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Living with chronic hip bursitis can be incredibly frustrating. Everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even sleeping can become painful challenges when every movement hurts. Many people feel trapped in a cycle of rest, painkillers, and treatments that provide only short-term relief. This is where shockwave therapy comes in as a new hope. Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment that uses targeted sound waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. For those with persistent hip bursitis (also known as trochanteric bursitis), shockwave therapy offers a promising option when standard treatments haven’t solved the problem. In this article, we’ll explore shockwave therapy for hip bursitis – how it works, what the evidence says, and what you can expect. (Results may vary; always consult a healthcare provider before starting new treatments.)
Hip bursitis, often referred to as trochanteric bursitis or part of greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), is a common cause of pain on the outer side of the hip. In fact, GTPS (which includes bursitis and tendon issues around the hip) accounts for an estimated 10–25% of hip pain cases. In hip bursitis, one of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the outside of the hip becomes inflamed. This leads to tenderness and aching pain at the side of the hip, which can radiate down the thigh. You might feel a sharp pain when first moving that later turns into a dull ache with activity. Pain is often worse with activities like getting up from a chair, going up stairs, or lying on the affected side. There may also be swelling or warmth over the hip.
Why does hip bursitis happen? Sometimes it’s triggered by an obvious overuse injury or trauma (like a fall onto the hip), but more often it develops gradually from cumulative stress. Common causes and contributors include repetitive motions (running, cycling), prolonged pressure on the hip (e.g. sleeping on one side every night), or underlying biomechanical issues. For example, weak gluteal (buttocks) muscles or tight structures like the iliotibial band (IT band) can put extra friction on the bursa. Interestingly, what was traditionally labeled “bursitis” is now understood to often involve more than just an inflamed bursa. Studies show that in many persistent cases, the gluteus medius and minimus tendons (the hip’s stabilizer tendons) are damaged or degenerated, not just the bursa. This is why doctors today often use the broader term GTPS for lateral hip pain – because gluteal tendinopathy is usually part of the picture, not just bursa inflammation.
Why can the pain persist for months? The body’s initial response to hip bursitis is inflammation, which is normal. Rest and anti-inflammatories may calm a new flare-up. But if the real underlying cause (like tendon weakness or biomechanical imbalance) isn’t addressed, the irritation returns as soon as you resume normal activities. Over time, the repeated cycle of inflammation can lead to chronic changes: the body lays down scar tissue, the tendons can develop micro-tears, and the bursa may remain sensitive. Many people try to “push through” the pain or ignore it at first, which often makes the problem worse. If hip bursitis (GTPS) is not effectively treated, it can linger for weeks, months, or even become a chronic ongoing issue. This is why you might find yourself still hurting a year later despite doing “all the right things” – the root cause hasn’t been fixed.
Typical treatment paths and frustration: If you’ve had hip bursitis for a while, you’ve probably tried the usual advice. Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications (like NSAIDs) can help temporarily. You may have done physiotherapy exercises, stretches, or even had a corticosteroid injection into the bursa. These measures often bring short-term relief. For instance, a steroid shot can dramatically reduce pain for a few weeks by taming inflammation. However, the relief is often short-lived if the mechanical issue persists – indeed, research on GTPS finds that many patients’ pain comes back within months after an injection. Repeated cortisone shots can also have diminishing returns and potential side effects (like weakening of tendons). It’s no wonder people get frustrated when the bursitis keeps flaring up despite “everything” they’ve tried. The key to true, lasting improvement is to address why the bursitis is happening – and this is where a regenerative treatment like shockwave therapy may help.
Shockwave therapy – known medically as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) – is a treatment that delivers focused acoustic energy (sound waves) into injured tissues. Originally used to break up kidney stones, shockwaves have been found to trigger biological reactions that aid tissue repair and reduce pain. In simple terms, the shockwave sends a sort of “wake-up call” to the area, stimulating the body’s healing process. But does it work for hip bursitis and related conditions? Emerging evidence says yes. While research is still growing (and hip conditions are less studied than, say, plantar fasciitis), several studies suggest shockwave therapy can be effective for lateral hip pain conditions like trochanteric bursitis.
