Does shockwave therapy treat gluteal tendinopathy?

Gluteal tendinopathy affects the tendons that attach the buttock muscles to the outer hip. Pain can worsen when lying on that side, climbing stairs, walking uphill, or standing on one leg. Shockwaves deliver mechanical pulses to the painful tendon area. A clinician adjusts the treatment site and intensity to your symptoms; the aim is to support tendon recovery and make exercise easier, rather than to remove pain instantly.

A physiotherapist should first check that the pain is coming from the gluteal tendon and review activity, hip strength, and movement habits. Treatment may be paired with gradual strengthening of the hip muscles, changes to irritating positions, and a paced return to walking or sport. Avoid adding demanding exercise immediately after a session unless your clinician advises it. Tell the clinician about pregnancy, bleeding problems, blood-thinning medicine, infection, or a recent injection before treatment.

Arrange an assessment if outer-hip pain persists, limits sleep, or keeps returning despite reducing aggravating activities. Seek urgent medical help after a fall if you cannot bear weight, or if the hip becomes hot, markedly swollen, numb, or associated with fever.

Ask whether your examination supports gluteal tendinopathy, what rehabilitation should accompany shockwave therapy, how sessions will be spaced, and what level of soreness is expected afterward.