Trochanteric Bursitis: The Overlooked Back Connection
Key insights: 60-second read
- The lower back may be an overlooked cause of trochanteric bursitis – The thoracolumbar junction (TLJ) can create a wave of tissue dysfunction that sets the hip bursae up for irritation.
- Traditional treatment isn't enough – Strengthening hip muscles, massage, and even injections often miss this hidden spinal component.
- The TLJ may not hurt itself – It can be stiff and dysfunctional without any local pain, yet still influence the hip.
- Three key exercises – The video demonstrates techniques to address the back connection, including lacrosse ball and foam roller work.
Trochanteric bursitis is rightfully looked at as a hip-related issue. But what if there was more to the onset and persistence of hip bursitis than we realized?
Traditional treatment for trochanteric bursitis often revolves around strengthening surrounding hip muscles, soft-tissue massage, certain muscle stretches and pain relief.
If the pain persists we might also turn to cortisone injections and surgery in an attempt to settle the dysfunction. Yet despite how common trochanteric bursitis is I don't think we have it conquered. At least not to the point where we can help everyone quickly return to normal without fuss.
However, I'm finding something interesting with my patients. Clinically, I find a relatively hidden section of the lower back may be an overlooked cause of trochanteric bursitis.
The thoracolumbar junction may not be painful on its own. But it may create a wave of tissue dysfunction that sets the hip bursae up to become irritated and annoyed.
In this video, I go through the connection I'm finding between the back and the hip. I also demonstrate three important exercises to focus on.
Treating the lower back may seem odd to some considering when discussing hip pain. But I find it just so important. If you're struggling to shake your hip pain, I hope this video pleasantly surprises you!
Ideas covered in this video include:
- Why you don't need to ice the hip
- How to avoid injections and pain medication
- The need to focus on your spinal function and posture
Related: Here's what I'm finding with Hip Bursitis
On this page
1. Traditional Treatment Isn't Enough
Trochanteric bursitis is rightfully looked at as a hip-related issue. But what if there was more to the onset and persistence of hip bursitis than we realized?
Traditional treatment for trochanteric bursitis often revolves around strengthening surrounding hip muscles, soft-tissue massage, certain muscle stretches and pain relief.
If the pain persists we might also turn to cortisone injections and surgery in an attempt to settle the dysfunction. Yet despite how common trochanteric bursitis is I don't think we have it conquered. At least not to the point where we can help everyone quickly return to normal without fuss.
2. The Overlooked Back Connection
However, I'm finding something interesting with my patients. Clinically, I find a relatively hidden section of the lower back may be an overlooked cause of trochanteric bursitis.
The thoracolumbar junction may not be painful on its own. But it may create a wave of tissue dysfunction that sets the hip bursae up to become irritated and annoyed.
Treating the lower back may seem odd to some considering when discussing hip pain. But I find it just so important. If you're struggling to shake your hip pain, I hope this video pleasantly surprises you!
3. Three Important Exercises
In this video, I go through the connection I'm finding between the back and the hip. I also demonstrate three important exercises to focus on.
While the video provides the full demonstration, here's a summary of what the exercises target:
- Exercise 1: Thoracolumbar Junction Release with Lacrosse Ball – Targeting the specific area where the lower back meets the upper lumbar spine, releasing restrictions that may influence hip function.
- Exercise 2: Lower Back Mobility with Foam Roller – Using a foam roller to gently mobilise the entire lower back and thoracolumbar region, improving spinal function.
- Exercise 3: Postural Awareness and Spinal Alignment – Retraining daily positions to take pressure off the thoracolumbar junction and prevent recurrence.
4. Key Ideas Covered in This Video
- Why you don't need to ice the hip
- How to avoid injections and pain medication
- The need to focus on your spinal function and posture
5. Recommended Equipment
Please note: These are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.
I genuinely hope this article offers a fresh perspective - or at least one useful takeaway. If you have a different issue, or simply want to learn more about how your body moves, head over to the Your Wellness Nerd YouTube channel. Subscribe if you feel inclined, and let me know in the comments what you'd like me to cover next.
– Grant
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overlooked cause of trochanteric bursitis?
Clinically, a hidden section of the lower back - the thoracolumbar junction - may be an overlooked cause. It may not be painful itself, but it can create a wave of tissue dysfunction that sets the hip bursae up for irritation.
What exercises help trochanteric bursitis?
The three exercises in the video target: 1) Thoracolumbar junction release with a lacrosse ball, 2) Lower back mobility with a foam roller, and 3) Postural awareness and spinal alignment.
Should I ice my hip for trochanteric bursitis?
The video discusses why you don't need to ice the hip. Ice may interfere with the body's natural healing process. Instead, focus on addressing the underlying spinal and mechanical issues.
What equipment do I need for these exercises?
A lacrosse ball and a foam roller are recommended. These tools help release restrictions in the thoracolumbar junction and lower back. Affiliate links are provided in the article.
One profound insight from this post
"The thoracolumbar junction may not be painful on its own. But it may create a wave of tissue dysfunction that sets the hip bursae up to become irritated."
If you found this video useful please leave a like and let me know in the comments! Also, please consider subscribing to the Your Wellness Nerd YouTube channel for more helpful information.
Living With Persistent Pain?
If your pain has lasted longer than expected, feels disproportionate to injury, or hasn't responded to standard treatment, you may benefit from a broader approach. Learn more about our hip pain physiotherapy services in Port Macquarie.
Want personalised guidance?
If you'd like help making sense of your aches, pains, or ongoing symptoms, you can book with Grant either in Port Macquarie or via an online telehealth consultation.