Shockwave vs. Exercise: A 2023 clinical trial in Italy compared shockwave therapy to a targeted exercise program in people with chronic GTPS (trochanteric bursitis). Both groups saw significant reductions in pain and improvements in function over about 2–3 months. In fact, even patients who didn’t improve with exercise alone did improve after they crossed over and received shockwave therapy. Notably, the shockwave-treated patients showed a more pronounced functional recovery – they regained strength and hip function faster than those relying on exercise alone. This suggests that shockwave therapy can accelerate rehabilitation in hip bursitis by jump-starting tissue healing in ways exercise sometimes cannot.
Shockwave vs. Injections: In stubborn hip bursitis, corticosteroid injections are often used for quick relief. However, the long-term outcomes with injections can be poor – pain often returns as the underlying tendon damage remains. Interestingly, earlier studies have found that shockwave’s benefits may last longer than steroid injections. For example, in one comparative study of chronic trochanteric bursitis, patients treated with shockwave reported better pain and function at 4-month and 15-month follow-ups than those who received a steroid shot, although the injection did provide quicker pain relief in the first month. In other words, the injection was a fast but short-term fix, whereas shockwave therapy had slower onset but more sustained improvement. Because of outcomes like these, some experts now consider shockwave therapy one of the recommended conservative treatments for stubborn GTPS that doesn’t resolve with basic care.
Overall success rates: How effective is shockwave for hip bursitis? Success can vary, but studies are encouraging. For instance, one study reported about an 86% success rate at 2 months after treating GTPS with focused shockwave therapy combined with an exercise program. Another investigation documented that shockwave therapy led to measurable healing of the gluteal tendons on MRI scans in chronic GTPS cases, correlating with pain reduction. While more research is always welcome, current evidence suggests roughly 3 out of 4 chronic hip bursitis patients may get significant relief from shockwave therapy – especially when it’s part of a comprehensive rehab plan.
How does shockwave therapy work (in plain English)? The idea of using sound waves to treat hip pain might sound odd, but it’s grounded in real biology. Shockwave therapy creates tiny controlled “micro-traumas” in the tissue, which jump-starts the body’s natural repair mechanisms. Think of it like poking the area to remind your body to send blood, nutrients, and healing cells there. The shockwaves increase blood circulation by stimulating new blood vessel formation (a process called angiogenesis) in the tendons and muscles. More blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients to help repair the irritated tendons and bursa. Shockwaves also trigger the release of growth factors and collagen, which are proteins the body uses to rebuild tissue. In addition, the therapy can break up adhesions and calcifications – essentially dissolving scar tissue or calcium deposits that might be preventing healing. This is especially relevant in chronic bursitis where you often have buildups of scar tissue from repeated inflammation.
Importantly, shockwave therapy has a pain-modulating effect as well. The pulses can reduce the sensitivity of pain nerve fibers and promote an anti-inflammatory environment in the area. Patients often report that the treated area feels less tender after a few sessions, almost as if the volume on the pain signal has been turned down. Uran Berisha, founder of Unpain Clinic, explains that shockwave “stimulates real healing by breaking down scar tissue, increasing blood flow, and triggering collagen production” in the damaged hip. In other words, it addresses the root problem (poor tissue health) rather than just numbing the pain. By reactivating stalled healing processes, shockwave therapy aims to reset a chronically irritated hip back toward recovery.
What results can you expect? It’s important to have realistic expectations. Shockwave therapy is not a magic instant cure – it typically works cumulatively over several sessions. Both research and clinical experience suggest that most patients need a series of treatments (commonly 3 to 6 sessions), usually spaced about one week apart, to achieve significant improvement. At Unpain Clinic, for example, they find that many people notice some positive change after the first two sessions and achieve substantial relief after about 3–5 sessions. Each session lasts only around 15–20 minutes of actual shockwave application (the machine delivers thousands of pulses in that time). You might start by feeling a bit sore after the initial treatments – which is actually a sign that your body’s healing response is kicking in. Improvement tends to be gradual: maybe after two sessions you find you can sleep through the night without hip pain, and after five sessions you can go for longer walks or climb stairs with much less discomfort.
