Hip Bursitis Treatment Using LLLT/PBMT
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), uses red and near-infrared light applied over targeted areas. In our clinic it is used as part of a GP-led treatment approach for selected musculoskeletal pain and injury presentations, including hip bursitis, Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome and related gluteal tendon presentations.
PBMT/LLLT is non-invasive and generally well tolerated. Suitability and response vary, and treatment recommendations depend on the diagnosis, severity, duration of symptoms and individual clinical factors. PBMT/LLLT has been studied for a range of musculoskeletal pain and injury conditions. See our references page for supporting literature.
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Key Points
- Hip bursitis, now often called Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome, commonly involves inflammation of the bursa together with irritation or strain of the gluteal tendons.
- It may be associated with trauma, repetitive strain, altered gait or age-related tendon changes.
- Symptoms include localised outer hip pain, tenderness, difficulty lying on the affected side, stiffness and pain during walking, stairs or rising from sitting.
- Standard treatments such as rest, cortisone injections, anti-inflammatory medication or physiotherapy may offer temporary symptom relief for some people, but are not suitable or effective for everyone.
- Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), or Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), is considered for selected hip bursitis presentations where bursal inflammation, tendon irritation or local pain are contributing to symptoms.
- LLLT may be particularly relevant where pain limits rehabilitation or exercise, or where pressure, loading or manual treatment aggravates sensitive structures.
- Treatment is GP-led by Dr Shikha Parmar and delivered under medical supervision as part of a structured six-week program tailored to the patient’s condition.
- PBMT/LLLT has been studied in a range of musculoskeletal pain and injury conditions and is generally well tolerated. Individual responses vary.
- LLLT can be considered for people with persistent lateral hip pain or hip bursitis who have not improved with usual conservative care, after appropriate medical assessment.
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 or irritation of the surrounding gluteal tendons.
The bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that help 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 often occurs secondary to strain or 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
- Repetitive overuse from activities such as running, cycling, prolonged standing or sitting on hard surfaces
- Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or gout, which may predispose to bursitis
- Altered gait patterns, including those associated with low back pain
- Age-related tendon changes, making tendons less elastic and more prone to injury
In some cases, the cause remains unknown.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms include localised pain and tenderness over the buttock and the bony prominence on the outer side of the hip.
Pain may be sharp or searing, or present as a persistent dull ache. It often worsens when rising from sitting or lying, climbing stairs or hills, getting in or out of a car, or lying on the affected side. Sleep disturbance is common.
Morning stiffness and reduced hip movement may also occur.
How is Hip Bursitis Diagnosed?
Hip bursitis is usually diagnosed from a detailed clinical history and physical examination, including assessment of the onset, location and nature of pain and any activities or injuries that may have triggered it.
Ultrasound or MRI may be used to confirm bursal inflammation or injury to surrounding tissues and to exclude other causes of hip pain.
Hip Bursitis – Treatment Overview
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), is a non-invasive treatment approach used as part of a structured program for selected hip bursitis and Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome presentations. It may help modulate pain and local inflammatory processes and support tendon and bursal tissue recovery without adding mechanical stress to sensitive hip structures.
Why Choose Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)?
Many patients present after limited relief from rest, ice, medication, cortisone or physiotherapy. These approaches may ease symptoms temporarily, but are not suitable for every stage of recovery, especially if loading, stretching or pressure aggravates sensitive tissues.
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 and may support:
- Helping modulate inflammation and oxidative stress
- Local circulation and oxygen delivery to tendons and bursae
- Lymphatic drainage
- Cellular energy production (ATP)
- Tendon and bursal tissue recovery processes where irritation is present
- Assisting pain reduction without mechanical loading or stressing the injured tissues
Non-Invasive and Supported by Research
PBMT/LLLT is non-invasive and generally well tolerated. It has been studied in a range of musculoskeletal pain and injury conditions. Individual responses vary, and outcomes depend on the condition being treated and the stage of recovery. Read more here.
See how LLLT may support the cellular environment involved in tissue recovery 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
- Early progress review after the first 6 treatments
- Individualised advice and activity modification
- Guided rehabilitation to support longer-term function
Progress is reviewed during the program. Many patients notice appreciable improvement after the first 6 treatments. If there has not been sufficient improvement by this review point, further treatment may not be recommended.
View the full treatment protocol and expected outcomes here.
Ready to Discuss Your Hip Bursitis Treatment Options?
If you are struggling with persistent outer hip pain or have been diagnosed with hip bursitis, we invite you to contact our team at Laser Pain Therapy to discuss the suitability of LLLT for your presentation. Treatment suitability and outcomes vary, and assessment is required before recommendations can be made.
Contact us today to arrange your consultation and take the first step towards recovery.
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