What is Trochanteric Bursitis?

The trochanteric bursa is a small fluid filled sack that lies between the greater trochanter (the bony knob on the side of your hip) and the iliotibial band (a band of connective tissue that runs along the side of the thigh).  Trochanteric bursitis occurs when this fluid filled sack becomes inflamed and painful. The pain from trochanteric bursitis is usually felt along the side of the hip.

What causes Trochanteric Bursitis?

Trochanteric bursitis is most often caused by a mechanical fault at the pelvis and hip. The mechanical fault involves the inability to control the femur (thigh bone) during weight bearing activities such as walking, hiking, running and going up and down stairs. The lack of control of the femur during these activities causes increased friction between the greater trochanter and the iliotibial band resulting in irritation of the bursa.

How Is Trochanteric Bursitis Treated?

Many treatments such as ultrasound, ice, anti-inflamatories and steroid injections can provide short term benefit.  However, in order to provide long term relief and prevention one must treat the mechanical cause.  The muscles that control the femur must be strengthened in order to eliminate the excessive friction on the bursa.  The muscles that help control the femur during weight bearing activities include the gluteus medius and the deep lateral rotators of the hip (the rotator cuff of the hip).  Excessive pronation (flattening) of the foot during weight bearing activities may also cause excessive friction on the trochanteric bursa.   This excessive pronation of the foot can be reduced by wearing proper footwear or using orthotics.

Here is a video demonstrating some of the hip strengthening exercises we recommend for the treatment of trochanteric bursitis:

If you live near Lakewood, CO and need help finding the cause of your hip pain for successful treatment we are here to help.  Contact Belmar Physical Therapy at (303) 274-2404.

What is Thoracic Manipulation?

The thoracic spine is the part of the spine where your ribs attach.  This area is below the neck and above the low back.  A physical therapist performs thoracic manipulation by applying a quick push to this area.  This quick impulse may or may not cause a harmless pop to occur.

What Are The Benefits of Thoracic Manipulation for Neck Pain?

More and more studies are showing the benefits of manipulating this area for neck pain.  A recent study in the Journal of Orthopedics and Sports Physical Therapy found that patients with acute neck pain who received this thoracic spine manipulation had superior clinical benefits that persisted beyond the 1-month follow-up period.  You can view a synopsis of the article here.

Here is a video demonstration of thoracic manipulation:

The Following Links Provide Further Support For The Use of Thoracic Manipulation by Physical Therapist For Neck Pain:

1. Thoracic Manipulation For Radiculopathy
2. Short term effects of thoracic manipulation for neck pain
3. Immediate effects of thoracic manipulation for neck pain
4. Improvements in neck range of motion after thoracic manipulation
5. A way to determine which patients will benefit from thoracic manipulation

We have found the use of thoracic spine manipulaiton combined with patient education, specific exercises and other manual therapy techniques to be very effective in alleviating neck pain.  If you live in the Lakewood, CO area and would like relief from this very debilitating condition contact Belmar Physical Therapy at (303) 274-2404.