Individual responses do vary. If you’ve had hip bursitis for many years with significant tendon degeneration, you might need more sessions or occasional “maintenance” treatments down the line to keep pain at bay. Older patients or those with other health issues (like diabetes or poor circulation) may heal more slowly. On the flip side, someone with a more recent injury or milder case might respond faster, sometimes improving noticeably after just a couple of treatments. The good news is that when shockwave therapy works, the results tend to be long-lasting – because it actually improves tissue quality and doesn’t just provide a temporary Band-Aid. (That said, it’s not unusual to do a booster session a few months later if some pain creeps back, much like periodically servicing an engine.) Overall, the evidence indicates that shockwave therapy can provide meaningful relief even in chronic hip bursitis cases that failed other treatments. It’s not a one-size-fits-all remedy, but for many it can be the missing piece in their recovery.
Safety and side effects: One of the big advantages of shockwave therapy is that it is safe and non-invasive. There’s no incision, no injections, and no anesthesia needed. You can walk in, get a treatment, and walk out without any downtime. The most common side effects are mild and short-term – you might have some soreness, redness, or slight bruising on the treated area for a day or two. This is similar to how you might feel after a deep tissue massage or a tough workout, and it generally resolves quickly. No serious or lasting complications have been reported in the medical studies on shockwave for musculoskeletal conditions. In fact, a 2021 review noted no serious adverse effects across hundreds of patients treated with shockwave for various issues. Shockwave therapy does hurt a bit during the treatment – patients often describe it as an intense tapping or pulsating sensation. However, the intensity is adjustable and most people tolerate it well (your therapist will communicate with you and can dial it down if needed). Any discomfort during the session stops almost immediately after the treatment ends.
There are a few contraindications to be aware of. Shockwave therapy should not be used directly over certain areas, such as an active cancer/tumor, over open wounds or acute infections, or in patients with a blood clotting disorder where bleeding could occur. It’s also generally avoided over the abdomen or pelvis in pregnant patients out of an abundance of caution. These scenarios are uncommon for a hip bursitis setting, but it’s important that you are evaluated by a qualified provider who can determine if shockwave is appropriate for you. A trained shockwave therapist (usually a physiotherapist, chiropractor, or physician with shockwave expertise) will follow safety guidelines and tailor the treatment to your condition. In summary, shockwave therapy has a strong safety profile – especially compared to more invasive options – with only minor, transient side effects in most people.
At Unpain Clinic, shockwave therapy is a cornerstone of our non-surgical approach to hip bursitis. When you come in with lateral hip pain, our first step is a thorough assessment. We don’t just ask, “Where does it hurt?” – we ask, “Why does it hurt?” This means our clinicians will look beyond the hip itself to figure out what underlying issues led to your bursitis. As Unpain Clinic’s founder Uran Berisha often says, we treat why it hurts, not just where it hurts. For example, we’ll evaluate your gait, posture, and muscle strengths/weaknesses from head to toe. Sometimes hip bursitis is aggravated by things like a tight lower back, an old ankle injury that changed your walking pattern, or core muscle weakness after an abdominal surgery. All these contribute to abnormal stress on the hip. Identifying these factors is key to a lasting fix.
