When should I do rehabilitation exercise after hip bursectomy?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 32-year-old woman. I am overweight, but definitely on a diet. I had my right bursa removed three months and then the left bursa was removed last month. The physiotherapist came around the first time and said that there was no need for physiotherapy. I took it upon myself to get hip bursectomy rehabilitation exercises from the internet. How long should I do these exercises? I find my lower back hurts terribly only on the left. Why?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Normally, the bursa is a structure that helps in easy frictionless movement. Hence, after their removal, all exercises have to be aimed at the restoration of posture and balance, stretching of the hip abductor muscles, and subsequent strengthening of the hip musculature along with ROM exercises (range of motion). Initially, the focus should be on weight bearing as per pain tolerance and you can use crutches for that. Active exercises are done once there is no pain and muscle stretchability is good. As per your issues with pain in the lower back region, that may not be related to your hip bursa surgeries. As for now, the suggestion will be to start with intensive physical therapy for the lower back and continue with gentle anti-inflammatory medications, adequate calcium, and vitamin D to keep bone metabolism healthy. If you do not gain any benefit, then we might have to get your x-rays and MRI of the lower back to look for the cause of your lower back pain.

Thank you.