Can I exercise with bursitis?

Question

I have a type of bursitis in my hip. I was given a shot of cortisone last week to help it go away. Will running and lifting weights make it worse?

Answer 1

Physical therapy is actually an acceptable treatment for Trochanteric Bursitis, specially stretching.

* Physical Therapy: While only limited controlled studies have proven the usefulness of physical therapy (PT) for this condition, a specific and goal-directed PT program often seems quite reasonable. PT can be incorporated to teach the patient a home exercise program, emphasizing stretching of the iliotibial bands (ITBs), tensor fascia lata (TFL), external hip rotators, quadriceps, and hip flexors. The use of phonophoresis and soft tissue massage also may be helpful.

Stretching of the ITB and TFL can be achieved by a program that incorporates passive adduction of the knee of the affected limb across the midline as far as possible, holding this position for at least 10-20 seconds. The stretch can be repeated in various degrees of hip flexion, thus theoretically stretching various fibers within the ITB and TFL. To avoid exacerbation, stretching should not be performed in a ballistic jerking fashion. Instead, stretches should be performed in a controlled sustained fashion.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can be considered in resistant cases.