Shockwave therapy session structure: In a typical shockwave therapy session for hip bursitis, you’ll lie on your side or back in a comfortable position. The therapist will locate the most tender or involved spots – often over the greater trochanter (the bony bump on the side of your hip) and where the gluteal tendons attach. A conductive gel is applied (similar to an ultrasound) and then the shockwave applicator is pressed against the skin. The machine delivers controlled pulses of energy that you will feel as rapid tapping sensations. At Unpain Clinic we use advanced focused shockwave devices that penetrate deeply to the target tissue, as well as radial pressure wave devices for more superficial treatment when needed. The difference? Focused (true) shockwaves can reach the deep gluteal tendons and have a precise focal point, whereas radial waves spread more broadly and are great for superficial soft tissue and muscle tightness. We often combine both for hip bursitis. For example, if one of your gluteal muscles isn’t firing properly, we might use focused shockwave on the tendon to stimulate a healing response and then reinforce it with specific activation exercises. If another muscle (like the IT band or TFL on the outer thigh) is painfully tight and contributing to the problem, we may use radial shockwave over that area to break up adhesions and follow it with manual stretching. A typical session might involve ~2000 shockwave pulses to the hip region, which takes only about 5-10 minutes of firing time. We’ll often incorporate other therapies in the same visit – for instance, some hands-on myofascial release or gentle stretching after the shockwave, and guidance on exercises to do at home. But the primary tool is shockwave because it allows us to directly target the injured tissues and jump-start the healing.
Frequency and total number of sessions: Based on both research and our clinical experience, we usually schedule one shockwave session per week for a set number of weeks (commonly about 3 to 6 weeks, depending on severity). Some patients might need a few additional sessions if their case is very chronic. We continually re-assess your progress. A lot of people start noticing improvement after a couple of treatments – for example, less pain at night or improved mobility. By around the 4th or 5th session, we expect to see meaningful functional gains, like being able to resume light exercises or longer walks with minimal pain. If you’re not responding as expected, we go back to the assessment and tweak the approach (maybe focusing on a different contributing factor or adding a complementary therapy). Our goal is to get you maximum relief by the end of the treatment series. Most patients with hip bursitis treated with shockwave at Unpain Clinic report significant pain reduction and better hip function after completing their plan. And because shockwave’s effects are regenerative, the results tend to hold – especially if you continue with the recommended exercises to address muscle imbalances.
Whole-body approach: A big reason patients come to Unpain Clinic is our emphasis on treating the whole problem, not just the sore spot. In the case of hip bursitis, that means we don’t only blast the bursa with shockwaves; we also address any related dysfunctions. For instance, in one of our podcast episodes, Uran Berisha discusses how an old surgical scar (like from an appendectomy or C-section) can alter your movement and contribute to chronic hip pain. If we find something like that – perhaps a stiff scar or a locked-up joint in your lower back – we will treat that too (often using shockwave on scar tissue, as shockwave is excellent for breaking down adhesions). By treating these hidden contributors first, we restore normal movement patterns which takes stress off the hip. Only then can the hip truly heal. This comprehensive approach is why many patients who “tried everything” elsewhere finally get better with us. We’ve had clients with hip bursitis for years who improved dramatically after combining shockwave therapy with correcting their gait or pelvic alignment.
To illustrate, imagine a patient “Mary” in her mid-50s who came to us with a two-year history of hip bursitis. She had persistent outer hip pain that kept her awake at night and stopped her from hiking (her favorite hobby). She had tried rest, cortisone injections (which helped only a month each time), and months of standard physio exercises. During our assessment, we discovered Mary had significant weakness in her gluteus medius muscle and an old ankle sprain that caused her to shift weight off that leg. Her treatment plan focused on shockwave therapy to her left lateral hip – targeting the gluteal tendon insertions and IT band – along with exercises to strengthen her glutes and improve her balance. After 3 shockwave sessions, Mary reported she could sleep on her left side again for the first time in ages, and her pain while climbing stairs had decreased. After 6 sessions, she was virtually pain-free in daily activities; her pain went from a constant 7/10 to about 1–2/10 occasional soreness. Just as importantly, she felt stronger and more stable through her hip. By addressing both the tissue healing (with shockwave) and the biomechanical causes (with exercise and manual therapy), Mary broke out of the cycle of “flare-up and repeat.” (This example is for illustrative purposes – individual results vary, and we tailor each treatment to the person.)
