Iliopsoas Bursitis

Past couple weeks back at the clinic I have had two patients come in with anterior hip pain, radiating down the leg and into the groin. Some movements would cause the pain to be sharp and intense, to the point standing up was to painful. Getting in and out of the car they had to move gingerly, one wrong move and the pain would take their breath away and it would feel like their leg was about to give way. After a thorough assessment both were found to have Iliopsoas bursitis.

What is Iliopsoas Bursitis?

The iliopsoas muscle is actually two muscles the Iliacus and psoas muscles. Together with their individual motions they lift the upper leg towards the body. A common example of the movement created from these two muscles is walking. The Bursa is a fluid filled sacs which allows tissues of the body to slide over one another without friction. When the bursa between the bone and these muscles becomes inflamed it is known as Iliopsoas Bursitis.

How does Iliopsoas Bursitis happen?

Over time if prolonged friction and increased pressure is put on the bursa it will cause wear and tear on the bursa. This will lead to thickening and inflammation of the bursa. Even though both patients had iliopsoas bursitis the cause of the increased pressure and friction is different. One has severe arthritis of the hips which has lead to atrophy of the surrounding musculature which has caused her hips to be unstable. Causing her body to put more pressure on the anterior hip muscles to try and give her stability. The other uses a walker and walks hinged over at the hips both her iliacus and psoas muscles have become tight putting pressure on the bursa.

How is Iliopsoas Bursitis Treated?

Rest!? OK yes that will take pressure off the bursa and allow it to settle down but once you start getting moving again it will come right back. That is where Athletic Therapy is important in the treatment of bursitis. We will treat the structures that are responsible for the inflammation using manual therapies. We will also address the inflammation with both patients I used ultrasound. Both patients have exercises they are doing at home between visits to further address their issues.

If you feel like you could possibly have iliopsoas bursitis or anterior hip pain that has been bothering you for a while. Book in today for an assessment and lets get you on the road to recovery. Athletic Therapy is for everyone!