How Is Gluteal Tendinopathy Treated?

Gluteal tendinopathy affects the tendons that help stabilise the outer hip and pelvis. It may cause buttock or outer hip pain when lying on that side, climbing stairs, standing on one leg or walking uphill. The symptoms reflect a tendon that is sensitive to load and compression, rather than a need to stop all movement.

A clinician considers the pain pattern, hip movement, strength and other possible sources of hip or buttock pain. This helps distinguish tendon symptoms from problems in the joint, lower back or surrounding tissues.

Early care usually reduces positions that compress the tendon: avoid lying directly on the painful side, crossing the legs for long periods and dropping the hip when standing. A pillow between the knees may reduce pressure during sleep. Keep activity moving at a level that does not cause a lasting flare.

Physiotherapy can begin with isometric exercises and progress to controlled hip abductor and pelvic strength work. Strength Training Rehabilitation helps the tendon adapt to daily and sporting demands. Shockwave Therapy may be discussed as an adjunct when symptoms persist, but it does not replace load management and exercise.

Arrange assessment if pain follows a significant fall, you cannot bear weight, the hip looks abnormal, or there is marked weakness. Seek urgent care for fever with a hot swollen joint, rapidly increasing pain, new numbness or loss of bladder or bowel control. Review is also sensible when symptoms persist, recur or prevent sleep despite sensible activity changes.

Ask: Is the tendon the main pain source? Which positions should I modify? What exercise level is appropriate today? How will we progress strengthening? Could Physiotherapy, Shockwave Therapy or Strength Training Rehabilitation fit my situation?