–90% over the full program.
View the full treatment protocol and expected outcomes here.
Ready for Lasting Relief?
If you are struggling with persistent pain from soft tissue injury such as hip bursitis, we invite you to contact our experienced team at Laser Pain Therapy. Our LLLT treatment offers a safe, effective, and lasting solution to restore your comfort, mobility, and quality of life.
Contact us today to arrange your consultation and take the first step towards recovery.
📍 Located in Melbourne
📞 (03) 8529 2225 Contact Us