In summary, Unpain Clinic’s approach to hip bursitis is: thorough assessment of the whole body, a customized treatment plan centered on shockwave therapy, and supportive therapies to correct underlying issues. We’ve seen excellent outcomes with this method. In a 2024 Unpain Clinic blog, our team noted that we’ve seen “incredible results” using shockwave therapy for hip dysfunctions like trochanteric bursitis, by targeting the muscle imbalances that cause the pain. By the end of your treatment series, our aim is not just pain relief, but also better hip function and a clear understanding of how to maintain it.
While in-clinic shockwave therapy can jump-start your healing, what you do between visits also makes a big difference. Here are some at-home tips to complement your treatment (always follow the personalized advice given by your therapist, and consult a professional for any concerns):
Stay gently active: Complete rest can actually slow down recovery in chronic bursitis. It’s important to keep the hip moving within pain-free limits. Engage in low-impact activities like walking on flat ground (as tolerated) or stationary cycling, to maintain blood flow. Avoid movements that clearly aggravate your pain – for example, if lying on the affected side or repeatedly climbing stairs makes it worse, modify those activities. Consider using a pillow between your knees when sleeping on your side to reduce pressure on the hip.
Thermal therapy for pain: Using ice or heat can help control symptoms. For a flare-up or after a lot of activity, icing the side of your hip for 10-15 minutes may reduce inflammation and numb pain. Heat (like a warm compress or heating pad) can relax tight muscles around the hip. Some patients alternate ice and heat. Use what feels best for you (just protect your skin). These modalities can provide short-term relief and complement the healing effects of shockwave therapy.
Gentle stretching and mobilization: Keep the hip and surrounding muscles flexible. Gentle stretches for your glutes, hamstrings, and IT band area can ease tension. For example, a simple glute stretch (lying on your back and pulling your knee toward the opposite shoulder) or an IT band stretch against the wall can be beneficial. Foam rolling the outer thigh (IT band) and the gluteal muscles is another way to reduce tightness – just be gentle and avoid rolling directly on the bony part of the hip. Improved flexibility can reduce friction on the bursa.
Strengthening and activation: In chronic hip bursitis, certain muscles are often weak – particularly the gluteus medius (side of the hip) and other hip stabilizers. Doing targeted strengthening exercises as recommended by your physiotherapist will help support the hip. Common exercises might include clamshells, side-leg raises, or hip bridges to strengthen the glutes. Start slow and focus on form; it’s better to do a few quality reps than many sloppy ones. Over time, stronger hip muscles will absorb stress better and protect the bursa.
Activity modification: During recovery, you may need to adjust how you perform daily tasks. For instance, avoid sitting with legs crossed (which compresses the outer hip) and take breaks from sitting to stand and stretch if you have a desk job. When going upstairs, lead with the good leg and take one step at a time if needed (and when going down, lead with the affected leg to reduce strain). Use railings for support. Small changes like these can prevent constant re-irritation of the hip while it’s healing.
Listen to your body: It’s normal to have good days and bad days. If your hip is very sore one day, respect that and back off activities a bit – the body may be signaling for rest. On the other hand, if you’re feeling improvement, gradually try to do a bit more of your normal routine to build tolerance. The key is a balance between rest and movement. Monitor your pain levels and function; over the weeks, you should see a trend of improvement if the treatment is working.
Know when to seek help: If you experience any severe or worsening symptoms – such as sharp pain that suddenly gets much worse, inability to weight bear on the leg, or signs of possible infection (which are rare in bursitis but include fever, redness, or warmth that’s spreading) – contact your healthcare provider. These could indicate you need further medical evaluation. Also, if your hip pain isn’t improving at all after a reasonable period of treatment, follow up with your clinician; sometimes hip pain can have other causes (like hip joint arthritis or referred pain from the back) that might need to be addressed.
Remember, the above tips are general guidance. Always follow the specific home exercise program and precautions given by your physiotherapist or chiropractor, as they know your case best. With the right combination of professional treatment (like shockwave therapy) and smart self-care, you’ll be setting the stage for optimal recovery.
