Trochanteric Bursitis: Exercises

1. Sit on the floor close to a doorway. Be sure to stretch your affected leg first.
2. Lie down with your other leg through the doorway.
3. Slide your affected leg up the wall to straighten your knee. Don't point your toes. You should feel a gentle stretch down the back of your leg. Be sure to:
4. Hold the stretch for at least 1 minute. Then over time, try to lengthen the time you hold the stretch to as long as 6 minutes.
5. Repeat 2 to 4 times.
6. It's a good idea to repeat these steps with your other leg.

• To stretch your right leg, scoot to the right side of the doorway.
• To stretch your left leg, scoot to the left side of the doorway.

• Keep both knees straight.
• Keep your back flat and your other heel on the floor.

If you do not have a place to do this exercise in a doorway, there is another way to do it:

• Lie on your back, and bend the knee of your affected leg.
• Loop a towel under the ball and toes of that foot, and hold the ends of the towel in your hands.
• Straighten your knee as you raise that foot into the air. Slowly pull back on the towel. You should feel a gentle stretch down the back of your leg.
• Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. Or even better, hold the stretch for 1 minute if you can.
• Repeat 2 to 4 times.
• It's a good idea to repeat these steps with your other leg.

1. Lie on your side, with your affected leg on top. You can use your hand or a pillow to support your head.
2. Keep your knee straight and your leg in a straight line with your body.
3. Lift your affected leg straight up toward the ceiling, about 12 inches off the floor. Hold for about 6 seconds, then slowly lower your leg.
4. Repeat 8 to 12 times.
5. It's a good idea to repeat these steps on your other side.

• Keep your kneecap pointing forward.
• Don't let your hip drop back.

1. Lie on your side, with your affected leg on top and your head propped on a pillow. Keep your feet and knees together and your knees bent.
2. Raise your top knee, but keep your feet together. Do not let your hips roll back. Your legs should open up like a clamshell.
3. Hold for about 6 seconds.
4. Slowly lower your knee back down.
5. Repeat 8 to 12 times.

1. If you are steady on your feet, stand while holding onto a chair or counter or while resting your hand on a wall. You can also lie on your stomach or your side to do this exercise.
2. Bend the knee of the leg you want to stretch, and then reach back with the hand on the same side and grab the front of your foot. For example, if you're stretching your right leg, use your right hand.
3. Keeping your knees next to each other, pull your foot toward your buttock until you feel a gentle stretch across the front of your hip and down the front of your thigh. Your knee should be pointed directly to the ground, not out to the side.
4. Hold the stretch for at least 15 to 30 seconds.
5. Repeat 2 to 4 times for each leg.

1. Lie on your back with your legs straight.
2. Lift your affected leg and bend your knee. With your opposite hand, gently pull your knee toward your opposite shoulder. You should feel the stretch in your buttock and hip.
3. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds.
4. Repeat 2 to 4 times.
5. It's a good idea to repeat these steps with your other leg.

1. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. You can put a small pillow under your head and neck if it is more comfortable.
2. Bring your knees to your chest and hold them with your hands. Or you can hold at the fronts of your shins or behind your thighs.
3. Keep your lower back pressed to the floor. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds.
4. Relax, and lower your knees to the starting position.
5. Repeat 2 to 4 times.