Does physiotherapy treat gluteal tendinopathy?

Gluteal tendinopathy affects the tendons that help stabilise the side of the hip. Pain may be felt over the outer hip and can increase with side-lying, stairs, hills, prolonged standing, or crossing the legs. Assessment considers hip strength, walking and running habits, pelvic control, and recent changes in activity. Treatment is usually built around education and graded loading rather than complete rest.

Temporarily reduce activities that sharply compress or repeatedly overload the painful side, while keeping comfortable movement. A programme may progress from isometric hip work to bridges, controlled abduction, step exercises, and sport-specific tasks. Avoid lying on the painful side and try not to hang the hip out while standing. Progress only when the response settles between sessions. Read about [Gluteal Tendinopathy](/conditions/gluteal-tendinopathy/) and [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/).

Arrange an assessment for persistent outer-hip pain, night discomfort, limping, or difficulty with stairs and walking. Seek prompt care after a fall with inability to bear weight, or if the hip becomes hot, markedly swollen, numb, or associated with fever. Tell your physiotherapist if pain keeps escalating after each exercise session.

Ask which loads are currently aggravating the tendon, how much discomfort is acceptable during exercise, and how to progress strengthening. Ask whether back, hip-joint, or nerve symptoms could be contributing to the pain.