How TCM Treats Hip Bursitis Effectively in Singapore [2025]

Hip bursitis isn’t just an annoying ache. It can be sharp, stubborn, and disrupt your daily life. Walking, sitting, even sleeping on your side becomes painful. And while painkillers, physical therapy, or rest might offer temporary relief, the pain often returns.

If you’re looking for something beyond symptom management, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a different approach. At Soma Clinic, we treat hip bursitis based on  clinical experience and growing scientific support.

Let’s break down what hip bursitis feels like, what causes it, and how TCM can help.

Hip bursitis or trochanteric bursitis occurs when the bursa, a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions your joints, becomes inflamed. The most commonly affected site is the trochanteric bursa, located on the outer side of the hip.

Here’s what you might feel:

• Pain on the outside of the hip that gets worse with movement
• Pain on the outside of the hip when you place pressure on it — when you lie on your side and place weight on the bony prominence on the outer hip.
• Sharp or burning pain initially, which may later turn into a dull ache.
• Tenderness when touching the hip or thigh area.
• Worsening pain at night, especially if you shift onto the painful side in your sleep.
• Limited range of motion—your hip may feel stiff or tight, especially in the morning.

Left untreated, bursitis can become chronic and start affecting your gait, posture, and even your lower back due to compensatory movement.

Yes, hip bursitis can go away, but how long it takes and whether it comes back depends on the cause and how it’s treated.

Acute Bursitis

If your bursitis is acute, meaning it flared up suddenly, perhaps after overuse, a fall, or intense physical activity, it often resolves within a few weeks.

This is usually due to temporary inflammation of the bursa (the small fluid-filled sac that cushions your hip joint) and usually responds well to:

• Rest and activity modification
• Ice therapy to reduce swelling
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen
• Acupuncture which can effectively relieve pain and may improve range of motion

Chronic Bursitis

On the other hand, chronic hip bursitis can be a different story. This form develops over time and is often the result of:

• Repetitive stress (e.g., long-distance running, frequent stair climbing)
• Poor posture or body mechanics
• Muscle imbalances around the hip and pelvis
• Underlying conditions like leg length discrepancy, scoliosis, or arthritis

Chronic bursitis may:

• Take several months to fully resolve
• Flare up periodically, especially if triggers aren’t addressed
• Require deeper interventions, like physiotherapy, acupuncture and myofascial release, all of which help to correct postural imbalances

Below are 7 treatments to consider for hip bursitis. You can usually use these treatment concurrently but please be advised by a medical professional as to how.

1. Rest and Ice: Avoid activities that trigger pain. Apply ice packs for 15–20 minutes a few times a day to reduce inflammation.
2. NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen): These can help reduce pain and swelling but are not recommended for long-term use due to potential side effects.
3. Physiotherapy: A trained physiotherapist can guide you through exercises to strengthen weak muscles, improve posture, and correct gait abnormalities.
4. Corticosteroid Injections: In stubborn cases, an injection directly into the bursa can offer temporary, often dramatic relief.
5. Assistive Devices: Using a cane or crutches may help take pressure off the hip during flare-ups.
6. Surgical Intervention: This is rare but may be considered if all conservative treatments fail.
7. Acupuncture: This intervention is worth considering, because we see results treating hip bursitis with acupuncture at our clinic. Acupuncture helps relieve chronic pain and also improve circulation in the outer hips.

1. Acupuncture

Acupuncture helps restore the flow of Qi and blood in the hip region, reducing pain and promoting tissue repair. A 2020 randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Integrative Medicine showed that acupuncture significantly reduced pain and improved hip function in patients with bursitis.

GB31 and GB32: From a traditional point of view, they are effective at dispelling Wind-Cold. From our anatomical understanding, these two points target the iliotibial band attachment, and relieve a lot of fascial tension on the body landmark of the greater trochanter.

Techniques used:

• Electroacupuncture: Mild electrical stimulation on GB30 and Ashi points enhances circulation and reduces local inflammation.
• Moxa (Moxibustion): Applying mugwort heat to Cold or Damp-invaded areas increases Yang energy, warms the channels, and dispels Cold from the joints.

2. Herbal Medicine

Herbal formulas are tailored to each person’s constitution and symptoms. Commonly used herbs include:

• Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis): Nourishes and invigorates the blood.
• Cang Zhu (Atractylodes): Dries dampness and improves circulation.
• Du Huo (Angelica pubescens): Disperses Wind-Damp and alleviates pain.
• Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia): Tonifies Liver and Kidney Yin to strengthen bones and tendons.

A 2019 review in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine confirmed the anti-inflammatory and joint-healing properties of several TCM herbs, supporting their use in treating musculoskeletal conditions.

3. Myofascial Release and IASTM

At Soma Clinic, we include myofascial release and IASTM, both of which:

• Relax the gluteal and tensor fascia lata muscles
• Reduce myofascial tension around the hip joint
• Release the entire lateral line from the Quadratus Lumborum muscle down to the peroneal muscles of the leg.

4. Qi Gong and Tai Chi

Although we do not offer these at our clinic,  a 2018 study published in Pain Management Nursing found that Tai Chi and Qi Gong were effective in reducing chronic musculoskeletal pain and improving functional movement, making them excellent long-term maintenance tools.

At Soma Clinic, we specialize in personalized TCM care that treats both the pain and the musculoskeletal patterns behind it. Whether your bursitis is acute or chronic, we’ll support your healing journey, so you can live with greater ease. 

If you are already seeing an orthopedic or physiotherapist, we work in tandem with their overall objectives for you.

Book a consultation today and feel better today!