Trochanteric Bursitis
Pain on the outer side of the hip is often labelled bursitis when the underlying problem is gluteal tendinopathy, a degeneration of the gluteus medius and minimus tendons. It typically causes pain when lying on the affected side, climbing stairs or rising from a chair. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is prepared from a small sample of your own blood and injected at the tendon attachment under ultrasound guidance. It aims to reduce inflammation, which may lead to less pain.
PRP is generally considered when hip pain has persisted despite physiotherapy. Treatment is combined with load management and supervised gluteal strengthening exercises. Results vary between individuals and suitability is assessed at consultation. Dr John sees patients with lateral hip pain in Bowral, serving the Southern Highlands, and at Norwest Private Hospital in Bella Vista.
PRP Treatment Process
Diagnostic Ultrasound
Differentiates bursitis vs tendinopathy
PRP Preparation
Leucocyte Rich – Platelet Rich Plasma
Injection
PRP delivered to tendon-bone interface under ultrasound guidance
Peppering Technique
Multiple needle passes
Recovery and Pain Relief
This procedure is moderately painful, pain in the area will increase on the first week, but should improve thereafter. This treatment requires 3 injections, 2 weeks apart. Pain should be resolving after week 3. Supervised glute muscles strengthening exercises are crucial for preventing recurrence.
Treatment Eligibility
Ideal Candidates:
✔ Chronic lateral hip pain > 3 months
✔ Pain with single-leg stance or stair climbing
✔ Those avoiding long-term NSAID use
Exclusions:
✘ Advanced tendon tears requiring surgery
✘ Systemic inflammatory arthritis
Pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Trochanteric Bursitis, and how is PRP used to treat it?
Trochanteric bursitis, also known as greater trochanteric pain syndrome, is a common condition characterised by pain on the outer side of the hip. It occurs when the bursa (a small, fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues) located near the greater trochanter (the bony prominence on the outside of your thigh bone) becomes inflamed or irritated. While inflammation is a factor, underlying issues with the gluteal tendons (tendinopathy) are often present. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment involves injecting a concentrated solution of your own blood platelets, rich in growth factors, into the affected bursa and/or the adjacent gluteal tendons. PRP aims to reduce inflammation in the affected area, which may lead to less pain.
Am I a suitable candidate for PRP treatment for Trochanteric Bursitis in Australia?
PRP treatment for trochanteric bursitis is generally considered for individuals who have persistent hip pain despite trying conservative management approaches such as rest, anti-inflammatory medications (if appropriate), ice, and a dedicated physiotherapy program focusing on hip strengthening and stretching. Your doctor will typically assess your condition through a physical examination and may use imaging like an ultrasound or MRI to confirm the diagnosis, rule out other causes of hip pain, and assess the extent of any gluteal tendon involvement. PRP is often explored as a non-surgical option when other non-invasive treatments have not provided sufficient relief.
What does a PRP injection for Trochanteric Bursitis involve, and what's the typical recovery process like?
The procedure for a PRP injection for trochanteric bursitis typically begins with drawing a small amount of blood from your arm. This blood is then processed in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets, creating the PRP solution. The concentrated PRP is then injected directly into the inflamed bursa and/or any damaged gluteal tendons in the hip area. This injection is usually performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure precise placement of the PRP. You might experience some mild discomfort during the injection. After the procedure, it’s common to have some localised soreness, tenderness, or bruising around the injection site for a few days. Your doctor will provide specific post-injection instructions, which often include a brief period of reduced activity, followed by a gradual return to normal activities and a structured rehabilitation program, usually involving physiotherapy. This rehabilitation is crucial for strengthening the hip muscles and optimising the long-term outcome. Improvement in symptoms is often gradual and can take several weeks to a few months.
How many PRP injections are typically recommended for Trochanteric Bursitis, and is it covered by Medicare or private health insurance in Australia?
The number of PRP injections recommended for trochanteric bursitis can vary depending on the individual’s response and the severity of their condition. While some patients may experience significant relief from a single injection, a course of 1 to 3 injections, often spaced a few weeks apart, is sometimes recommended to achieve optimal and more sustained results. Your treating doctor will advise on the most appropriate injection protocol for your specific case. Regarding coverage in Australia, it’s important to be aware that PRP treatments for trochanteric bursitis are generally not covered by Medicare. This means that the cost of the PRP procedure itself is typically an out-of-pocket expense for the patient. Similarly, most private health insurance funds in Australia currently do not provide rebates for the PRP therapy for this condition. It is always advisable to discuss the full costs involved and confirm any potential out-of-pocket expenses directly with your clinic and your private health fund.
Book an appointment
PRP aims to reduce inflammation, leading to pain reduction. Book a consultation in Bowral or Norwest to find out whether it is suitable for you.
Or, phone the clinic.
Related reading
Learn more in our detailed guide: Hamstring Tendinopathy: Why Your Deep Buttock Pain May Be a Tendon Problem — Southern Highlands and Sydney North-West.