Trochanteric Bursitis: Regenerative Options for Stubborn Hip Pain
Medically reviewed by Dr. Charles Pereyra, MD — Medical Director, Springs Rejuvenation. Last reviewed June 22, 2026.
Written by the Springs Rejuvenation regenerative medicine team from direct clinical experience administering stem cell and exosome protocols at our Aventura, Miami center.
Pain on the outer side of the hip — worse when you lie on that side or climb stairs — is often labeled trochanteric bursitis. The label is only half the story. In many stubborn cases the real driver is irritation or degeneration of the gluteal tendons that attach nearby, which is why some people never get lasting relief from therapies aimed only at the bursa. Understanding that distinction is the key to choosing the right approach.
Bursa, tendon, or both?
A bursa is a small fluid-filled cushion that reduces friction. It can certainly become inflamed, but research increasingly shows that lateral hip pain frequently involves the gluteus medius and minimus tendons. That matters because tendon problems and bursa problems respond to different strategies, and pouring cortisone into the area repeatedly is not always the answer for a tendon.
First-line care still comes first
Most outer-hip pain improves with load management, targeted strengthening of the hip and glute muscles, and activity changes. We are upfront that this unglamorous work resolves a large share of cases, and regenerative therapy is not the starting point for most people.
Where regenerative options fit
For cases that stay stubborn despite a good rehab effort, platelet-rich plasma is the most studied regenerative option, particularly when the gluteal tendons are involved. PRP concentrates growth factors from your own blood to support the irritated tendon, and exosome therapy is a newer supportive option. Both are most reasonable when conservative care has genuinely been tried and the problem is tendon-driven rather than a simple, short-lived bursitis.
Why didn't my cortisone shot last?
Cortisone can quiet inflammation briefly, but if the underlying issue is tendon degeneration rather than pure bursitis, the relief often fades. That pattern is a clue that a tendon-focused plan may serve you better.
Do I need an MRI?
Not always, but imaging can help when the diagnosis is unclear or the pain is not responding, since it can show whether the tendons are involved.
How long does recovery take?
Tendon-related hip pain improves over weeks to months, and consistency with the strengthening plan matters as much as any injection. Results vary.
How Springs sorts it out
We work to identify whether your outer-hip pain is bursa-driven, tendon-driven, or both, then match the plan accordingly — usually rehab first, with regenerative options reserved for the stubborn, tendon-related cases. A free consultation is the best way to get a precise read on what is actually causing your hip pain.
Medical Disclaimer: Stem cell and exosome therapy is not an FDA approved therapy and is considered to be in the experimental stages. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Springs Rejuvenation processes exosomes in an FDA approved lab. Individual results may vary. This content is reviewed for medical accuracy by Dr. Charles Pereyra, MD, Medical Director of Springs Rejuvenation, and is provided for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified physician.