Yes, shockwave therapy is generally very safe for hip bursitis. It is a non-invasive treatment – meaning no surgery and no injections – and has minimal risks. The most common side effects are mild, temporary discomforts such as soreness, redness, or bruising at the treatment site, which resolve within a day or two. No serious adverse effects have been reported in clinical studies on shockwave for musculoskeletal conditions. During the treatment, you might feel some pain or intense tapping sensation, but this is well-tolerated by most people and stops as soon as the session ends. The therapist can also adjust the intensity to keep you comfortable. Shockwave therapy should not be used in certain situations – for example, if you are pregnant, have a bleeding disorder or are on heavy blood thinners, have a local tumor/infection in the area, or have certain nerve disorders, it may be contraindicated. Your provider will screen for these contraindications. When applied by a trained professional to an appropriate patient, shockwave therapy is a safe treatment for chronic hip bursitis.
The number of sessions can vary per individual, but most people need about 3 to 6 sessions of shockwave therapy for hip bursitis. These are usually scheduled once per week. Clinical research and our experience show that a series of treatments is needed for lasting results. You may start to feel some improvement after the first 1–2 sessions (for example, slightly less pain or improved mobility), but significant pain reduction typically occurs after a few more sessions as the cumulative healing effects build up. In many cases, around 5 sessions is a good course to achieve substantial relief. Of course, this depends on factors like how chronic/severe your bursitis is and your overall health. If your hip bursitis is very chronic (say, you’ve had it for years) or if you have multiple contributing issues, you might require an additional session or two. On the other hand, if it’s a relatively recent injury, sometimes 3 or 4 sessions might do the trick. Your therapist will tailor the plan and monitor your progress. The goal is to achieve maximum improvement with the fewest necessary treatments. It’s also worth noting that the benefits of shockwave are often long-lasting, so once you’ve completed the sessions, you likely won’t need continuous ongoing therapy – maybe an occasional maintenance session months later if needed, or if you start to feel a bit of regression. Each session itself is quick (about 15 minutes of treatment time), so the time commitment is relatively small compared to the potential relief.
There is some discomfort, but it’s manageable. Patients often describe the sensation during shockwave therapy as a series of rapid, slight thudding or tapping feelings on the skin over the hip. It can range from a dull ache to more of a sharp sensation depending on the intensity and the area being treated. The first session might catch you by surprise because it’s a unique sensation, but most people acclimate to it quickly. The therapist will start at a low intensity and ask how you’re feeling, then gradually increase to a therapeutic level that is effective yet tolerable. You stay in control – you can ask for a pause or intensity adjustment if needed. Typically, as the area gets stimulated and blood flow increases, the area may actually become less sensitive during the session. After the treatment, you might have residual soreness in the hip similar to having done a strenuous workout, but this usually fades in 24–48 hours. There are no lingering pain effects beyond that for most patients. In fact, many people feel a bit of pain relief immediately after a session (sometimes the hip feels “lighter” or looser). In summary, shockwave therapy can cause mild pain during treatment for a few minutes, but it’s generally well-tolerated and does not require anesthesia. The short-term discomfort is often viewed as worth the long-term gain in pain relief.
Absolutely – in fact, shockwave therapy is often used for chronic, long-standing cases of hip bursitis or gluteal tendinopathy. Research and clinical reports have specifically looked at chronic patients (pain lasting 6+ months, and often years of issues) and found that shockwave can produce meaningful improvements even when other treatments have failed. Chronic hip bursitis usually involves scarred or degenerated tissues that haven’t healed with rest or standard physio. Shockwave is effective here because it can stimulate new healing in stagnant tissues. It increases circulation, promotes tissue regeneration, and can disrupt chronic pain cycles. For example, a study on people with persistent GTPS (average pain duration over a year) showed significant pain reduction and better function after shockwave therapy compared to placebo. In our experience at the clinic, we’ve had patients who suffered for years with hip pain finally turn a corner after a course of shockwave. It’s not guaranteed – some very severe cases might need other medical interventions – but the odds are favorable that shockwave can at least improve a chronic hip bursitis. We do ensure to address any underlying issues (like muscle weakness or gait problems) alongside the shockwave for the best outcome. If you’ve “tried everything” for years, shockwave therapy is definitely worth discussing with your healthcare provider as a next step. Many people who had hip pain for a long time are surprised at how much relief they get after shockwave reactivates the healing process in their hip.
