Addressing Hip Pain: Arthritis and Bursitis Treatment at Encompass Sports Therapy
Hip pain can impact everything from your morning routine to your ability to stay active, sleep comfortably, and enjoy time with family or friends. Whether it presents as a sharp twinge when walking, a deep ache after sitting, or stiffness in the morning, hip pain is a common reason people seek out physiotherapy and chiropractic care at Encompass Sports Therapy.
Two of the most frequently treated conditions in our clinics are hip arthritis and hip bursitis—each with its own cause, symptoms, and treatment approach. Fortunately, both conditions typically respond well to conservative care that focuses on movement, strength, and functional support.
Understanding Hip Arthritis
Osteoarthritis of the hip is a degenerative condition that affects the cartilage in the joint. As the cartilage wears down, the bones of the hip can rub against each other, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and pain. Arthritis is often progressive, but with the right care, symptoms can be managed effectively—and quality of life can be maintained.
Symptoms of Hip Arthritis
- Deep ache in the groin, buttock, or thigh
- Stiffness after prolonged rest or in the morning
- Reduced range of motion in the hip
- Pain with walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods
- A feeling of grinding or catching in the joint
Understanding Hip Bursitis
Hip bursitis involves inflammation of the bursa—small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. The most common type in the hip is trochanteric bursitis, which causes pain on the outside of the hip. It may develop from overuse, prolonged pressure, poor mechanics, or after an injury.
Symptoms of Hip Bursitis
- Sharp or burning pain on the outside of the hip
- Pain that worsens with walking, stairs, or lying on the side
- Tenderness to touch over the outer hip
- Possible swelling or warmth
How Physiotherapy Can Help
At Encompass Sports Therapy, physiotherapy for hip arthritis and bursitis begins with a detailed one-on-one assessment in a private room. Our physiotherapists identify the structures involved, assess your strength, flexibility, and gait, and build a personalized treatment plan.
1. Manual Therapy
Joint mobilizations and soft tissue techniques can help reduce stiffness and muscle tension around the hip and pelvis. For arthritis, these techniques can improve joint mechanics. For bursitis, they help alleviate strain on the irritated bursa.
2. Individualized Exercise Program
Strengthening key muscles—especially the glutes, core, and thighs—is central to treating both arthritis and bursitis. Your physiotherapist will guide you through exercises to improve joint stability and function, often starting with low-impact movements before progressing to more dynamic training.
3. Gait and Movement Retraining
Altered walking patterns can contribute to hip stress. Physiotherapists analyze how you move and help correct faulty mechanics to reduce pain and strain on the joint.
4. Education and Lifestyle Strategies
Knowing how to modify activity, manage flare-ups, and balance movement with rest is essential to long-term relief. Physiotherapists provide strategies that are practical and sustainable.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Chiropractors at Encompass Sports Therapy offer complementary treatment for hip pain. While chiropractic care is often associated with spinal treatment, the hips and pelvis are frequently addressed as part of a whole-body approach.
1. Pelvic and Hip Adjustments
Gentle adjustments to the pelvis and lower spine can restore motion and improve alignment, reducing strain on the hip joint and surrounding tissues. These adjustments can also enhance overall stability and symmetry in movement.
2. Soft Tissue Therapy
Chiropractors use techniques such as muscle release, active therapy, and assisted stretching to target tightness in the glutes, piriformis, and IT band—common contributors to hip discomfort.
3. Postural and Movement Assessments
Chiropractic care includes a focus on posture, balance, and joint function throughout the body. Imbalances elsewhere—like the feet, knees, or lower back—can influence hip pain, and chiropractors work to restore balance from the ground up.
4. Home Exercises and Supportive Techniques
Your chiropractor may offer customized movement routines, mobility drills, or taping strategies to relieve pressure and support healing.
What to Expect at Encompass Sports Therapy
When you visit us at our Bridgeland, Coach Hill, or Cranston location, you’ll receive individualized care in a comfortable, private treatment setting. Our team provides:
- One-on-one appointments with your provider
- Direct billing to most insurance plans
- All-in-one pricing with no surprise fees
- Evening and weekend availability for flexibility
At Encompass Sports Therapy, physiotherapists and chiropractors work closely together to ensure your treatment plan is cohesive, personalized, and aligned with your health goals. Many clients benefit from an integrated approach that combines manual therapy, rehabilitation, and functional movement training.
When to Seek Help for Hip Pain
You don’t have to wait until pain is severe to benefit from care. Consider booking an appointment if you:
- Notice persistent hip pain or stiffness
- Feel limited by pain during walking, exercise, or sleep
- Have been diagnosed with arthritis and want to maintain activity
- Experience outside hip pain that doesn’t improve with rest
- Want to avoid reliance on medication or delay the need for surgical intervention
You Can Move Well Again
Hip pain—whether from arthritis or bursitis—can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to become a permanent limitation. With the right support, most people can return to walking, exercising, working, and living comfortably.
At Encompass Sports Therapy, we help you move better, reduce pain, and build confidence in your body. Whether you’re starting fresh or recovering from a setback, we’ll support your progress every step of the way—with care that’s grounded in evidence and delivered with compassion.
Visit www.encompasscalgary.com to book your assessment at Coach Hill, Cranston, or Bridgeland and start feeling better today.