High intensity laser therapy is gaining attention among Gold Coast locals dealing with persistent hip bursitis. This drug-free treatment uses a 1064nm wavelength to reach deep tissue around the hip joint. At Ace Health Centre, we pair this approach with targeted exercise rehabilitation to help manage pain and support movement.
- Hip bursitis, also known as greater trochanteric pain syndrome, causes pain on the outer hip.
- Symptoms often worsen when lying on the affected side or climbing stairs.
- HILT uses a 1064nm wavelength, allowing deeper tissue penetration than low-level lasers.
- Research suggests laser therapy combined with exercise may reduce pain in related tendon conditions.
- Ace Health Centre uses this therapy as one part of a broader, evidence-based treatment plan.
What is Hip Bursitis?
Bursitis occurs when a small fluid-filled sac, called a bursa, becomes irritated or inflamed. According to healthdirect.gov.au, bursae cushion joints and reduce friction between bones, tendons and muscles. Hip bursitis specifically affects the bursa near the greater trochanter, the bony point on the outer hip.
Clinicians now often call this condition greater trochanteric pain syndrome. In fact, research shows the pain usually involves the surrounding gluteal tendons, not just the bursa itself. As a result, treatment typically addresses both structures together.
Common Causes of Hip Bursitis on the Gold Coast
Many causes relate to repetitive load or biomechanical stress. Gold Coast residents who run along beachfront paths, cycle regularly, or stand for long shifts at work may be more prone to this condition. Sudden increases in training volume can also trigger symptoms.
Other contributing factors include leg length differences, hip weakness, and previous hip surgery. Direct trauma, such as a fall onto the hip, is another common cause. Because the Gold Coast lifestyle is active and outdoors, overuse injuries like this are common among runners and walkers alike.
Signs and Symptoms
The hallmark symptom is pain over the outer hip, often described as sharp or aching. It typically worsens when lying on the affected side at night. Climbing stairs, standing from a chair, or sitting cross-legged can also aggravate symptoms.
Some people notice tenderness when pressing directly over the hip bone. Pain may also radiate down the outer thigh. If symptoms persist beyond a few weeks, a proper assessment is recommended.
How Ace Health Centre Treats Hip Bursitis with High Intensity Laser Therapy
The number 1064nm refers to the laser’s wavelength, measured in nanometres. This near-infrared wavelength is used by Class IV lasers and penetrates deeper into tissue than standard low-level lasers. Because of this depth, it can reach structures like the gluteal tendons and hip bursa more effectively.
At Ace Health Centre, this therapy is never used in isolation. Instead, it works alongside load management and progressive strengthening exercises, which remain the first-line approach for hip bursitis. Our physiotherapy team may also recommend gait assessment, custom orthotics through our MotionX Orthotics Lab partnership, dry needling, or shockwave therapy, depending on your presentation.
This multimodal approach reflects current evidence, which favours combining laser treatment with active rehabilitation rather than relying on laser alone. The goal is to reduce pain while building the strength needed to manage load through the hip.
What Does the Research Say About High Intensity Laser Therapy?
Research on laser therapy specifically for hip bursitis is still emerging, so the most useful evidence comes from closely related conditions — particularly tendinopathy, since greater trochanteric pain syndrome usually involves the gluteal tendons.
An umbrella review of 20 systematic reviews reported positive pain-relief findings across a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, with the clearest results in frozen shoulder, knee osteoarthritis, low back pain and myofascial pain.
A 2026 meta-analysis of 15 trials, involving 629 tendinopathy patients, reported improvements in both pain and disability, with benefits building over time and peaking around 16 weeks. A separate network meta-analysis of 22 trials found high intensity laser outperformed low-level laser for pain relief in several comparisons, and ranked laser combined with exercise among the most effective approaches studied.
Separately, a 2025 review comparing shockwave and laser therapy across 1,460 patients found laser delivered improvements in pain, strength and quality of life on par with shockwave therapy. As with any developing treatment area, larger trials are still to come, but the direction of these findings is encouraging. One consistent theme: results in the research were at their most effective when laser was paired with structured exercise rehabilitation. That is exactly how it is applied at Ace Health Centre.
When Should You See a Podiatrist or Physiotherapist?
You should seek an assessment if outer-hip pain lasts more than two weeks. This is especially important if it disturbs your sleep or limits daily activities. Early assessment often makes management more straightforward.
You should also seek help if pain follows a fall. Seek urgent care if you notice swelling, redness or fever, as these may indicate infection. A qualified physiotherapist can assess your hip mechanics. Together, you can build a plan suited to your goals. This might mean returning to running along the coast, or simply moving without discomfort.
FAQ – Hip Bursitis
Is high intensity laser therapy safe for hip bursitis?
This treatment is generally well tolerated when delivered by a trained clinician. As with any therapy, individual suitability is assessed beforehand. Your physiotherapist will discuss any precautions relevant to your health history.
How many sessions are usually needed?
This varies between individuals depending on symptom severity and history. Many treatment plans involve a course of sessions alongside strengthening exercises over several weeks. Your physiotherapist will outline an estimated plan after your initial assessment.
Can I keep exercising with hip bursitis?
Some activity modification is usually recommended rather than complete rest. Load management, combined with progressive strengthening, is considered first-line care. Your physiotherapist can advise which activities to adjust while you recover.
What is the difference between low-level and high intensity laser therapy?
Low-level lasers use less power and treat more superficial tissue. High intensity lasers, such as those using a 1064nm wavelength, deliver more energy and reach deeper structures like tendons and bursae. This depth is one reason clinicians may choose it for hip conditions.
Does hip bursitis go away on its own?
Symptoms can ease for a while, but the underlying cause — usually irritated gluteal tendons and the way load passes through the hip — often persists unless it is addressed. That is why pain so frequently lingers, or settles briefly and then returns. A structured rehabilitation program treats the cause rather than just the flare-up, and early assessment helps stop symptoms from becoming chronic.
If outer-hip pain is affecting your daily routine, a professional assessment can help clarify the right path forward. The team at Ace Health Centre can discuss whether high intensity laser therapy, combined with exercise rehabilitation, may suit your situation. Reach out via book an assessment or speak with our team today.