Shockwave therapy is not for everyone. Although it’s very safe for most people, there are certain situations where it shouldn’t be used or should be used with caution. You should generally avoid shockwave therapy if:
You are pregnant (especially over the pelvic/abdominal area) – out of caution, providers won’t do shockwave near a fetus.
You have an active infection or open wound in the treatment area – shockwave could worsen an infection or delay wound healing.
You have a tumor or cancer in the area – because increasing blood flow could, in theory, influence tumor cells.
You have a known blood clotting disorder or are on strong blood thinners – shockwave can cause minor bleeding/bruising, so there’s a risk of hematoma in these cases.
You have a pacemaker or other electronic implant near the area – the mechanical pulses might interfere with sensitive devices (this is more a concern for shockwave near the chest).
You are under 18 years old and the growth plates are still open – caution is advised in children/adolescents unless specifically indicated.
These are the main absolute contraindications. There are also relative contraindications, meaning shockwave might still be done but with extra care or clearance from your doctor. For example, if you’ve had a corticosteroid injection in the hip within the last 4-6 weeks, we’d usually wait a bit because the tissues might be more vulnerable. Or if you have severe osteoporosis or other metabolic bone conditions, settings might be adjusted. Always inform your therapist of your full medical history. They will screen you for these contraindications before starting. For the vast majority of typical hip bursitis patients, shockwave is appropriate. But if you fall into any of the above categories, other treatments may be recommended instead.
Coverage for shockwave therapy can vary depending on your location and insurance plan. In many cases, shockwave therapy is covered under physiotherapy or chiropractic benefits. For example, at Unpain Clinic the treatment is performed by licensed physiotherapists or chiropractors, and it can be billed as part of your rehab therapy session. Most extended health insurance plans in Canada do reimburse physiotherapy or chiro sessions, so if you have such benefits, the shockwave treatment would typically be covered just like any other modality used during the session. However, it’s important to check the specifics of your plan. Some insurers might have limits on certain advanced therapies or require a doctor’s referral. Government healthcare (like Alberta Health Services) generally does not cover shockwave therapy, so it’s usually done in the private clinic setting. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to ask: “Is shockwave therapy for physiotherapy covered under my plan?” At Unpain Clinic, our staff can also help clarify insurance questions. In short, many patients do get coverage for shockwave therapy through their existing health benefits, but you’ll want to confirm based on your own policy to avoid surprises.
Shockwave therapy has minimal side effects. The most commonly reported side effects are localized and short-term. These include:
Temporary pain or soreness in the treated area (it may feel like a bruise or ache for 24-48 hours).
Mild bruising or redness on the skin where the shockwaves were applied.
Swelling is uncommon, but a slight puffiness around the area can occur for a short time due to increased blood flow.
Numbness or tingling immediately after treatment (rare and usually fleeting).
These effects are generally mild. In fact, a review of shockwave therapy studies noted that no serious complications occurred, and the only noteworthy “side effect” was some patients had mild discomfort during the treatment itself. There’s no scarring, no infections, and no systemic effects to worry about (since nothing is injected or ingested). To minimize soreness, your therapist might advise you to ice the area after treatment or perform gentle stretches. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used if needed, but many patients find they don’t require them. It’s also wise to avoid very strenuous activity with that hip for a day or two after a session – let the area recover and do its healing work. Serious side effects are exceedingly rare. Unlike surgery or injections, there’s no risk of infection or nerve damage from shockwave when applied properly. The key is that it’s done by a qualified provider who uses appropriate settings. In summary, shockwave therapy’s side effects are minor and temporary, especially when weighed against the potential benefit of reducing your chronic hip pain.
