Hip bursitis is the irritation of the bursal sac located over the outside of the hip. A person with hip bursitis looking for treatment may be advised initally to rest by avoiding actions that may stress or strain the hip. Often individuals choose to seek a physician to prescribe medications that may help in reducing their hip bursitis symptoms such as pain and inflammation. In addition, many may be instructed to follow a specific exercise program designed to strengthen their hip muscles. Generally an exercise program aimed at reducing bursitis pain includes various stretching exercises that will increase flexibility and promote movement of the hips by reducing the pain.

The following is a list of exercises that will help diminish hip bursitis pain.

Leg Raise:
Lie down on your back and keep your legs straight.
Now stiffen the muscles of the upper portion of the affected thigh.
Then slowly raise that leg 6"-8" above the floor.
While raising the leg, make sure to keep the upper thigh muscles tightened. Hold for 10 seconds.
Then gradually bring down the leg on the floor.
Repeat this step 10 times. 3 sets.

Cross Leg Pull:
Sit on a chair and cross the bursitis affected leg over the other.
Pull the affected leg to the other side while holding your knee there.
Keep your buttocks flat while pulling the leg (You will feel the muscle pulling in the hip area).
Hold the knee for 5-10 seconds. Repeat 10 times. 3 sets.

Ball Squat:
Stand upright with your back facing the wall.
Place an exercise ball behind your lower back and lean against the wall.
While keeping your body upright, slowly squat down until your thighs are parallel to the floor.
Hold this pose for ten seconds. Return to up and slide up on the wall.
Repeat this step 10 times, 3 sets.

Important Tips:
Pay attention to how your body is reacting throughout the exercise. It is important to remain within a range of motion that is comfortable. The goal is NOT to push the muscle through the pain. You will become more flexible in time. After completing the exercise, it is recommended that you apply a cold pack to the hip for approximately five minutes. Icing the hip after exercise will help decrease swelling and relieve the pain caused by bursitis.Engage in these exercises only when you have successfully overcome the initial tenderness and swelling that results from hip bursitis.