Short answer: Shockwave therapy for hip bursitis is an option some people explore when pain on the outside of the hip has lasted for months despite rest, stretching, or injections. A 2024 meta-analysis of eight randomized trials found shockwave was associated with lower pain scores than other treatments at 2 to 4 months, but most of those trials had a high risk of bias. At Total Wellness Chiropractic in Bowie, MD, we use StemWave acoustic wave therapy as a possible add-on to a hip-strengthening plan, not as a replacement for it, and individual results may vary.
If it hurts to lie on one side at night, climb the stairs, or stand up after a long drive on US-50, you may know this kind of pain well. It sits right over the bony point on the outside of the hip, and it can hang on for a long time.
What Is Hip Bursitis, and Is It Really Bursitis?
A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that cushions muscles, tendons and bone. MedlinePlus describes bursitis as swelling and irritation of a bursa, often from overuse or a change in activity, and notes it commonly affects the hip.
Here is the part many people are never told. Pain on the outside of the hip is now often called greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS). In many cases the main source is not only the bursa but the gluteal tendons that attach at that same spot. That matters, because tendons respond to load and strengthening, which shapes how we approach care.
Common signs include:
- Aching or tenderness over the outer hip bone
- Pain when lying on the affected side
- Pain climbing stairs, getting out of a car, or standing on one leg
- Stiffness after sitting that eases a little once you move
Who Tends to Get Outer Hip Pain?
The 2024 review in JBJS Reviews reported that GTPS affects about 17.6% of adults aged 50 to 79, and it is more common in women. We also see it in runners, walkers, people who stand at work all day, and people whose gait has changed because of a back, knee or foot problem.
How Is Acoustic Wave Therapy Designed to Work?
StemWave is an acoustic wave device. A handpiece placed on the skin delivers pressure pulses into the sore area. The technology is designed to stimulate tissue and may help encourage the body's natural healing response where recovery has stalled. You can read the full background in what StemWave therapy is or see the device on our StemWave page.
What Does the Research Show for Hip Bursitis and GTPS?
- Rhim and colleagues, 2024 (JBJS Reviews): eight randomized trials, 754 patients. Shockwave was associated with lower pain scores than other treatments at 2 to 4 months. Function scores were higher at 6 months, but the difference did not reach the level considered clinically important. Seven of the eight trials were rated high risk of bias, and the authors called for better trials.
- Bremer and colleagues, 2025 (Clinical Rehabilitation): a review of gluteal tendinopathy treatments concluded that exercise and education should be the core approach, possibly supplemented by a corticosteroid injection or focused shockwave therapy.
So the honest summary: early research suggests shockwave may help short-term pain for some people with outer hip pain, the studies have real limits, and exercise remains the foundation.
Why Does Strengthening Still Come First?
The gluteal tendons do much of the work of keeping your pelvis level when you walk. When they are weak or overloaded, the outer hip takes the strain. That is why the plan we build usually includes:
- Gradual hip-abductor and glute strengthening
- Avoiding positions that compress the tendon, such as crossing your legs or hanging on one hip while standing
- A pillow between the knees when sleeping on your side, which MedlinePlus also suggests
- Checking the lower back, knees and feet, since these can change how load reaches the hip
Acoustic wave sessions, if they make sense for you, sit on top of this work. I make the same point in why back pain keeps coming back and shockwave therapy for knee pain.
Who May Be a Reasonable Candidate for StemWave?
A trial may be reasonable when:
- The pain is localized to the outer hip and has lasted several weeks to months
- Sensible rest and activity changes have not been enough
- Red flags have been ruled out
- You are willing to pair sessions with a strengthening plan
- You want to explore options before or alongside injections. See shockwave therapy vs cortisone injections
When Is Shockwave Not the Right First Step?
Get a medical evaluation first if you have fever, redness or warmth over the hip, pain after a fall or accident, groin pain, trouble bearing weight, or pain that keeps getting worse. MedlinePlus advises contacting a provider if bursitis symptoms do not improve after 3 to 4 weeks of treatment. We also screen for common precautions before any session, including pregnancy, certain bleeding disorders or blood thinners, implants near the area, and active infection or tumors. We will go over these with you at your first visit.
Shockwave Therapy for Hip Bursitis in Bowie, MD
Total Wellness Chiropractic is at 6000 Laurel Bowie Road, Suite 202, and we see hip pain from across Prince George's County, including Bowie, Crofton, Mitchellville, Glenn Dale, Upper Marlboro, Lanham and Largo. Your first visit is an exam, not a sales pitch. We check where the pain is coming from and tell you honestly whether StemWave, an exercise plan alone, or a referral makes the most sense. If you want to try it, our $50 first session lets you see how it feels without a big commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does shockwave therapy work for hip bursitis?
Some research suggests short-term pain relief for outer hip pain (GTPS) compared with other treatments, but most trials had a high risk of bias. It is designed to stimulate the body's natural healing response; results vary and no outcome can be promised.
How many StemWave sessions might I need for hip pain?
Studies often used about three weekly sessions, but protocols vary. We reassess after the first few visits and stop if nothing meaningful changes. See how many StemWave sessions do I need.
Does shockwave therapy on the hip hurt?
Most people feel a tapping or pulsing sensation that can be tender over a sore spot. Brief soreness or redness afterward is commonly reported. More in does StemWave therapy hurt.
Can I keep walking or exercising?
Usually yes, with changes. Complete rest tends to weaken tendons, so we generally adjust the most painful activities while building hip strength.
Is shockwave therapy covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your plan, and it is often a self-pay service. Ask when you book and check with your insurer.
What is the difference between hip bursitis and hip arthritis?
Bursitis or tendon pain is usually felt on the outside of the hip over the bony point. Hip joint arthritis more often causes groin pain and stiffness. An exam helps tell them apart.
Get an Honest Look at Your Hip
If outer hip pain has been keeping you up at night, come in and let's find out what is driving it.
Total Wellness Chiropractic 6000 Laurel Bowie Road, Suite 202, Bowie, MD 20715 Phone: (301) 352-3454 Book an appointment · Learn more about StemWave · wherethehealingbegins.com
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation for any individual. StemWave acoustic wave therapy is not a cure for any condition. Individual results may vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation.
Sources
- MedlinePlus. Bursitis. National Library of Medicine.
- Rhim HC, Shin J, Beling A, et al. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. JBJS Reviews. 2024;12(8).
- Bremer T, Nicklen P, Fearon A, Morrissey D. The efficacy of gluteal tendinopathy treatments: A systematic review. Clinical Rehabilitation. 2025;39(5):600-617.