Hip bursitis may be a small inflammation in a bursa, but anyone suffering from it knows it can have a big impact on daily life. The persistent ache, the sleep disruptions, and the limitations on beloved activities can truly wear you down. The encouraging news is that you don’t have to jump straight to invasive options or simply “live with it.” Shockwave therapy for hip bursitis is an evidence-backed, non-surgical treatment that can help your body finally heal that stubborn injury. By improving blood flow, breaking up scar tissue, and stimulating tendon repair, shockwave therapy targets the root causes of chronic bursitis pain. Studies have shown significant pain relief and functional gains in hip bursitis patients treated with shockwave, even when other treatments failed. It’s not an overnight miracle and it’s not a one-size cure-all – but for many people, shockwave therapy can be the turning point that gets them out of the cycle of pain.
If you’ve been dealing with hip bursitis for months with little improvement, or if you’re looking for a way to avoid repeated injections or a potential surgery, it’s worth considering shockwave therapy. Ideal candidates are those with chronic lateral hip pain (GTPS/trochanteric bursitis) who have tried rest, medications, or basic physio without lasting success. These individuals often benefit the most from shockwave’s regenerative nudge to the body. Of course, it’s important to have a proper assessment – sometimes what we think is “bursitis” might be complicated by other issues, so a professional evaluation will ensure shockwave is appropriate for your specific case.
At the end of the day, the goal is to get you back to pain-free movement and doing what you love. Shockwave therapy is a tool that, when used in the right hands and in the right context, can help make that goal a reality for hip bursitis sufferers. You don’t have to accept chronic hip pain as your new normal. There are effective, cutting-edge treatments available. To find out if shockwave therapy is the solution for your hip bursitis, the next step is a comprehensive assessment – and that’s where Unpain Clinic can help. We take a whole-body, individualized approach to ensure that we not only treat where it hurts, but also why it hurts, using modalities like shockwave to jump-start healing.
Ready to leave hip pain behind? Book an initial assessment to explore a personalized plan, and take the first step towards relief.
Book Your Initial Assessment NowAt Unpain Clinic, we don’t just ask “Where does it hurt?” — we uncover “Why does it hurt?”
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✅ What’s Included
Comprehensive history & goal setting
Orthopedic & muscle testing (head-to-toe)
Motion analysis
Imaging decisions (if needed)
Pain pattern mapping
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Benefit guidance
🕑 Important Details
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👩⚕️ Who You’ll See
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🎯 Outcome
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What’s wrong
Why it hurts
The fastest path to fix it
Author: Uran Berisha, BSc PT, RMT, Shockwave Expert
1. Şah, V. et al. (2023). The Short-Term Efficacy of Large-Focused and Controlled-Unfocused (Radial) Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapies in the Treatment of Hip Osteoarthritis. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 13(1): 48. DOI: 10.3390/jpm13010048
2. Notarnicola, A. et al. (2023). Shock Waves and Therapeutic Exercise in Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial with Cross-Over. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 13(6): 976. DOI: 10.3390/jpm13060976
3. Rompe, J.D. et al. (2009). Home Training, Local Corticosteroid Injection, or Radial Shock Wave Therapy for Greater Trochanter Pain Syndrome (GTPS). American Journal of Sports Medicine, 37(10): 1981–1990. DOI: 10.1177/0363546509336548
4. Seo, K.H. et al. (2018). Long-term outcome of low-energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy on gluteal tendinopathy documented by magnetic resonance imaging. PLOS ONE, 13(7): e0197460. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197460
5. Berisha, U. (Host) (2021, August 6). From prehab to rehab: the ‘hip’ new way patients are crushing their joint replacement surgeries. (Unpain Clinic Podcast Episode #5)
6. Unpain Clinic (2024, December 9). Unlocking the Hidden Power of Your Hip Joints: Why Your Hips are the Body’s Transmission and How to Keep Them Healthy. (Blog article)
7. Unpain Clinic (n.d.). Shockwave Therapy in Edmonton & Summerside. (Webpage)
8. Unpain Clinic (n.d.). Shockwave Therapy for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome. (Webpage)
9. Unpain Clinic (2025, December 18). Why Shockwave Therapy Is Becoming a Go-To Option for Persistent Hip Pain. (Blog article)
