What is Gluteal Tendinopathy?
Gluteal tendinopathy is a common cause of lateral hip pain, affecting the tendons that connect the gluteal muscles to the femur. This condition occurs due to overuse or biomechanical imbalances. This leads to discomfort, reduced strength, and impacted mobility. It is often associated with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome and can significantly impact daily activities and exercise routines.
Why Does Gluteal Tendinopathy Develop?
Several factors contribute to the development of gluteal tendinopathy, including:
Muscle Weakness: Insufficient strength in the gluteal muscles can lead to poor hip stability, increasing strain on the tendons.
Overuse and Repetitive Stress: Activities like running, prolonged walking, or stair climbing can overload the tendons when not progressed appropriately.
Biomechanical Issues: Poor movement patterns or gait abnormalities place additional stress on the gluteal tendons.
Age-Related Changes: Tendon degeneration becomes more common with age, particularly in postmenopausal women.
Underlying Health Conditions: Diabetes, thyroid disorders, and inflammatory conditions can slow tendon healing.
Gluteal tendinopathy presents with a range of symptoms, including:
Persistent pain on the outside of the hip, often worsening with activity.
Stiffness and discomfort after prolonged sitting or upon waking in the morning.
Difficulty lying on the affected side due to pressure on the tendons.
Weakness or instability in the hip, affecting movement and exercise performance.
Symptoms of Gluteal Tendinopathy
A physiotherapist will conduct a detailed assessment to confirm the diagnosis, considering:
A review of symptoms and activity history.
Physical tests to assess strength, mobility, stability, and movement patterns.
In some cases, imaging such as ultrasound or MRI may be used to rule out other conditions.
How is it Diagnosed?
Managing gluteal tendinopathy typically involves non-surgical interventions focused on reducing pain and improving function. Treatment approaches include:
1. Load Management & Activity Modification
Avoid excessive stretching of the hip and prolonged sitting with crossed legs.
Reduce activities that exacerbate symptoms, such as prolonged standing on one leg or high-impact activities.
2. Pain Relief Techniques
Cold Therapy: Applying ice packs to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Anti-Inflammatory Strategies: While medication may provide temporary relief, long-term management should focus on addressing the root cause.
3. Physiotherapy & Exercise Rehabilitation
Hip Strengthening Exercises: Targeted strengthening of weak muscles improves tendon resilience and reduces strain.
Core Stability Training: Enhancing pelvic control can alleviate stress on the hip tendons.
Progressive Loading Programs: Gradual increases in exercise intensity help restore full function safely.
4. Postural & Movement Corrections
Adjusting walking patterns and standing posture can significantly reduce tendon irritation.
Learning proper movement mechanics prevents recurrence and promotes long-term recovery.
Returning to Activity & Sport
A structured rehabilitation plan is essential for a safe return to exercise or sports. The timeline varies depending on severity, but gradual progression is key to preventing re-injury. Your physiotherapist will guide you through:
Functional strength assessments.
Sport-specific conditioning.
A gradual reintroduction to high-impact activities.
Effective Treatment Strategies
Recent studies emphasise the effectiveness of tailored exercise programs for gluteal tendinopathy. Research suggests that physiotherapy-led interventions can be as effective as corticosteroid injections in managing pain while offering longer-term benefits.If you’re experiencing persistent hip pain, early intervention is crucial. A physiotherapist can provide an individualised treatment plan to restore function and prevent further complications. Book an appointment at Melbourne Physio Clinic today and take the first step toward recovery.